|
|
BETTY ANSFORD COMMUNITY CENTER
HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA
Photography:
Fred Daly, Daly Architectural Photography
In 1997 City leaders called boldly for a major addition to the Memorial Park Recreation Center to meet the recreational and sports needs of the community. Built during the nostalgic days of the Beach Boys, the existing 50,000 square foot center provided programs for senior and community center functions, but lacked a gymnasium, and the workout and physical fi tness facilities desired by a more active and sports-minded public. Community workshops were conducted with surrounding residents to identify best development options. After four years of design and construction, a 24,500 square foot, full-service gymnasium and sports center resulted, which was made possible by masonry building strategies selected for timely delivery and optimum cost benefits.
During design, the project was seen as an opportunity to strengthen and enhance the existing center, while creating a powerful and positive alternative for Hawthorne youth and their families. Sited at the easterly edge of the existing facility, the new center playfully suggests NBA quality with a basketball hoop inspired main entry gallery, which connects the facility to the rest of the complex with a three-point arc.
Vaulted masonry walls and curved roof forms reference the clamshell roof forms of the neighboring community building. A strong commitment to energy efficiency, environmental quality, permanence, and the desire for a distinguished architecture inspired the use of contextual masonry forms and features.
The central gallery “hall of fame” connects the new gymnasium, racquetball courts, dance and fitness areas, and multi-purpose areas to the existing center by the creation of a new plaza designed for community gatherings and celebration.
A combination of split-face and precision concrete block masonry units was selected to establish a strong and inviting design image consisting of contrasting textures, colors, and banding, to soften the overall building mass, and to visually connect the project to masonry elements found within the existing facility. Interior smooth surfaces for all masonry units were specifi ed to provide an economical response to the City’s maintenance and operations preferences.
ARCHITECT:
WLC Architects,
Inc.
10470 Foothill Blvd., Tower Suite
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Larry Wolff, AIA
Principal
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:
K. B. Leung and Associates, Inc.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Old Hickory
MASONRY CONTRACTOR:
Bledsoe Masonry
BLOCK PRODUCER:
Angelus Block Company, Inc.
OWNER:
City of Hawthorne
