Benedictine University had outgrown their current space and was looking for a solution to expand their football program with the functions and space it requires. Working on an aggressive schedule and tight budget to meet the upcoming football season, DLR Group was commissioned to design an addition and convert three existing racquetball courts.
Reallocating the function of the existing racquetball courts into the primary location for a football locker room required an extensive renovation. The demising walls separating the courts had to be removed and the existing floor above had to be supported with the introduction of a steel support structure to provide a large open space for the locker area. The locker area has 120 lockers designed and oriented toward a focal point to a display wall. The display wall has two large screen TV’s and a writable surface for the coaching staff to mentor the young athletes. Individual showers were provided for rotation of thirteen athletes at a time. The space also includes a flexible lounge that can be used for many events and functions. The technology in the space was considered to be a priority to offer convenience to the student athletes and to give a unique and cutting edge identity to the space.