PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Located at the unique
commercial core of this vibrant neighborhood, Sylvan Park, the community
center’s orientation on the site responds to the site’s constraints and
characteristics: a gentle hill-side slope with large, existing trees, a
well-used and long-loved community-league baseball field, and a small but busy
four street intersection. The building responds to both the street edge
and the park with entrances facing both sides which are connected by a dynamic,
multi-story volume.

The building is
organized around a central spine which provides staff with visual control of
all major spaces and entries. The spine not only creates dramatically
framed views to important spaces within the building, but also creates a sense
of transparency by affording pedestrians on the street, clear views through the
building to the park beyond. A running track, located on the second
floor, extends around the perimeter of the gym and forms the edge of the double
height volume along the central spine. A bridge spans the atrium connecting the
track to the dance studio – a glass shrouded volume perched on the second floor
and cantilevered over locker room spaces below. A clerestory running the length
of the atrium allows light to flood the main level and create interplay with
the crossing bridge, structure and projections into the volume in patterns that
change throughout the day.

The facility also
includes a fitness room, gymnasium, game room, multipurpose room, an arts and
crafts room, and a wi-fi lounge. Locker rooms, including a more private
family locker room, staff work room and staff office provide support space for
all building functions. A future lap pool is planned with a dynamic
sloped roof structure and will be situated along the street, flanking the
entrance and fitness area.

Designed as a
sustainable development, this project is on track to achieve LEED
Certification. Careful attention was paid to the selection of no and
low-VOC materials, local and regional materials and those high in recycled
content. Energy efficient HVAC systems and lighting minimized utility
costs. Low flow plumbing fixtures conserve water at the interior while
bio-swales and bio-retention, along with large green roof areas, serve to treat
and retain storm water on-site rather than sending downstream to over-taxed
treatment facilities. Indigenous landscaping sets the tone for the
exterior grounds, integrating into the site and its large trees, and is distributed
through the parking areas – which are comprised of pervious concrete paving in
stalls and concrete paving in drives to achieved a greatly reduced heat-island
effect and further contain storm water on site.

KEY PROJECT NOTES
·
It is Nashville's first LEED-certified regional community center.
·
Two (2) Green roof areas which offer storm water retention &
filtration and reduction in the building's heating & cooling costs. The
green roof also provides an ideal setting for entertainment and serves as a
visible symbol of Metro Parks' commitment to sustainability and education.
·
McCabe Park applied for and received a variance allowing the
building to be situated much closer to the street than permitted by standard
zoning setbacks and restrictions. This helped to create a more pedestrian
friendly environment and allowed the reuse of existing site amenities such as
mature trees, ADA accessible baseball field and a popular children's
playground.
·
As a service to the disabled visitors of the community center and
neighboring ADA accessible baseball field, all parking spaces adjacent to the
community center (approximately 8 spaces) have been designated accessible
parking only. Parking for non-disabled visitors is provided by two nearby
parking lots.
·
Green Roofs, Rain Gardens and Pervious Paving help to collect
storm water and reduce erosion and runoff
·
Sidewalks and pedestrian access integrated within existing Metro
Greenways trail system
·
Outdoor entertainment opportunities were considered around the
plaza through the use of hillside seating and exterior power hookups for stage
and sound.
·
Structure and MPE designed with future pool and shower addition in
mind
·
Reuse of existing site and infrastructure
·
McCabe Park has received an Award of Honor from AIA Middle
Tennessee, and Excellence in Development from the Urban Land Institute
Nashville