Located on a main thoroughfare, the Lone Tree Community Wellness Center serves as a central gathering space for this community of 1,400—much like the elm tree inspiring the town’s name. The building is designed to be a valuable community resource, one that deepens residents’ connections with their neighbors and encourages the town’s growth.
The project originated with the Lone Tree Community School District’s need for a wrestling room and full-size gym. Initially, the wrestling team practiced in a poorly insulated metal building while the basketball team squeezed into an undersized space next door. After twice working with the school district, we saw an opportunity to continue a well-established relationship.
The design process gained momentum with the opportunity to address the community’s health and wellness goals. Partnering, the School District and the City raised the necessary funds for the facility, with the school agreeing to own and operate it for shared use.
The new building contains a raised indoor track circling the basketball court and the perched wrestling/exercise room. Clear and direct, the facility uses transparent and translucent materials at the street front to welcome the community during the day and night. Materiality is minimal and durable, with black-painted steel structuring interconnected, daylit spaces.
Throughout the design process, we explored ways to reduce construction costs while providing long-term durability. The facility’s precast concrete panels—a significant portion of the initial cost—were sized to maximize efficiency.
The facility was designed with a 10-foot-wide module—the largest size in which two panels could fit on a trailer for transport. This decision cut transportation costs in half. In the end, the facility was delivered at 11% below budget.
Project Type: Recreation
Location: Lone Tree, Iowa
Size: 21,400 SF
Completed: 2018
Awards:
2020 AIA Iowa Impact Award
2018 AIA Iowa Design Award
2018 AIA Central States Honor Award
