Gus Garcia Recreation Center
| Owner | City of Austin |
|---|---|
| Client | Elliott & Hamill Architects, Inc. |
| Project Location | Austin, Texas |
Key Features:
- Long Span Open-web Joists
- Exposed Structural Steel Canopies
- Structural Masonry
- LEED Gold Rating
Named after former Austin mayor and city council member Gus Garcia, this long-awaited new community center was designed for a diverse neighborhood in need of a community gathering place for athletic activities, group functions and social support. PESC provided structural engineering services for the 19,500sf facility that provides space for computer/reading, art, aerobic, weight, and concession rooms, as well as a multi-function gymnasium with a large clear span.
The structure efficiently combines conventional structural steel framing with open-web steel joists and metal deck to produce a cost effective, yet attractive facility. There are over 5 separate roof planes on the building, mandating extensive detailing and analysis to design wall framing and lateral bracing systems and to control the behavior of the structure as a whole.
Exterior CMU cantilevered walls and large exterior steel-framed canopies, all exposed to view, were designed with special structural detailing in order to match the other architectural components featured throughout the building. Designed to achieve a LEED Silver Rating, the structure incorporates local and recycled materials, and contributed innovation credits for high flyash content in structural concrete. Successful efforts exceeded expectations to earn a LEED Gold Rating.
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