Brookdale Community College
Arena / Convocation Center / Recreation Center Feasibility Study and Financial Analysis
In December 2006, Brookdale Community College retained the services of Brailsford & Dunlavey and MKSD Architects to study the feasibility of renovating/expanding the Robert J. Collins Arena in order to create a contemporary athletic and special event venue. The team also was tasked with analyzing existing recreation and fitness facilities to determine if the project should include a recreational component. B&D's scope of work included a detailed market analysis, a preliminary facility analysis, a design charrette, and a variety of user interviews with Brookdale administrators as well as multiple public and private entities, which resulted in a conceptual building program and design options and a comprehensive financial model.
At the time, the 3,200-seat Collins Arena--the home of Brookdale athletics--was also the largest venue for college and regional community programs and events. However, the facility's physical condition, technical deficiencies, and configuration resulted in scheduling conflicts that limited programmatic opportunities and revenue potential. The inability to accommodate more than one court activity at a time limited both indoor varsity practices and open recreational play.
Despite Monmouth County's ongoing growth, B&D's market analysis indicated that the County was not likely to attract enough additional live entertainment and conference events to generate sufficient revenue to fund expansion costs. However, a growing traditionally aged student population would increase campus demand for recreation and fitness facilities. In addition, B&D identified a need in the region's school system and regional amateur sports programs for an appealing multi-game tournament and exhibition site.
The project team developed two preliminary building programs providing a range of solutions and cost options for the College. The first option was to renovate Collins Arena to meet the code and contemporary standards but preserve its function as the primary large event venue for athletics, commencements, and other large events. A new multipurpose gym addition providing square footage for 1½ multi-activity courts was recommended, with a seating capacity of 1,200-1,500 to serve as overflow event space.
The second option was to convert the existing Collins Arena to a competition/performance venue with 1,000 seats. Multipurpose activity rooms, Athletics offices and team facilities, and support spaces would be developed within the building envelope of the existing facility. A new three-court multipurpose gym expansion sized to accommodate a 4,000-seat event would become the primary large-event venue. The space connecting the existing and new facilities would include an 11,000 square foot fitness center for student, faculty/staff, and community usage, including a growing cardiac rehab program clientele. Progress on the project can be viewed here.
