FORT MYERS, Fla. – BSSW Architects has completed its final designs for a full-scale renovation of Tom Golisano Field House, which is home to Ave Maria University’s men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams, as well as the sports medicine and strength and conditioning programs.
Built in 2011, Golisano Field House is a 40,000-square-foot pre-engineered building that is being renovated and modernized inside and out.
Outside, the building will feature insulated metal and translucent panels as well as exposed ground face block. Brick pavers and tropical landscaping complement the new exterior expression. Inside, the gymnasium will be spacious enough to host campus events, with a sound-proof curtain to split competition and practice courts that allow multiple teams to have practices or games at the same time. The design includes all-new playing surfaces in the gym, locker rooms, athletic department offices and training spaces.
“For colleges and universities, athletic facilities are signature elements, and we wanted to create a modern, distinguished look that mirrors the character of surrounding buildings,” said BSSW Vice President Kevin Williams, AIA, NCARB. “Golisano Field House is a gathering place for community members, alumni and donors to support their favorite team while also providing a recruiting tool for prospective student-athletes.”
Located at 4810 Kelleher St. in Ave Maria, Golisano Field House was originally constructed in 2011 and sustained severe water intrusion damage, which contributed to mold growth and a complete failure of the building’s envelope. The remodel includes all-new roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems.
Ave Maria competes in the Sun Conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
BSSW Vice President Kevin Williams, AIA, RID, NCARB, is the principal in charge, and Architect Miguel Goizueta, AIA, NCARB, is project manager. DEC Contracting Group is the general contractor.
The project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.
