Pare was part of a multi-disciplinary consultant team that was selected by Rhode Island College to design a comprehensive upgrade to the 50-year-old Recreation Center, including modernization of systems and creation of spaces and amenities aligned with contemporary student priorities and interests. The “new” Rec Center includes renovations to offices, classrooms, locker rooms, the dance studio, the wrestling gym, and the fieldhouse, as well as new features such as two circuit training studios, a weight room, team rooms, a sports medicine office, and a seminar room.

For the feasibility study phase of the project, Pare performed a comprehensive structural investigation of the facility including gathering of structural framing data and developing a clear understanding of the existing building’s framing components and their condition. Based on the Feasibility Study, plans were developed which included partial demolition and reconstruction of some areas, and new construction of building additions/expansions on three sides of the existing structure.

For the final design, Pare provided several engineering services including geotechnical investigations; design of new roadway alignment, parking areas, driveways, curbing and other site restoration; design of sustainable and low impact stormwater management techniques; design of utility relocations; and structural design for foundations and framing.