After 33 years, the world famous IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana is nearing completion of a $25 million face-lift to give it a new and refreshed, yet familiar look and feel. It was critically important to Indiana University to preserve the original design and history of the natatorium during its renovation. While everything around the pools was updated, the original design and pool tile was maintained to assure the pools remain the fastest in the world!
Between swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming, Over 13 US Olympic team trials have been hosted at the iconic “Nat,” which is the nation’s largest and fastest indoor swimming facility, with over 100 records set in its pools.
The Natatorium is home to two 50 meter pools and a separate diving well. The renovation focused on three primary areas to provide a better facility and a better experience.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Air quality is critical for a swimmer. The complete mechanical system has been updated from the ground up to ensure the facility maintains its reputation for excellent air quality for swimmers, as well as a comfortable experience for spectators.
POOL EQUIPMENT
The water filtration system has also been replaced from the ground up with the highest level of quality in pool filtration equipment to provide swimmers with clean and clear water.
AESTHETICS
The facility received a face lift from the outside-in. Starting with the entire roof system, the exterior renovation also included new translucent panels as well as new exterior windows and doors. The update not only improved the exterior aesthetics of the facility, but modern systems and components were utilized to ensure the inside of the building is protected from the elements.
The building’s interior was also greatly enhanced with a fully renovated main concourse, including an increased number of electrical and data outlets for vendors, an expanded and renovated pro-shop that provides a much more welcoming portal to the pools, a fully updated competition area with new seating, all-glass handrails for ADA and balcony seating, new paint throughout, new deck tile and drains, new starting blocks, new bulkheads, and state-of-the-art LED lighting.
The diving area was also enhanced with larger platforms to allow for synchro diving as well as an update to the flooring and better access to the 3M springboard platforms.
The locker rooms were updated with new finishes, ADA accessibility, and better controls for hot water to the showers.
The facility is also currently investigating the installation of a new state-of-the-art LED video scoreboard with ambitions to bring this to reality within the next year. The board would be 34’ tall x 60’ wide and would replace the current scoreboard.
Overall, the renovated facility looks new and refreshed with better signage and provides a more welcoming experience to all levels of swimmers, while still preserving the Nat’s history and allowing for new history to be made for years to come!
The SCOOP | June 2016 | More from this Issue