CONNECTICUT COLLEGE | New London, CT

Sgarzi Associates was selected by Connecticut College to team with architect Einhorn Yaffee Prescott to evaluate options for its fitness center. We involved campus constituencies to develop a program, studied design options and facilitated a site selection process on campus.

The team was then hired to design the fitness center addition to the Charles B. Luce Fieldhouse, a new 10,000 sf building that is the first new building on the campus in 14 years.

The $8 million facility, completed in one year, triples the workout and fitness space for students, faculty, staff and other members of the college community. The building features dramatic glass walls that enable an abundance of natural light and provide sweeping views of the nearby Thames River. The facility is a visible attraction from the main campus and provides support for the college's athletic programs and recreational users with state-of-the-art equipment.

The fitness center is the first building to be constructed since the college adopted a green building policy in 2005. The building uses high efficiency HVAC equipment and lighting controls, making it 21 percent more energy efficient than standard design. Daylight sensors reduce energy consumption by taking advantage of the abundant natural light, and an Energy Star-rated roof and low flow plumbing fixtures also help conserve energy and resources. Low VOC paint sealants and adhesives were used in construction, and all wood panel products are free of added urea formaldehyde. The college is currently applying to have the building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the United States Green Building Council.

"I am highly confident that this is one of the best fitness facilities among liberal arts colleges," said Connecticut College President Leo I. Higdon Jr. at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.