From the Ground Up: Aurora Recreation and Event Center

Owner: City of Aurora
General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc.
Architect: Sapp Design Associates Architects Inc.
Engineers: Allgeier, Martin and Associates Inc., civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 32,700 square feet
Cost: $10.4 million
Funding source: Voter-approved half-cent capital improvement sales tax
Estimated completion: Dec. 13
Project description: The Aurora Recreation and Event Center will be built on a 24-acre site on the city’s south side. It will offer fitness, wellness and community amenities, according to officials from Interpres Building Solutions. Plans call for a gym with a basketball court and two fitness studios, one of which opens to a back patio to allow for indoor-outdoor classes. A second-floor track is designed to overlook the facility’s lower level. Additionally, the building’s 3,000-square-foot event space will be able to accommodate a large gathering or be partitioned into three smaller rooms. The use of masonry creates a formal look in the event area, while the recreation space incorporates vibrant contemporary elements, officials say, and metal panels adorn the exterior facade.