Wight was the design-builder for a new fieldhouse at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago’s Chinatown district. Renamed in honor of community leader Leonard M. Louie (formerly the Ping Tom Memorial Park Fieldhouse), this community facility includes a six-lane swimming pool, gymnasium, and support spaces totaling over 28,000 sf.

The fieldhouse was designed to adapt to the changing needs of the community. Selection of infrastructure and building materials took into consideration maintenance expectations, durability, and an appropriate balance of first cost vs. life cycle costs. The architectural vocabulary and scale draw influence from the site dynamics and adjoining urban influences.

Wight’s integrated Design & Delivery methodology allowed us to develop cost and time-saving solutions for the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC). Our architects, engineers, estimators, and construction management professionals worked together throughout the design and construction process, continually refining the plan for the facility. For example, a simplified roof structure was selected, resulting in a reduction in cost and assembly time. All savings were returned to the PBC.

Sustainability was another important focus of the design and construction of the new fieldhouse. All efforts were made to minimize the environmental impact and foster a highly efficient building. The fieldhouse received LEED Platinum Certification.

Photo Credit: Allison Evans, Allison Evans Photography | James Steinkamp, James Steinkamp Photography (fitness room only)