Minneapolis’ Opus Design Build, L.L.C., announced in June a project with Luther College in Des Moines, Iowa, to build a new aquatics center on the Decorah campus.
Luther College President Richard Torgerson said that construction of a new Luther College aquatic center is a priority for intercollegiate competition, physical education and fitness and wellness programs for students and community members. The new facility will be used by thousands of competitors from colleges and high schools, Luther students and community members of all ages.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Luther College and are pleased to be their partner for this new facility, which will benefit their athletics program as well as enhance the student experience,” said Jeff Smith, director of project management with Opus Design Build.
Construction of the aquatics center is set to begin in September, with completion in May of 2013. Opus Design Build is serving as the design-builder on the project. Opus AE Group, Inc. will serve as architect and structural engineer while Michaels Engineering will be the MEP engineer and Braun Intertec the geotechnical consultant.
The competition pool for swimming and diving within the new aquatic center will be named the David E.G. and Patricia Miller Natatorium in honor of two generous Luther alumni who challenged the community to raise money for the aquatic center.
The Miller Natatorium will feature a competition pool with eight lanes of a consistent eight-foot water depth and a 13-foot-depth diving area. The plans for the new Luther aquatic center also include a shallow pool for swimming lessons, adaptive physical education classes and water aerobics.
