Iowa State Unveils Plan For Basketball Practice Facility

Angie · 07-10-2008, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

Mortensen and South Dakota??

Right now, West Towne Pub and the Kum & Go is on the southwest side of the intersection. There are some apartments on the SE side. I'm guessing it would be in the grassy area in the NW corner of the intersection? There are TONS of apartments out there - I know Cy-Ride already goes to Steinbeck, so I would guess that it would go by the new facility.

CyInSoonerland · 07-10-2008, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by isuarch80

interesting, but not architecturally nice at all, IMO. sketchup does not do the building justice, at the very least. i guess money reasons for using all the corrugated metal... wish they had done something a little more unique to the ISU arena styles established, following what Hilton is and it's permanence in the landscape, and keeping with the sports facilities we already have. this looks too much like a building a national gym chain would come up with and build everywhere.
On a positive note, nice to see the dedication to getting a building like this for the basketball programs. Where in west Ames will this be?

I actually like the renderings. It looks pretty sharp in my opinion and ISU will benefit from the cost savings. I haven't lived in Iowa for about 10 years, but from what I have heard, Jensen tends to do some good work and will make it a very nice facility.

NWIAclone · 07-10-2008, 11:53 AM

Start date of Sept. 2008....wow....only 8 weeks from groundbreaking!

chadm · 07-10-2008, 11:53 AM

Did I read the dates correctly?

Start in September and finished in October?

That is some fast construction.

Cydkar · 07-10-2008, 11:53 AM

Paging Jon Miller! Who's going to have a practice facility first again?

wartknight · 07-10-2008, 11:54 AM

Sweet- Fenelly and Gmac each get their own can.

isucyfan · 07-10-2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Cydkar

Paging Jon Miller! Who's going to have a practice facility first again?

They already have one...CHA. Whenever I've seen it, there's only ever a couple of trainers and the team in there.

Jarrods79 · 07-10-2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by isuarch80

interesting, but not architecturally nice at all, IMO. sketchup does not do the building justice, at the very least. i guess money reasons for using all the corrugated metal... wish they had done something a little more unique to the ISU arena styles established, following what Hilton is and it's permanence in the landscape, and keeping with the sports facilities we already have. this looks too much like a building a national gym chain would come up with and build everywhere.
On a positive note, nice to see the dedication to getting a building like this for the basketball programs. Where in west Ames will this be?

As another ISU educated architect, my thoughts as well. I love seeing these renderings and noticing the common Sketchup people placed in there (I'm looking at you "guy with the shoulder pack"!!). Makes me think this took no time at all to develop.

ISUFan22 · 07-10-2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Angie

Right now, West Towne Pub and the Kum & Go is on the southwest side of the intersection. There are some apartments on the SE side. I'm guessing it would be in the grassy area in the NW corner of the intersection? There are TONS of apartments out there - I know Cy-Ride already goes to Steinbeck, so I would guess that it would go by the new facility.

Based on that...

Clones85' · 07-10-2008, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Cydkar

Paging Jon Miller! Who's going to have a practice facility first again?

Haha I forgot about that. I will not be able to call in to his show today but somebody needs to. How bout them apples Jonny?!?!

Also, I don't think it can be built onto Hilton as Iowa State doesn't own Hilton does it?

RyCy04 · 07-10-2008, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by isuarch80

interesting, but not architecturally nice at all, IMO. sketchup does not do the building justice, at the very least. i guess money reasons for using all the corrugated metal... wish they had done something a little more unique to the ISU arena styles established, following what Hilton is and it's permanence in the landscape, and keeping with the sports facilities we already have. this looks too much like a building a national gym chain would come up with and build everywhere.
On a positive note, nice to see the dedication to getting a building like this for the basketball programs. Where in west Ames will this be?

I just tracked down the architect of this who you are criticizing. Pat Healy.

Norm: Did you build the Estadio Olimpico?
Pat Healy: No, just down the street the Celinto Catayente Towers. It's quite a fine example, in fact. I recommend that next time you're up that way that you drop in and take a gander at it yourself.

pthebutcher · 07-10-2008, 12:02 PM

It is a bit odd this will be built so far from campus, but as stated in the article...this made the plan much cheaper, and probably more importantly, able to be completed for the 09-10 basketball season. It sounds like the other plans would have taken a couple more years to get done, and frankly, those couple more years would really really hurt recruiting wise.

As far as players having issues getting to the facility.....I would guess most of the players will be living in the new apartments out there so they can be in walking distance of practice.

EggMcClone · 07-10-2008, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by chadm

Did I read the dates correctly?

Start in September and finished in October?

That is some fast construction.

October of 2009.

I wish it was closer to Hilton and I'm guessing that years from now people will want to build another one there because it's too far away. However, I'm really, really glad that this is getting done at all.

aeroclone · 07-10-2008, 12:04 PM

I think the location could work out pretty well. It is on the CyRide red route, which when I was on campus a couple years ago runs like ever 20 minutes. Also, I think the West Ames area is common area for bball players to live. I lived out there a few years and Stinson and Blalock lived in the same complex as I did. I also noticed Clint Varley on the bus a lot as well. Vroman would hang out at our apartment pool a lot as well.... not sure if he lived nearby or if he was just there to party. If this facility existed back then, those guys could have walked to the place.

kingcy · 07-10-2008, 12:05 PM

It looks good. Putting it next to Hilton would be better but the origanal plan looked like something just threw together, didnt look nice, and took away from Hilton. I wounder if area to build is an issue in the Hilton area, and the parking lots make money for the Athletic Dept. Maybe other things can be added out there in the future.