Livonia Community Recreation Center

“A paradise for fitness fanatics, the ultimate playground for kids, and a relaxing spa for mom and dad.  The open interior hums with color, energy and the pure joy of movement.”

-- CAM Magazine

Originally conceived by the City as an adaptive reuse of a portion of the existing Bentley Center (built in 1948-1950 as a high school), Neumann/Smith proposed a completely new building even though the project had a fixed budget of $25 million.  By challenging ourselves and our client to look beyond the original project parameters, we were able to create a 135,000 sf “mall of fun” meeting all of the original program criteria.

The new facility includes a 42’ climbing wall, suspended indoor running track, 4 gymnasiums, fitness areas, gymnastics center, aerobics room, sauna, locker rooms, cabanas, private changing rooms, senior lounge, day care and play area, party and meeting rooms, a competition pool with adjustable floor, hot tub, lazy river, low and zero depth entry pools, and an outdoor spray park and sunning deck.

Facility Design Award, Michigan Recreation and Park Association Innovative Architecture and Design Award, Recreation Management Honor Award, AIA Detroit “M” Award for Excellence in Masonry Design, Masonry Institute of Michigan and AIA Michigan