Centre College in Danville, Ky., is building a 135,000-square-foot facility devoted to wellness and athletic excellence.
The college says the $50 million project is its largest ever.
“This new facility will allow us to continue attracting talented students from around the nation and across the globe not only to work with our world-class faculty but also to participate in a premier athletic and wellness program with dedicated coaches and staff who teach important leadership skills such as teamwork, resilience and determination,” says Centre President Milton Moreland.
A fundraising campaign to support the facility has begun. Early commitments, including two lead gifts, exceed three-quarters of the projected cost, leaving about $12 million to raise to fully fund the project.
Key components of the building design:
• A 10-lane, 50-meter pool with a movable bulkhead, an integrated diving well with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards, and seating for 700
• A six-lane, 200-meter indoor track and turf infield with event seating for 800; this area can easily be increased by using the turf infield and will double as a large space for campus events, such as the annual commencement, concerts and debates
• A 6,000-square-foot strength and wellness center
• A nutrition center that includes an educational component
• Hospitality and engagement areas
• Locker rooms and multipurpose event spaces for activities such as yoga
• An enhanced Athletics Hall of Fame
As part of the overall construction project, Farris Stadium, built in 1923, will be transformed to provide world-class facilities for football, men’s lacrosse, and track and field, and also provide new seating, hospitality spaces and an upgraded press box. In addition, Gary Wright Field will be relocated to create a new and enhanced experience for Centre’s baseball team.
A groundbreaking for the project is being planned for October; completion anticipated within 18 months.
The architect is MSA Sport.
