Historic Gym Renovation

South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk) located in El Dorado, Arkansas chose to renovate its 80-year-old gymnasium to provide an on-campus facility for basketball and other athletic events. Originally built in 1940, the gym is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The $690,000 project was funded by a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council.

Insight provided MEP design for the renovation, which added a new HVAC system, upgraded existing electrical systems, replaced flooring, and added new ADA-accessible bleachers. The new HVAC is served by the existing campus district energy system, which provided a cost effective solution for chilled water service. The HVAC design utilized a unique, fabric ductwork system to evenly disperse air throughout the open gymnasium. Electrical system upgrades allowed for increased control of the mechanical systems to further improve the building's energy efficiency.