Loras Athletics & Wellness

Loras College Athletics & Wellness Center

This project is a new facility that includes a 2000 seat arena for competition basketball and volleyball, hall of fame wing with offices, a wellness center for fitness and weights and a clock tower section with a connecting walkway to an adjacent campus building.

The mechanical HVAC system is geothermal with ventilation air provided via energy wheel heat recovery units.  The exterior geothermal field will be accomplished with 300 foot deep closed loop wells located in an adjoining recreation area.  The larger spaces like the arena will be handled with water to water heat pumps connected to air handling units with high CFM airflows.

The challenge electrically is the arena lighting.  This multi-use facility could be used for competition sports one day, graduation exercises the next day followed by a performing arts event later.  A combination use of HID metal halide and T-5 fluorescent will be used to accommodate multiple activities with varying light levels.

Other electrical systems include power distribution from Alliant Energy’s 15 kV East Campus Loop, emergency power and egress lighting issues and a complete addressable fire alarm system.

Telecommunications includes bringing in phone, fiber and cable TV services already on campus.  Also, multiple sound systems and a security system are requirements of the project.

Download the Project Case Study:    Loras Athletics & Wellness