CAMBRIDGE, MA. & DALLAS, TX - ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, a nationally recognized architectural, planning, and interior design firm specializing in educational, science, sports, and corporate facilities, announced today that is has been retained by Episcopal School of Dallas to design the 90,000-square-foot Stephen B. Swann Athletic and Wellness Center in Dallas, TX.
Located at the Episcopal School of Dallas campus, the new athletic and wellness center will include a regulation size gymnasium, an indoor running track, strength, conditioning and cardio workout rooms, sports medicine facilities, a dance studio, wrestling room, team and locker rooms, and coaching offices.
Another highlight of the center is its cutting-edge dining commons that will provide a 460-seat dining room overlooking a spring-fed quarry, an innovative kitchen and meal serving area, as well as offices for school auxiliary services. Emphasizing healthy and organic dining alternatives, the new dining commons will also offer a variety of food stations and a kitchen where students and parents can watch their meals being prepared and learn from nutritional experts and professional chefs. With a focus on fitness, a nutritional counseling/education area is an integral part of the design. The facility will also house a campus bookstore, concessions, and equipment storage areas.
"This is an exciting opportunity for our team to design a facility that will serve the Episcopal School of Dallas community for years to come," said Philip L. Laird, AIA, principal-in-charge and President at ARC. "Our goal is to design spaces that blend education with activity, promoting a lifestyle of nutrition and exercise. The project's innovative design allows for a unique dining and fitness experience, one that will set the standard for future athletic and wellness facilities."
The financing for the new Episcopal School of Dallas Stephen B. Swann Athletic and Wellness Center is made possible by the school's Wellness for Life Campaign, which has so far raised a total of $21 million from many notable donors. The Ross Perot Family, through the Perot Foundation, donated $5 million to the school. To date, it is the largest gift in ESD's history.
This is ARC's fourth major project at ESD. Construction is anticipated to start in Fall 2008.
