Lake Erie College Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Painesville, Ohio

The Lake Erie College Student Recreation and Wellness Center is a new 49,300 square-foot facility on the southeast corner of the campus. The facility houses a NCAA competition gymnasium, a multipurpose gymnasium, a fitness center including cardiovascular and strength equipment, a running track and Athletic Department offices and classrooms. 

The HVAC system consists of three main air handling units. One serves the main gymnasium. The second serves the auxiliary gymnasium. The third serves the various offices locker rooms, classrooms, and weight training areas through a variable air volume system. A chilled water system is used for cooling. A single chiller serves the air handling unit through a variable flow primary pumping system. The chiller size was reduced by sizing it for the operation of two of the three major building areas. Heating is provided through a hot water system using two gas-fired hot water boilers. 

The Lobby is illuminated with energy efficient ceramic metal halide cylinders suspended from open trussing. Fluorescent biax luminaires wash the entry mural, while compact fluorescent wall sconces accent the architecture. The wall and decorative fixtures are controlled separately from the general illumination allowing the HID cylinders to be turned off during hours with high daylight illumination.

The Multi-purpose gym is a practice facility for the college’s softball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams, with a suspended running track on the second floor. The lighting provided for both vertical and horizontal tasks at varying light levels with the use of suspended multi-level compact fluorescent luminaires. The compact fluorescent lamping allowed for excellent color rendition, instant on features, and ease of maintenance. Linear T8 Fluorescent strips provide uplight to the structure. Four different lighting levels are available within the space based on the zoning of the control system.

The competition gym is lit to NCAA standards. Suspended bi-level pendants are lamped with multiple 3500K compact fluorescents that provide downlight illumination. The uplight component was provided by 8’ linear indirect fluorescents mounted on the bar joists.

The Fitness Center is illuminated with linear direct/indirect fluorescent luminaires. The direct/indirect luminaire provides a comfortable visual environment from a variety of viewing positions. The challenge of this space was creating a bright environment with excellent cutoff amidst exposed ductwork with a low ceiling and dark wall and floor finishes. 

Tec completed full mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering and design for the entire facility.