University of North Carolina

The Student Recreation Center at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington opened in 2000, funded totally with student fees. However, not even a decade later, the facility has become too small and dated.

University administrators commissioned Hastings+Chivetta, in collaboration with BMH Architects, to provide the professional services of space programming, site analysis and planning, initial schematic design, and an estimate for the construction cost.

Recreation components for the expanded and renovated facility will include a gymnasium with a suspended track, multi-activity courts with retractable spectator bleachers, cardio/weight equipment areas, three racquetball courts, three multipurpose rooms and locker rooms.

An outdoor leisure pool with a large deck will be added, and the indoor 8-lane 25-yard programming and lap pool will be renovated along with a wet classroom, storage and aquatic locker rooms. The competition pool and diving well and aquatic athletic offices will remain in a nearby building.

UNCW offers numerous opportunities in outdoor leisure pursuits, so the expansion will include the new Discovery Outdoors Center with reception, resource library, meeting rooms, catering kitchen and almost 2,500 SF of oversized storage for equipment. Rounding out the facility is the Fitness for Life Center, the 28' climbing wall with over 1900 SF of climbing surface, and administration offices.