Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego

Key Players

Owner NAVFAC Southwest, FEAD Coronado

Contractor and Lead Design Firm RQ Construction LLC

Structural Engineer SMR Consulting

Civil Engineer Berg Engineering

MEP Engineer Randall Lamb

Interior Design JWDA

LEED Consultant Green Fields Consulting

Sports Facility Consultant Sports Management Group

Pool Consultant Water Technology Inc.

Located on a naval air station in San Diego Bay, the new Fitness and Liberty Center fits with its historic setting while incorporating modern amenities. In bringing together four separate fitness venues under one roof, the 111,525-sq-ft project serves not only as a fitness complex but also as a community gathering place.

Designed to meet LEED Silver certification, the multifaceted fitness facility includes a gymnasium with administrative spaces, a computer area, game room, TV lounge, minitheater, multipurpose room, concession area, pool, outdoor running track and offsite sports fields. The use of natural view corridors helps people move through the building efficiently and safely.

Because it was built in a high-profile historic district, the project team not only had to respect existing architecture but also work with a tight site. These challenges were overcome by forming an integrated team that worked closely with the owner and all involved parties, according to the submitter.

To create a project compatible with the neighborhood, architects reduced massing elements to respect historical influences. The use of clean plaster and CMU finishes in earth-tone colors mirror the historic character of the surrounding buildings, while rhythmic-pattern windows, flat roofs with parapet walls and linear-building massing all contribute to the local feel.