Ford Recreation Center – Natatorium Conversion

Constructed in 1976, the Ford Natatorium originally served as an aquatic facility with an Olympic‑sized pool, locker rooms and fitness spaces. Over time, the building became underutilized compared to the nearby Ford Fieldhouse. This project reimagined the former natatorium as the Ford Recreation Center, creating a vibrant destination for wellness, recreation and connection for GRCC students, faculty, staff and the community.

The renovated facility offers an indoor turf field, walking path, new locker rooms, a fitness center, nutrition center, multipurpose gym and flexible study and collaboration spaces. The project also modernized critical building systems through life safety upgrades, elevator improvements, building envelope repairs and upgraded HVAC infrastructure.

Preserving the building’s character while advancing sustainability was central to the design. Existing wooden bleachers were repurposed into LED‑lit entryway décor and seating along the learning stairs. More than 725 tons of concrete and 52 tons of metal were recycled. The pool was filled with geofoam and capped with concrete, with the deep end converted into storage beneath the turf field. Large windows bring abundant natural light into the space, creating an open and inviting environment.