Community Center
Project Description
The gentle integration of this building into a hillside overlooking a natural Minnesota pond was the inspiration behind this 70,000 sq. ft. community center which serves as the entry to a new park. The city also worked with Moody Nolan to integrate sustainable design principles into the building.
Project Stats
Location
Eagan, Minn.
Square Footage
70,000
Year of Completion
2003
Project Gallery
The Process
The main entry is on an upper level, opening to a two story atrium overlooking the pond setting and visually connecting all of the activities and spaces of the Community Center. Directly adjacent to the entry are tenant offices for the Visitors Bureau, reflecting the high profile and pride of the center in the community.
The center includes a three-court gymnasium, youth play-space, arts rooms, teen center, senior center, café, group exercise and fitness center organized around a community living room (complete with fireplace) and reception control desk with visual control over activities and spaces throughout the facility. An upper level jogging track, accessed from the fitness center, surrounds the gym while offering large corner views into the park and the community center atrium. The main (lower) level contains a large, sub-dividable community hall, complete with a catering kitchen and direct access to patios overlooking the ponds, nearby band shelter and a special events entry.