Project Description


Reminiscent of the architecture of the early field houses, the Henderson Downtown Recreation Center expands on the traditional design vocabulary of the original Henderson recreation building that was demolished to make way for the new Rec Center.

By incorporating contemporary materials and energy conscious design with salvaged materials assured the new Rec Center would have a strong architectural presence. The new facility features a racquetball court, a basketball gym with volleyball capability, a climbing wall, exterior swimming pool, game room, and a suspended running track.

The ceiling of the facility has been finished with a perforated metal panel to allow the dynamic form of the roof to read from the exterior of the building through the interior. In addition, expansive, shaded glazing on the west façade opens the game room to the pool. Punched openings on the east façade ensure balanced light in the gym.

A covered breezeway above the entry provides shade for spectators around the exterior pool. Inside, a coffee and juice bar is a hub of activity. The building design incorporates historic materials from the original recreation structure that was demolished to make way for this facility.

The wood floor of the original gym, salvaged brick masonry, and historic photos are all components of the Henderson Downtown Recreation Center lobby, tying the building to both Henderson’s future and its past.