B.R. firm tapped to design LSU recreation center expansion

Published Aug 7, 2012 at 3:00 pm (Updated Aug 7, 2012)

A joint venture by Baton Rouge-based Grace & Hebert Architects and 360 Architecture of Kansas City has been selected to design a $58 million expansion and renovation of LSU's UREC Student Recreation Center. The project, which is expected to break ground next summer, will add 160,000 square feet of recreation space and include a partial renovation of 80,000 square feet in the center. The Baton Rouge and Kansas City firms say their design will focus on expanding indoor and outdoor activities, as well as improving connectivity to the nearby LSU lakes. "Amenities such as workout terraces, a new outdoor leisure pool and improved facilities at the Outdoor Adventure Complex will create a dynamic recreation experience for the campus community, attracting new users to [the recreation center] and promoting more active, healthy lifestyles," reads a statement from the firms. 360 Architecture senior project designer James Braam adds: "We look forward to designing a facility that goes beyond recreation and sport; a facility that promotes the overall well-being of the entire campus community." Existing locker rooms, workout areas and common rooms will also be renovated and expanded, and a new indoor running track and three additional multi-athletic court gymnasiums will be added. Tennis courts and sand volleyball courts will be added on-site, while new softball and soccer fields will be built at a site adjacent to the Mississippi River. Grace & Hebert Architects last year designed a renovation of the LSU Student Union, and in 2008 designed Alex Box Stadium.