East Hamptom Recreation Center
East Hampton, N.Y.
Davis Brody Bond

Showing off a swim-and-fitness center's well-toned muscles

© David Sundberg/Esto

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

By Clifford A. Pearson

Although conveniently located within walking distance of the train station, the site for this indoor recreation center abuts a residential neighborhood where homeowners worried that a large institutional building would change the character of the area. Height restrictions and a tight budget of just $3.6 million ($175 a square foot) provided further challenges in an area where $350 a square foot is considered a reasonable price for private houses.

The architects clad the building in Western red-cedar clapboard laid flush between cedar battens. The distinctive fenestration on the main (north) facade echoes a ramp running through the east half of the building and other interior features such as a lounge and a set of offices.

Structurally and functionally, the rec center is really two buildings: a steel-frame one for the swimming pools and a wood-frame one for fitness and computer activities. A concrete-block core with offices, locker rooms, and showers connects the two halves of the building. Although the architects had originally hoped to make the entire building wood-framed, steel was a more economical way of spanning the 65-foot-wide volume enclosing the two swimming pools.

With sunlight rippling between its exposed-stud frame, the East Hampton Rec Center is a magnet for kids and adults alike. "The building is really welcoming," says Roberta Bisignano, executive director of the facility for the YMCA. "It doesn't have an institutional feeling," adds Bisignano. Without a budget for refined finishes or details, the architects used simple materials in a straightforward manner and gave it a rugged, honest charm that seems just right for a place where people pump iron and sweat.

See the August 2001 issue of Architectural Record for full coverage of this project.

Formal name of building:
East Hampton Rec Center, The Evan M. Frankel Building

Location:
East Hampton, N.Y.

Gross square footage:
21,000 sq ft

Total construction cost:
$ 3.6 million

Owner:
Town of East Hampton, N.Y.

Architect's firm:
Davis Brody Bond, LLP
315 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013
Tel: 212.633.4700
Fax: 212.633.4760
www.davisbrody.com