Adolfson & Peterson breaks ground on community center reconstruction project

by Kris Oppermann Stern

Adolfson & Peterson Construction recently broke ground on the Broomfield Community Center Reconstruction project, which was designed by Davis Partnership Architects.

The Broomfield Community Center Reconstructions project involves a complex phased construction effort to build a completely new expanded facility.

“What began in 2015 as a master plan for a multiphased expansion and renovation of Broomfield’s aging municipal community center has evolved – through thoughtful deliberation of the City Council – into a full replacement on the same site of the existing facility,” said Brian Erickson, AIA, LEED AP, principal, Davis Partnership Architects.  Mindful of Broomfield’s active senior population and a measure of dependence of a robust Meals on Wheels program operating out of the existing facility, the city mandated that half of the existing facility must remain operational until the new replacement facility is complete and operational.

“This design constraint was the primary form determinant of a new facility that pushes the limits of site boundaries and natural features including an history drainage ditch, open space and an adjacent reservoir,” Erickson said..

“To keep a majority of the facility programming functional during construction, the senior center wing of the city’s existing community center will be converted to a standalone facility and the rest of the facility will be demolished to provide space for the new facility,” said Tom Bailey, Adolfson & Peterson’s senior project manager.

According to Erickson, the new 93,124-square-foot community center will offer nearly three times the square footage as the original facility, greatly expanding all aspects of its recreation and senior programs and services. A two-court gymnasium with running track and a natatorium containing four pools featuring a cold water competition pool with elevated seating for 100 spectators are key features of the recreation center while the senior center offers spaces and amenities organized around a central living room style pre-function area.

Views from the site include portions of the Front Range from second-floor spaces, including the natatorium spectator seating and a covered outdoor roof deck.  Views to the city’s open space to the north are featured from the warm-water pool, therapy pool and hot tub area of the natatorium.

“Much beloved views overlooking the adjacent Brunner Reservoir from the existing community room are preserved in the new facility’s new ‘Lakeshore Room,’” Erikcson said.

Precast concrete serves as the structural system and exterior envelope of the recreation side of the facility due to tight site constraints and construction schedule advantages. The balance of the facility is composed of structural steel and veneer masonry.

Upon completion and occupancy of the new facility in August 2020, the final phase will demolish the remaining standalone senior center wing building to complete the remaining parking lot and site work.