By SCN Staff
TROY, Ala.鈥擜 dedication ceremony was recently held to celebrate the opening of Troy University鈥檚 new Trojan聽Fitness Center.
The 78,000-square-foot center, which officially聽opened its doors in January, includes a multi-activity court, a basketball court, free and circuit weight training areas, aerobic exercise rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a multi-level walking track and four offices.
This $25 million project is a result of a student-led initiative, the center was recommended by Troy University鈥檚 Student Government Association and funded through student recreation fees.
RDG Planning & Design鈥檚 design, which was completed in partnership with Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects (Architect-of-Record) was successful in realizing the the students鈥� vision to create a space supportive of creating healthy, lifelong habits. Whaley Construction Co. Inc. was the general contractor.
鈥淭he Trojan Fitness Center creates a home for the university鈥檚 Student Wellness Program and serves as a place where students can come together in wellness,鈥� said RDG Principal and Architect Jack Patton, AIA, LEED AP.
鈥淩DG designed the building to blend into Troy鈥檚 rich architectural fabric. It embodies the same southern hospitality we came to enjoy while helping Troy envision and create this important facility.鈥�
Located on the corner of George Wallace Drive and University Avenue, the Trojan Fitness Center is one of the first buildings visitors encounter as they enter the campus. Designed to聽accommodate the fitness and recreational needs of both the students and the larger campus community, the multi-story facility offers vibrant and engaging spaces with strong indoor/outdoor connections.
An open rotunda on the northwest side offers visibility into all three levels of the facility, while a grand staircase serves as a striking visual element within the facility鈥檚 highly efficient layout design.
The design incorporates banners, dimensional art, window graphics, wall graphics and signage to create an experience that embraces the entire student body and highlights the nationalities of students who attend the university.
Photographic elements depict the Troy student鈥檚 journey鈥攆rom their first day to graduation day鈥攖o the possibilities of professional life. Whimsical drawings of people in action embody the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淓ducate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act,鈥� and are carried throughout the building as a symbol of Trojan pride.
Said University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., 鈥淣ot only will it be instrumental in serving those who are currently enrolled, but it will also be an attraction for those who are considering where they want to spend their next four years. As we talk about recruitment and retention, this will add so much value, and there is a strong link between physical fitness and academic success.鈥�