FAIRHOPE — A new student recreation center is just over the horizon on the main campus of the University of South Alabama, and an Eastern Shore architectural firm not only designed the facility but will oversee construction administration of the project as well.

WHL Architecture LLC of Fairhope and Baton Rouge, La. designed the 116,000-square-foot, $31 million state-of-the-art center for USA. It will include a range of fitness areas, along with student gathering spaces that embrace the natural surroundings.

Among the amenities planned are aerobic rooms, weight rooms, spinning rooms, basketball and racquetball courts, an indoor track, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a rock-climbing wall. Wellness evaluations and baby-sitting services will also be part of the offerings. An adjacent outdoor recreation center will loan students camping equipment and canoes.

The building site, which has been cleared, is at the corner of Old Shell Road and Stadium Drive in Mobile, across from Stanky Field. Actual construction is beginning now, and is expected to wrap up in late 2009 or early 2010.

Tighe Butler, WHL creative director of marketing, said the company initially submitted a request for qualifications to USA as a first step toward being awarded the contract. WHL officials submitted a portfolio of their work, and the firm was placed on a shortlist, she added. From there, WHL was chosen as the architect of record on the project.

The process began in May 2007 on the fast-paced project, she said. The company worked on construction documents this spring.

Many elements went into the design. Butler said, “Part of it was to maintain the existing landscape with the live oaks.”

The building will feature an eliptical-shaped corner, she said, with plenty of wood, brick and glass. Butler added, “It will have an updated look, but in step with the legacy image of the campus. One of the goals was to keep it open and airy — engage the surrounding site.”

All interior areas will be climate-controlled, according to Butler.

“As our society becomes more health conscious, it is important for our students to strengthen both their minds and their bodies. The creation of this Student Recreation Center demonstrates the University’s commitment to the development of the whole person,” USA president Gordon Moulton stated in a press release. “It will also enable the University to continue to attract today's best students.”

USA Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. John Smith added, “The new Student Recreation Center will be one of the finest facilities of its kind in the country. As it offers a fitness and social center for our students, it will enhance our student life for years to come.”

USA recently held a public groundbreaking ceremony at the facility, and the first 500 people to drop by received free USA Football T-shirts. Also, USA Head Football Coach Joey Jones autographed free photos.

In true ball game style, a free dinner of hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and drinks was provided at the end of the event.