University of Colorado Boulder Recreation Center

Transforming a campus recreation landmark through modernization, expansion, and innovative sustainability solutions.

As Saunders’ fourth project for the University of Colorado Boulder, this comprehensive renovation and expansion transformed the 235,242-square-foot recreation facility into a modern destination for fitness, recreation, and student wellness. The project included a complete renovation of the existing building, addressing significant deferred maintenance needs while upgrading critical building systems to support long-term campus use.

Three major additions expanded the facility’s capabilities with new strength and conditioning areas, an ice arena, a three-story rock climbing gym, indoor tennis courts, and an indoor turf multi-activity gym. Constructing these additions required extensive site preparation, including excavation approximately 18 feet deep and the removal of 33,000 cubic yards of soil. The project also involved nearly five months of campus utility relocations and selective replacement of foundation walls to accommodate the new structures.

The aquatics center received a complete modernization, including renovations to the competition swimming lanes, installation of a new corrosion-resistant roof system, replacement of pool deck finishes, and upgrades to pool equipment to meet current codes and operational requirements.

A key sustainability feature of the project was the development of an innovative heat recovery system that captures excess heat generated by the ice arena and redirects it to warm the swimming pool. This energy-saving solution helped support the project’s sustainability goals while reducing wasted energy and improving overall facility efficiency.

The result is a revitalized recreation center that enhances student life, expands recreational opportunities, and provides a modern, sustainable facility designed to serve the university community for years to come.

This project received multiple industry awards, including:

• 2014 ACE Award for Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Project from Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado
• 2014 Merit Award Green Project from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mountain States
• LEED Platinum Certification, 2014