Broughton Recreation Center

Renovation transforms 1970s-era community center into a modern hub for underserved community.

A multidisciplinary design approach saved the bones and spirit of a beloved community center in a traditionally underserved African-American neighborhood. On a tight budget, the windowless masonry facility, originally built in 1978, was reimagined into a bright, multi-use facility that finds new ways to support the community.

Community workshops and “listening sessions” guided the design process, which actively reached out to groups that had not participated in past planning sessions. The results led to a surgical approach to brighten the facility, improve health and wellness options and add connections to nature.

The center was expanded by more than 15,000 square feet, including a fresh, new lobby with ceilings raised to 20 feet. The branch library was relocated from the back of the building to a storefront window facing the building’s new front. A full-size gym, fitness room, and larger restrooms were added to the facility. Renovations of more than 14,000 square feet included fully upgrading an existing gymnasium with fitness equipment and an open gaming area, and revamping meeting rooms with new windows to bring in daylight and provide views of nature. Responding to the community’s request to make the center more of a youth-focused hub, a new Esports room was designed with gaming consoles, couches and large-screen TVs.

To elevate the links to natural environments, LPA’s landscape architects helped develop a promenade and extend walking trails to improve access and connect the facilities. Green metal screens on the façade and abstract tree graphics deepen the connection to nature.

Read more about the renovation.