CREJ

46 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / December 2018 ELEMENTS Wellness Growth in Colorado Springs Drives Wellness Focus T he charming town of Colorado Springs, founded by Gen. Wil- liam Jackson Palmer in 1871, has long been a popular des- tination. The beautiful scenery welcomed U.S. and international visitors, and the plentiful sunshine and dry climate drew those seeking health benefits. Colorado Springs has had its fair share of growth spurts, with the population more than tripling since 1970 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Throughout Colorado Springs, architects are not only designing facilities to accommo- date and support this continued growth but are setting new standards for wellness-focused design innovation that recalls the Springs’ ear- liest days as a city focused on the health of its residents. • The Pikes Peak Summit Complex – pursuing the Living Building Challenge at 14,000 feet. The Pikes Peak Summit Complex is a long-awaited replacement project for the 1960s Summit House atop Pikes Peak and is one of the highest-altitude projects of its kind ever constructed in the United States. The 34,000-square-foot structure will serve as a new vis- itor destination for the more than 600,000 people who reach the summit each year. Sustainable design was a primary focus for the de- sign team and project partners. This is a significant challenge given the project’s altitude and extreme climate. The design is currently exceeding the goal of LEED Silver. More importantly, the design team is pursuing Living Building Challenge certification, which would make the new Summit Complex one of the most innovative and environmentally sensi- tive facilities in Colorado. The Living Building Chal- lenge connects the building’s occupants to light, air, food, nature and community. “Living buildings” produce more energy than they use and reduce net water usage to zero. • The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Wil- liam J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center – a world-class destination. One of four Colorado Springs City for Champions projects, the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center at UCCS will integrate academics, clinical services, research, performance training and patient education into a unique 104,000-square-foot building. The City for Champions initiative aims to spur economic growth, strengthen the local economy, create more than 5,100 new jobs, and increase tourism. Partnering with Penrose-St. Francis Health Ser- Stuart L. Coppedge, FAIA Principal at RTA Architects, Colorado Springs The Chinook Trail Middle School in Academy District 20 has been designed to the WELL Building Standard, which considers the occupants’ whole-person health with regard to the quality of air, water, nourishment, light, fitness op- portunities and comfort. Courtesy RTA Architects and MOA Architecture TheWellness Garden at the newly-openedNICU at the St. Fran- cisMedical Center provides a place of respite for families of pre- mature infants. Courtesy RTA Architects and Fred Fuhrmeister, Time Frame Images