Design of Recreation and Athletic Center Authorized

Doane College moves one step closer to a new Recreation and Athletic Center following a Board of Trustees' vote authorizing a new design with intent to construct.

The comprehensive athletic and fitness center will be designed by Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc., of St. Louis. The company will design a 60,766 square-foot, two-story building to take form on the east edge of campus near the Jose M. & Elizabeth Ledon Softball and Baseball Complex. The site is currently a sports' practice field.

The project will be completed in three phases. Phase 1 includes a performance gymnasium, locker rooms, climbing wall, cardio/fitness center, hall of fame space, two multipurpose rooms, concession area, offices for coaching staff, classrooms, meeting rooms and varsity and visiting lockers. It also will add more than 200 parking spaces.

Phase 2 will redesign the existing Fuhrer Field House, upgrading the 160-meter track to a regulation 200-meter track, and adding a mezzanine level. The building will receive a new exterior. 

Phase 3 will include a full natatorium.

The new design is expected to be completed in January of 2009, with a construction start in the spring of 2009. Phase 1 construction is expected to be completed in January of 2011.

Doane Athletic Director Greg Heier said students, coaches and staff are energized about the opportunities the new center will bring. 

"By approving this plan, our Board of Trustees has sent a strong message about the important role that health and fitness plays at Doane College and the commitment of Doane to maintain our strong tradition of fielding competitive teams in all sports.  This will definitely benefit our efforts to recruit students to Doane and enhance our already strong athletic programs," he said.

Phase 1 construction is expected to cost $16.6 million. The Field House project is expected to cost an additional $2.8 million.

To date, Doane has raised $9.3 million of the projected cost. The number includes a gift of $5 million from the GFH and SAH Foundation toward construction of the facility, the largest one-time gift in the history of the college.

Hastings & Chivetta completed a master plan for the college and preliminary design of the new building in 2006. It would have created the recreation and athletic center around Fuhrer Field House. The new design moves the project to a new site to avoid potential conflicts related to a waterway running near Fuhrer Field House.

According to Kim Jacobs, vice president for enrollment management and student leadership, the recreation and athletic center will continue  a long partnership between Doane and the Crete community in terms of athletic facilities.

"I'm delighted with the Board's endorsement because the new facility will be another important contribution to the City of Crete, offering additional fitness/recreation and athletic spaces."