The community of Highland, Indiana, recently celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Lincoln Community Center, with 35,559 square feet of additional facilities. The $9.3-million dollar remodeling and expansion, which includes new community-oriented spaces for all ages, was designed by Dewberry.

During construction, the facility name was changed from the Lincoln Center to the Lincoln Community Center to reflect the facility's mission of offering something for everyone. In addition to the new space, 49,970 square feet of the existing building was renovated.

The new construction includes a lobby/lounge, a privately operated 7-classroom/daycare area, administrative offices, a 6,500-square-foot fitness area, a dance/aerobics studio, and multipurpose rooms. The remodeling included conversion of a gym and locker rooms to a banquet hall and new locker/showers, and new lighting and exterior windows in the field house. A new parking configuration and landscaping were also included on the 11.7-acre site. The facility remained opened during construction by phasing the work.

"One of the many challenges facing recreational agencies today is aging facilities. Building new is not always a viable option. Improving what you have to maximize your current facility may be the best solution," says Daniel Atilano, principal at Dewberry.