The University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC) is at the top of its game, recently capturing two awards from the construction industry.

UH received the Award of Project Excellence (APEX) from the Association of General Contractors. The association selected the two-story, 264,000 square-foot fitness facility as the best college and university building constructed in the Gulf Coast and southern Texas region in the past two years, according to Dave Irvin, associate vice president of plant operations.

“The APEX is the most prestigious award that the construction industry can give because it looks at so many different things,” Irvin said.

The association chose the building based on its design, construction and functionality, Irvin explained. He added that judges also considered whether the building was completed on time and within budget guidelines.

The Texas Masonry Council presented UH with its 2004 Golden Trowel Award for excellence in design among publicly funded buildings. The CRWC placed first among colleges, universities and local, state and federal buildings.

“The organization specifically looked at the quality of the brick and stone, how creatively they were used and how well did the building blend into its surroundings,” Irvin said.

Describing CRWC as “uniquely Cougar,” Irvin said, “The center’s project team was particularly successful in designing a center that has a wonderful sense of openness and a great amount of light throughout the building. Most fitness centers have long corridors with gyms on each side. This building opens up. It is much more inviting. It’s not a unique concept for a building, but it’s revolutionary for a recreation center.”

The CRWC project team has been so successful that university and college officials from across the nation frequently visit the center in hopes of duplicating its design and functionality, Irvin noted.

In addition to these latest honors, CRWC has received the National Intramural-Sports Association’s 2004 Outstanding Sports Facility and the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston Golden Trowel awards.

“I am proud of all the awards,” said Kathy Anzivino, director of campus recreation. However, she notes that functionality is the key to the center’s success.

“A ‘pretty’ building would have been a disaster if it did not meet the needs of our students,” she said. “The CRWC project team worked hard to give students a functional recreational facility. The award-winning design and craftsmanship create an environment that encourages the students to use the space. It’s a win-win situation, in my mind.”

For more information on CRWC, visit http://www.uh.edu/recreation/.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu