Kean University
Union, New Jersey

Concession, Restroom and Fitness Center Building

As part of their development of new athletic fields, Kean University has identified the need for a new Concession, Restroom and Fitness Center Building to be located between the existing football stadium and new, soon to be constructed baseball and softball fields. The proposed building will be constructed as part of Phase III of the University’s athletic field master plan. The University is currently renovating several athletic fields, near the football stadium, and intends to consolidate all athletic facilities in one area of the campus.

As Architect/Engineer for this project, EI developed a highly efficient layout in response to the University’s budget requirements. The new athletic facility will be (2) stories measuring approximately 5,000 sq. ft. per floor. The first floor includes a central lobby area with elevator, a non-cooking concession area and public restrooms for use by spectators during athletic events. A fitness center is designed for the second floor area which includes an equipment exercise area comprising treadmills, step climbers, bicycles and related items plus Men’s and Women’s Toilet, Locker and Shower Facilities. In addition, a second floor viewing balcony is proposed for spectator use during athletic events.

Although the structural systems, finishes and materials were designed for economy and durability, the final design is cohesive and respectful of the existing campus architecture. The building comprises a steel frame structure with a poured concrete second floor and EPDM roof system. Insulated, single-wythe, split face cmu was specified as the predominant exterior building material thereby eliminating the need for cavity wall construction and a separate interior finish layer. An aluminum and glass curtain wall system was also designed at the main entrance and second floor viewing balcony to provide interest and natural light into the facility. Given the high-use anticipated for this facility, all interior partitions are epoxy painted cmu; Restroom and concession area flooring will be epoxy finished concrete.

The design phase of this project is complete and construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2008. The total building area will be 10,000 sq.ft. with an estimated construction cost of $2.4 million.