Jesse Philips Physical Education Center Addition and Renovation

After Hastings+Chivetta assisted Oberlin College in the development of a Master Plan to address the College’s indoor and outdoor recreation, health and wellness and athletic facility needs, the firm designed the college’s new Knowlton Athletics Complex and North Athletic Center. Continuing the completion of projects outlined in the Master Plan, Hastings+Chivetta next designed the renovation of and addition to the Jesse Philips Physical Center and Carr Natatorium.

The project enhances a dull, outdated building while addressing the most pressing deficiencies identified during programming: lack of fitness space, wellness spaces, multipurpose rooms and spinning room. The addition of fitness and wellness components not only addressed space deficiencies but support positive recreation and wellness experiences for students. Indoor and outdoor student lounge spaces were
strategically placed to enhance passive and active student wellness. The main entrance was moved to an underutilized existing lobby and the reimagined control desk improves safety and security in the building.

A significant component of the project was the complete renovation of the Carr Natatorium. The existing 6 lane, 25 yard lap pool with attached two-board dive tank was removed and replaced with a 25 yard x 25 meter 10 lane pool with double the number of dive boards. The new pool features a dedicated, fully accessible shallow water section perfect for instruction and water aerobics. The new size and configuration allows for much greater flexibility and additional uses.

Future projects described in the master plan include renovated baseball and softball facilities, tennis courts and additional renovations.