Bryant Fitness Center Upgrades

  • Published
  • By Airman Pedro Mota
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --   Bryant Fitness Center will undergo state of the art renovations later this year and is scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2017.

"The fitness center will look very different once renovations are complete," said Matthew Hutchings, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron architect. "After receiving four highly effective design proposals, the best was selected based on an established evaluation criterion."

Changes to the gym will require most of the interior walls to be removed, providing open floor plans for cardiovascular and weight lifting areas.

"Before construction begins, temporary locker facilities could possibly be set up adjacent to the gym," said Ansel Bingam, 56th Force Support Squadron Fitness and sports manager. "Then workout equipment will be moved to the gymnasium floor, making gym services limited but available. Once work areas are cleared, interior demolition and renovation will begin."

In addition to some walls being demolished, new interior finishes will be provided throughout the facility such as the new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for improved air circulation.

Low level ceilings will also be opened up to increase the feeling of spaciousness and locker rooms will be relocated with all new plumbing.

Finally, a small addition will be constructed for the entry and administrative offices.

"These changes will help give the facility an updated exterior image," Bingam said.
"Overall square footage will not increase much, except for the 3000 Sq. foot addition to the entry way."

The amount of funding and programming restrictions limit the new construction value to one million dollars, approximately.

"The designs demonstrated superior finishes and layouts according to current Air Force Fitness Center design criteria and civilian industry standards," Hutchings said. "The 56th Contracting Squadron, 56th Force Support Squadron and 56th Civil Engineer Squadron teamed up to define the contract requirements and provided the best solution to meet the needs within the available budget."

With the fitness center aging and the Air force continuing to encourage healthy lifestyles, fitness is essential to mission readiness. 

"It's all about the Airmen," Bingam said. "We want them to want to use the fitness center, and these changes will make it much more desirable."