MICHAEL GRAVES & ASSOCIATES TO DESIGN THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF THE RUTGERS ATHLETIC CENTER

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (May 30, 2012) – World renowned architects and designers, Michael Graves & Associates (MGA), have been awarded the commission to design a multiphase renovation and expansion of the Rutgers Athletic Center on the campus of Rutgers University.  MGA will partner with Heery International, one of the leading sports facility design firms in the country.  The project will be led by MGA Principals Michael Graves and Tom Rowe.  Mike Holleman, Director of Sports Facilities for Heery, will be the lead sports architect.

The project will start with a master plan strategy for the complete renovation and expansion of the RAC.  Site and phasing options will be explored to ensure the RAC provides for the needs of the student-athletes, while minimizing the costs of construction, operations, and lifecycle maintenance.  The complete renovation and expansion will include the addition of a state-of-the-art practice facility for men’s and women’s basketball; new strength & conditioning, training, and equipment rooms and offices for the athletic department; improved fan experience including a Rutgers Hall of Fame and seating bowl reconfiguration with premium seating; and building improvements including systems upgrades and a new entrance façade.  The project will deliver an athletic center that is a great recruiting tool for players and coaches, provides improved revenue generation for the athletic department, and is equal to Rutgers University’s standards of academic excellence.

“I am so excited to work on this project,” said Michael Graves. “I am a huge sports fan and this project presents a tremendous opportunity for Rutgers to set a new standard for university athletics in our region.”

Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti said, “The construction of state-of-the-art practice facilities and the overall modernization of the RAC is the highest facilities priority for Rutgers Athletics.  Michael Graves and Tom Rowe have a clear vision for the project, and I am confident the new RAC will have a great benefit to the student-athletes in 19 of our 24 sports, help to generate new revenues through premium services, and be a source of pride for the entire Rutgers University community.”

“To ensure the success of this project, we will present multiple options for every programming, planning and design decision, and then advise Rutgers on the pros and cons of each scenario,” says Tom Rowe, Principal of Michael Graves & Associates.