The team of Fishbeck and Mathison|Mathison Architects (MMA) converted the former Grand Rapids South Christian High School into a Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. The facility houses a mixture of athletic and educational facilities, and offices for SOMI as well as other tenants serving a similar client base. This is considered a project of an international scale for SOMI, as it is the largest Special Olympics facility in the world, and a model for inclusion and partnership.
The goal was to re-purpose the building/site of the former high school using concepts of inclusion, universal design, sustainability, flexible use, energy-efficiency, and multi-disciplined programming for all users. Fishbeck/MMA performed architectural/engineering services for the redesign and construction providing comprehensive master planning, existing building and site condition analysis, and programming/schematic design for the phased usage of the building and grounds. Catalyst Partners provided energy performance solutions for overall life-cycle cost/return on investment benefits and energy efficient design strategies for the project. Components of the project envisioned, assessed, evaluated, discussed, priced, and prioritized included:
- Athletic facilities
- Education classrooms
- Assembly spaces/performance auditorium
- Infrastructure
- Energy performance
- Security
- Office/administration
- Expanded/reconfigured parking area and site circulation
- Reconfigured and upgraded athletic field
- Running/walking/biking track
- Sustainable and universal design features
