In 2015, St. Clair Community College (SC4) acquired an old, past-its-prime single sheet ice arena from the City of Port Huron, Michigan. In order to support the college’s growing athletic program and to engage its activities with the community in a more varied and comprehensive manner, SC4 sought to fully renovate the old facility into a modern, multi-sport arena. The building was fully re-purposed and re-designed for college court sports including basketball, volleyball, and badminton; with the addition of new locker and training rooms for the college athletes. A new elevated track and weight fitness area was added to the existing space and arena seating for 2,000 spectators was installed. A renovated college hall of fame is also featured, as well as new spectator amenities. The facility features a new energy efficient HVAC system, as well as energy saving LED court lighting.
The urban project site, with zero lot line constraints, challenged the design team to make the new program work entirely within the limits of the old arena. The addition of all new MEP systems are contained within the building footprint. The project budget and schedule were very tight, and by employing construction phasing, the down time for college programs was minimized.
The new three-court facility has allowed the college to increase its athletic and fitness programs, host tournaments and larger competitions, and to engage the community with athletic activities, as well as with other larger events that have added to the community asset value. In a final flourish of community engagement, the iconic tower of the old arena was refurbished with new lighting thereby creating a beacon for the college and the community together.