Arlington Heights rec center earns prestigious design award
An old aquatics facility that was transformed into the Arlington Heights Park District's marquee indoor attraction is the recipient of the village's prestigious design award.
The Arlington Heights design commission gave the 2020 Alan F. Bombick Excellence in Design Award in the commercial category to the Arlington Ridge Center, which opened last winter following a $17 million renovation and expansion project that doubled the size of the former Olympic Indoor Swim Center.
Commission Chairman John Fitzgerald noted that additions built to the north and west complemented the original building by incorporating similar materials, while giving it an updated contemporary look with large expansive glass. The award was given to the park district and FGM Architects.
"This is truly a community design, as we hosted a number of community meetings leading up to the programming and exterior design of this building, as well as worked with the park district board," said John Dzarnowski, the architecture firm's president. "I think it meets the community standards."
At nearly 100,000 square feet, the building houses a double gymnasium, six-lane lap pool, activity pool, 12-foot diving well, warm-water pool, rubberized walking track and fitness center.
The award is named for founding design commission member Alan F. Bombick, who died in 2016.
The design panel also recognized a residence at 620 S. Beverly Lane with its single-family design award for the transformation and expansion of a modest house.