Two major building projects designed by the Peoria, Illinois, office of Dewberry have been recognized by American School & University magazine for outstanding design. The modernization of Westlake Hall at Bradley University in Peoria was showcased in the "Outstanding Adaptive Reuse" category. The design of the new Student Wellness Complex at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville was showcased in the "Outstanding Sports Stadium/Athletic Facility Design" category.
Westlake Hall originally opened on the Bradley University campus in 1897 and was last renovated in 1961. The modernization included a 66,000-square-foot expansion as well as the restoration of the original Collegiate Gothic structure, including its historic clock tower, barrel-vaulted ceilings, windows, and millwork. The building now includes a large center atrium, classrooms, labs, resource areas, an auditorium, offices, and conference facilities.
The first LEED Gold® building on campus, Westlake Hall features rooftop solar panels, a green roof, and several energy- and water-conserving features. The building was designed to encourage collaborative learning, with informal seating areas, alcoves, and lounges on every floor. "Open, inviting space for collaboration was important to us as we wanted the building to support cross-disciplinary study and problem-solving," says Dr. Joan Sattler, dean of the College of Education & Health Sciences. "Our mission is to prepare future leaders."
Dewberry provided complete architecture, interior design, and engineering services for the project. The firm has completed a number of other projects at Bradley University, including the Markin Family Student Recreation Center, the Renaissance Coliseum, and the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center.
The new Student Wellness Complex at the University of North Florida, designed by Dewberry in joint venture with Borrelli + Partners, is a 76,500-square-foot, three-story facility with a 32-foot climbing wall, a three-lane track, fitness rooms, locker rooms, offices, and a juice bar. University administrators have credited the new complex with increasing use from approximately 13,000 visits per month to nearly 30,000.
The LEED Silver® building is a key component in the university’s planned campus hub for student activity. A future phase of construction will add a three-court gymnasium and physical education teaching areas.