Early Bird

PE/Event Center spaces undergo renovation

The $8 million upgrade will modernize locker rooms, restrooms and bleachers, and position the University to host regional, national events.

By Lindsey Coulter

February 19, 2019

Metropolitan State University of Denver’s PE/Event Center locker rooms and bleachers are getting a much-needed makeover. The spaces are undergoing an $8 million renovation, approved by the Board of Trustees in December, to bring the facilities up to current institutional standards.

Spaces will be designed with the potential upgrade of the entire building in mind, but this particular phase will add new gender-inclusive locker rooms (in compliance with ADA standards), improved security and additional team locker-room spaces to support competitions. The project will also allow the addition of men’s and women’s restrooms, which are currently limited and do not meet overall code requirements.

The project will be funded by a 2.68 percent fixed-interest-rate short-term debt instrument through loan provider Vectra that will be paid off in seven years. Perkins+Will, the same firm that led the project’s feasibility study, was selected as the project architect.

“Perkins+Will is able to hit the ground running as they already have a depth of knowledge of the space and the overall vision of the project,” said Tina Wells, director, Facilities Planning and Space Management.

The design phase kicked off in late December, and schematic design drawings are under review for comment and approval. This phase includes rough drawings of the floor plans, elevations, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology systems. The design phase will be completed in early April with construction set to start in May and end by Nov. 1.

“The renovations are projected to be completed in time to host the NCAA DII Volleyball Championships on campus Dec. 12 -19,” said Anthony Grant, director of Athletics. “The renovations will enhance the experience for students and fans attending our athletics contests as well as better position the institution to host additional NCAA regional and national championships in the future.”

Through a Request for Proposals process, the University selected Howell Construction to serve as construction manager/general contractor.

“Getting Howell Construction on board early in the process is allowing their team to provide input regarding scheduling, pricing, phasing and other input that helps us design a more constructible project,” Wells added. 

The 127,490-square-foot PE/Event Center Building houses MSU Denver’s Human Performance and Sport Department, Campus Recreation programs and Roadrunner men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs. The building was constructed in the mid-1970s and has not received a major renovation in more than 25 years. The 8,000-square-foot locker-room spaces have remained untouched since the building was completed.

Stay tuned to the Early Bird for more project updates throughout the year.