Washington State University
Recreation Center Feasibility Analysis, Referendum Support, Program of Architectural Requirements, Architect Selection, and Business Plan
Pullman, WA
In January 1997, Washington State University approached Brailsford & Dunlavey to examine the feasibility of building a new student recreation center on its campus. B&D was contracted for the services of providing the University with a comprehensive feasibility study and referendum support services for the construction of the new student recreation center. Services provided by B&D included an analysis of campus demand for recreational activities, testing of student financial support for improved facilities, a competitive analysis of other institutions, the development of an outline program, and the creation of a detailed financial model that illustrated the circumstances under which total project costs balanced with the project's debt capacity.
Upon completing the study, B&D determined there was a need for such a facility and proceeded to advise the Recreation Center Task Force on more specific aspects of the project, such as site selection, determining other department interest in the building, developing a financing plan, identifying program elements, and supporting a student referendum in order to secure adequate funding. In the spring of 1997, the University's students overwhelmingly supported a fee of $100 per semester to construct a new recreation center.
B&D also was retained as consultants for a range of pre-implementation services for the proposed $37 million recreation center. These services included the development of a detailed program of architectural requirements, a comprehensive business plan, and the selection of an architectural team.
When it opened in 2001, the 160,000 square foot Student Recreation Center was the largest of its kinds in the United States. It includes an elevated indoor track, basketball and racquetball courts, sand volleyball courts, a weight room, and a ropes course. Its awards have included:
- Facility of Merit (Athletic Business) (2001)
- Award of Excellence (Washington Recreation & Park Association) (2001)
- Facility of the Month (School Construction News) (2001)
- Illumination Design Award (Engineering Society of North America) (2001)
- Outstanding Indoor Sports Facility (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) (2002)
