|
|
CAMERON PARK COMMUNITY CENTER AND GYMNASIUM
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
Photography:
Milroy & McAleer
Dougherty + Dougherty Architects, LLP
Jury
Comments: Alternating bands of smooth and split
face concrete masonry units help to define the
building’s scale, while the resulting rich texture
provides a dramatic backdrop for night lighting. The use of
masonry on the interior provides a durable finish for the
gymnasium with minimal maintenance. The curved concrete
walls that surround the conference rooms open up the street
side of the building for interesting pathways that draw you
to the building entrance.
Cameron Park Community Center and Gymnasium is located
in a small neighborhood park in West Covina. The previous
1960’s facility suffered from deterioration and the
inability to support community programs. The new community
center design has been responsive to a public input process
that has included community center design workshops,
committee meetings, planning and City Council
meetings.
The project includes an entry lobby with registration desk and lounge area, a youth playroom with an adjacent outdoor events patio and catering kitchen, a double gymnasium divisible into two full-size basketball or volley ball courts, bleachers and storage rooms, and men’s and women’s toilet rooms with locker changing areas. The building is designed for flexibility with moveable walls between the conference/meeting rooms and bisecting the gymnasium. Each function can be locked separately for different operating hours, while maintaining access to the kitchen and toilet rooms in a safe and secure manner.
Concrete Masonry was selected as the primary building material for its strength and durability. Smooth face concrete masonry units were used on all interior walls, where it is most appropriate for the high-bay gymnasium walls. Bands of alternating colors and textures created by the use of smooth face and split face concrete masonry units establish an aesthetic appearance highlighted by carefully placed lighting and reflected in the compatible finish and furniture color selections.
An effort has been made to minimize the building scale to the street, to create a park-oriented entrance to preserve the existing tree canopy, and to enhance existing walkways / parkways with decorative paving, new planting, and dramatic lighting. The result is an overwhelmingly popular destination for after school and weekend youth activities.
ARCHITECT:
Dougherty + Dougherty Architects, LLP
3194
D Airport Loop
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Betsey
Olenick Dougherty, FAIA
Principal
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER:
KPFF Consulting Engineers
GENERAL
CONTRACTOR:
Bernard’s Brothers Construction
MASONRY
CONTRACTOR:
Design Masonry, Inc.
BLOCK
PRODUCER:
ORCO Block Company
OWNER:
City of West Covina
