Campus Architecture Database: Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex

Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Building Type: Athletics

Construction Type: New

Cost: $50-million

Square Footage: 362,000

Architect: GMB Architecture + Engineering

Contractor: Christman Company

Opened: 2009

This facility was designed to offer Division III performance venues as well as to encourage students and staff members to develop healthful habits. It has a 5,000-seat arena, an Olympic-size pool, two weight and fitness centers, and tennis and track facilities. As part of the project, the former physical-education building was converted to house an academic suite, campus-health services, a dance studio, and a human-performance lab. Large public spaces intended for student gathering and learning mingle with recreational facilities like a 40-foot-high climbing wall, while warm earth tones create a sustainable, low-maintenance environment of brick, tile, wood, and colored concrete block.

(Photos: Michael Collyer, top; Bill Lindhout, bottom)

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