The University of Washington, in partnership with Mortenson and Gensler, is preparing to commence construction on an advanced basketball centre this summer. This £60 million endeavour has been made feasible through generous contributions, including over £1 million from loyal alumni and basketball luminaries. The completion of construction is anticipated by August 2025.
Troy Dannen, the Director of Athletics, has conveyed his enthusiasm for the impending project, underscoring the significance of investing in the future success of Husky basketball, particularly as they gear up to join the Big Ten. The support from donors has played a pivotal role in making this vision a reality and will produce a dedicated space for both the men’s and women’s basketball programmes, while also benefiting other student-athletes at UW.
The new facility will provide equal training and development opportunities for basketball student-athletes. It will encompass two 9,800 square-foot practice courts that will be accessible 24/7, enabling the Huskies to refine their skills whenever necessary.
A component of the innovative design comprises a skywalk viewing area that overlooks the courts, offering an exceptional vantage point for recruits, enthusiasts, and families to observe practices. Additionally, there will be a hospitable foyer that pays homage to the legendary players and historical moments of the basketball programmes.
Mortenson, one of the partners involved in the project, is dedicated to crafting a space that not only elevates the athletic experience but also prioritizes the comprehensive wellness of the athletes. The company perceives this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark for excellence in sports, wellness, and equity at the University of Washington.
The integration of the building with existing facilities will also benefit all student-athletes, providing new internal connections between the floor level of the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion and Graves Annex Strength and Conditioning space.
Kristin Jensen, Principal and Managing Director of Gensler Seattle, has expressed the firm’s excitement for contributing to such a significant project. The new facility promises to enhance the experiences of both the women’s and men’s basketball programs, establishing an inclusive and equitable environment that will have a positive impact on the campus and the community at large.
Mortenson and Gensler are both distinguished companies with impressive track records in their respective fields. Mortenson, established over 40 years ago, is renowned for spearheading the construction of sophisticated, forward-thinking facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Gensler, on the other hand, is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with a strong presence across the globe. Both companies are committed to creating spaces that have a lasting positive impact on people, communities, and the planet.
The University of Washington’s new basketball facility is an exciting development that will not only benefit the men’s and women’s basketball programs but also contribute to the overall athletic landscape on campus. With its equitable design and focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience, this project is poised to set a new standard for excellence in collegiate sports facilities.