The City of Davenport was interested in building a new community center to serve the residents of the Northwest area of Davenport and surrounding neighborhoods of the current Fairmount Branch Library. The initial scope of the project included an ambitious vision for potential programming that was further explored through a needs assessment with the city as well as several public input sessions and surveys. Community input clarified the need for a multi-purpose space with outdoor areas for activities that, when aligned with the limited budget, the 4,500 SF center quickly became described as “just a gym”.

The program centers around a half court gym with a bonus multi-purpose space and includes a welcoming reception area, office, serving kitchen, restrooms, and storage. Massing was developed by establishing the width and height required for a gym, with square footage extended along a strict grid and maximized based on the available budget. Support programming was incorporated to maintain simple circulation that is visibly connected to the existing library and parking lot. The building entrance and reception are carved out of their respective areas to simplify wayfinding, while the minimal interior provides an adaptable environment for a variety of activities. Support spaces that do not require daylight are clad in light wood planks to create a sense of warmth inside and out. The building complements the existing library by being a quiet addition to the campus.

Through a series of thoughtful design moves including strategic siting within the campus, intentional development of program, and restrained use of materials, the building is proving to be more than “just a gym”.