United States Military Academy Preparatory School

West Point, New York

Firm

EwingCole

Client

United States Army Corps of Engineers

Area

250,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$104,000,000

Completion Date

01/2012

The architects were commissioned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, to design the new United States Military Academy Preparatory School
(USMAPS) at the academy’s historic West Point campus. The school offers 73,000 square feet of academic and operations facilities, including a 330-seat lecture hall; 14,000-square-foot cafeteria and kitchen; and 246-bed quarters.

The USMAPS mission is to provide focused academic, military and physical instruction in order to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy (USMA). As athletics and physical training are an essential part of the daily routine at USMAPS, these facilities were a special focus of the design effort.

The new 87,000-square-foot, two-story athletic facility has integrated seating for 800 overlooking the adjacent football field. Other highlights include a performance gymnasium with seating for 1,200, primarily for basketball and wrestling; a new fitness and strength training center; and a multi-purpose activity room. These spaces are tied together by a circulation spine, which maximizes visibility within the building while providing dramatic views from both floors of the adjacent fields (soccer, lacrosse and football) and landscape.

The new center also houses training and hydrotherapy facilities, a dedicated wrestling practice facility, locker rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms and athletic administrative offices. Spectator amenities include concessions, ticketing and toilet-room facilities. The athletic and fitness program is supported by equipment that meets NCAA standards.

Given federal budget considerations, the design team took care to spend funds carefully where they would have the most impact. Interiors are utilitarian in the functional spaces, with richer finishes in the entrances and other public spaces to welcome military dignitaries and other guests.

The project is on track to earn LEED gold certification.