A new project from Varco Pruden Builder™ Ascent Construction Inc. is the Gymnastics Training Center facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Designed by HKG Architecture of Salt Lake City, the 25,505-square-foot building provides dance and gymnastics training spaces and serves as a venue for competitions. The steel building structure features high vertical structural clearance, an open second-level mezzanine, a large viewing/seating area, recessed concrete pits and runways for trampolines and other uses.

Devoted to dance and gymnastics, the new facility is comprised of Varco Pruden’s Rigid Frame system, SSR™ Standing Seam Roof system formed from Galvalume, and Vee Rib™ wall panels. Clear span with partial continuous beam framing was incorporated at the mezzanine.

The training center embodies its mission to provide athletes, parents, and employees with a positive experience in the sport of gymnastics. The new, innovatively-clad gymnastics facility is designed to provide high quality equipment, a fun and safe environment, and a knowledgeable and positive coaching staff, with the ultimate goal of encouraging each participant to achieve his/her highest potential.

Ascent Construction faced and overcame several challenges in the construction of this project.

First, seven lots with varying structures needed to be cleared. This area included existing vacant building structures. The Ascent Construction team also removed asbestos and vermiculite from the jobsite.

Also, working next to one of the busiest streets in Salt Lake City proved to be extremely difficult and posed a daily safety hazard to workers and the public. The team worked with the Utah Department of Transportation on lane closures and traffic control measures to ensure safety.

Working with multiple entities – including Salt Lake City utilities, Lower Millcreek Irrigation and Salt Lake County – took a great amount of coordination. Ascent worked meticulously to satisfy the requirements of each entity.

In addition, there were design modifications during construction that required a revamp of the HVAC system.

Also during the construction process, the construction trailer, signage and building were vandalized with graffiti. Ascent decided to apply an anti-graffiti sealant to the building which would allow easier cleanup in the future.