SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils Fitness Center

After completion of a new natatorium, SUNY elected to convert the Dods Hall swimming pool into the new Blue Devils Fitness Center. With facilities for strength training, conditioning and fitness, the building was also renovated to become the exclusive home court of the Univerisity’s volleyball team.

The project is an example of the JCJ’s ability to deliver effective solutions that maximizing existing facilities and limited budget resources. JCJ worked with the University to analyze the program requirements, explore a variety of cost-effective approaches and prioritize features that would create the greatest impact.

Existing conditions presented multiple challenges that were reconciled through efficient, yet high impact design solutions. For example, the former pool area had very little natural lighting and the ventilation system was in disrepair.

To address these issues, the brick and precast exterior skin was removed and replaced with a glass curtain wall to maximize natural lighting, while sunscreens were added to control heat gain and control views into the building. MEP/ FP systems was replaced in order to ensure appropriate circulation, ventilation and dehumidification for weight training, cardio and agility activities.

These types of approaches created a more attractive and pleasant environment and improved long term building performance. The new Blue Devils Fitness Center operates with greater systems efficiency, indoor environmental quality and is now one of the first stops for visitors to the campus.

“This facility is truly the ‘missing piece’ on an extremely well-planned campus, I’m thrilled to see the energy and excitement that the new fitness center has brought to the student body.”

– Greg Prechtl, Director of Athletics , SUNY Fredonia