A private university in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University has been a proponent of revitalization in its moundview neighborhood. A new premier outdoor athletic complex reclaimed 22 acres of a brownfield site adjacent to the main campus. The next step in the school’s vision for state-of-the-art athletic facilities for their national title-winning teams is the Rinderknecht Athletic Center. A former warehouse will be transformed into a wellness and athletic training center. The 28,000+ square-foot space will include a four-lane 60-yard long track for plyometrics, a dynamic movement space for dance, Baseball hitting and pitching cages, Golf hitting and putting areas, a $4,600-square-foot cardio and weight floor with areas designed for stretching and functional training, restroom / showers, athletic training rooms and offices for athletic staff. There is a semi-enclosed community stair space called the ‘Dugout’ for team meetings and an informal lounge space at the heart of the space.

The design celebrates and embraces the industrial heritage of the building and the neighborhood. Inside, the original structure and new infrastructure will remain exposed. The exterior will be updated with new windows, cladding and insulation to increase energy efficiency.  The entry will be opened to create a connection with the athletic fields to the north with floor-to-ceiling windows, that will frame activity within while also branding the building for the campus and community.