New Everett Community College Fitness Center Continues to Rack up Awards

Everett Community College has announced another award for its fitness center. Here’s a release from the college…

Everett Community College’s Fitness Center has earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The 49,000 square foot Fitness Center, which opened in January 2011, earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its efficient energy, lighting, water and material use, as well as other sustainable strategies.

The center’s design takes advantage of the site’s solar orientation and prevailing breezes to maximize daylighting and natural ventilation. Skylights, large expanses of efficient, operable windows, double-height spaces and roof release vents in the gym eliminate the need for mechanical and electrical ductwork within the main interior spaces.

“We emphasized openness and connections that let the sights and sounds of various activities fill the building,” project architect Stan Jaworowski said. “Natural light and natural ventilation accentuate a feeling of participation in the great outdoors.”

The building was designed by SRG Partnership, Inc. of Seattle, which also has an office in Portland. The general contractor was California-headquartered Panattoni, which has an office in Tukwila.

The $19.5 million center includes classrooms for physical education and health programs, a gym with retractable bleacher seating for 2,250, a cardio and free weight training room, a climbing wall, running track, juice bar, a multi-purpose small gym and offices for faculty and staff.

The center also includes space for intercollegiate athletics and activities.

The Fitness Center replaced the college’s 1958 gym, which was demolished in August 2009. EvCC salvaged part of old gym floor and bricks to incorporate into the design of the new Fitness Center to preserve a part of the college’s history. The maple floor boards reappeared as wall paneling in the building’s main corridors.

The Fitness Center is funded through a combination of existing college funds and student fees. Students approved paying 40 percent of the cost of the gym through a fee approved by a student vote in spring 2007.

The certification is one of several awards for the Fitness Center. In 2011, the center earned awards from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and American Institute of Architects (AIA).

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 100,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED rating systems, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.