Southwestern College has been awarded the City of Chula Vista’s Green Building Design Award for the construction of the new Wellness & Aquatics Complex as part of its annual Ribbons & Shovels awards. The 12 awards highlight community projects that improve and enhance the appearance of Chula Vista and celebrate the best in art, architecture, landscape, historic preservation and environment.
The Green Building Design Award promotes green and sustainable design and construction. The Wellness and Aquatic Complex is LEED registered, targeting Gold Certification, and uses reduction measures and includes low-flow fixtures and infrastructure for reclaimed water use. Energy reduction is achieved by connecting high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment to the college’s central utility plant, and through LED lighting with daylighting controls throughout.
“The Wellness & Aquatic Complex has been a long-time dream for our students and our community and we are so honored to receive this award that highlights its design and sustainability,” Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo said. “We are so grateful to the community for its continued investment of our students, our programs and our facilities.”
The Wellness and Aquatics Center is a 75,000 square-foot facility built on the corner of East H Street and Otay Lakes Road. The new facility, which opened its doors to students and community members in January 2018, features a gymnasium, fitness labs, cardio workout rooms, locker rooms, two Olympic-sized swimming pools and a 25-meter therapy pool.
The $52 million complex was designed by the architecture firm Gensler, who also designed the DeVore Stadium Fieldhouse, and was built by Balfour Beatty construction company with the help of local union plumbers, electricians and more. The new Wellness & Aquatics Complex is funded by Proposition R, a $389 million dollar general obligation bond passed by voters in South Bay in November 2008.
Community members are invited to access health programs with a membership to the Health First Fitness Club. Health programs range from fitness and swimming classes to individual training, with programs for children, families, adults and seniors. For more information on the complex and all new buildings, visit the Prop R website.
