Longwood University, Joan Perry Brock Center and Tennis Courts

Farmville, Va.

Award of Merit

Submitted by: Skanska USA Building

Owner: Longwood University

Lead Design Firm: RRMM

Construction Manager at-Risk: Skanska USA Building

Civil Engineer: VHB

Structural and MEP Engineer: AECOM

Exterior Architect: Michael M Franck Architect (Formerly of Franck & Lohsen Architects)

MWBE/SWaM Partner: Canterbury Enterprises


The 3,000-seat arena and convocation center includes telescoping and fixed seating, an elevated connection to the adjacent building and parking deck, a plaza with paver systems, landscaping and street upgrades. The 72,000-sq-ft project also includes food and service spaces, concessions, a club area with a kitchen, a bar, an enclosed gathering area and an open arena viewing area. The project also features 10 NCAA-compliant tennis courts, baseball field perimeter netting, an audiovisual control room, video control and replay equipment rooms, trainer facilities, a tiered seating film room and team store.

The $40.5-million project finished in three years, below budget and ahead of schedule. The team solved a 13-month supply chain delay on the main electrical switchboard by using multiple panels throughout the building to support temporary and permanent power. This temporary power also supported mechanical systems needed to install the maple athletic wood floor and extensive wood paneling. The final switchboard was revised to include multiple panels instead of the main switchboard, keeping the project on schedule.