News Summary
The construction of the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center is advancing with heavy timber framing now one-quarter complete. This $49 million facility will cater to the community’s recreational needs, featuring two flex gyms and an amenity building within its expansive 133,000 square feet. The project demonstrates a commitment to using sustainable materials and a design reflecting the township’s agricultural heritage. Despite some challenges, the facility is expected to be completed by summer of 2026, promising to enhance community engagement and recreation.
Heavy Timber Framing Begins at Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center’s Indoor Soccer Facility
The construction of the UMT Community Lifestyle Center’s indoor soccer facility is progressing, with heavy timber framing now one-quarter complete. Initial roof construction has begun, featuring glulam purlins and two layers of plywood, installed by StructureCraft crews.
This ambitious project represents a $49 million investment aimed at supporting the growing needs of the Upper Macungie Township in Pennsylvania. The center, consisting of four interconnected buildings with a total gross floor area of approximately 188,000 square feet, is set to become a vital hub for community recreation.
The centerpiece of the facility is a 133,000 square foot indoor soccer structure, which will not only feature open playing fields but also incorporate two flex gyms and an amenity/lobby building. The facility is designed with gable walls that are framed with glulam columns and wind girts, providing both strength and aesthetic appeal while reflecting the township’s agricultural heritage through its post-and-beam construction style.
StructureCraft, a company based in British Columbia, is the structural engineer and superstructure design builder for this groundbreaking project. The design emphasizes cost-effectiveness, utilizing a heavy timber-steel hybrid structure, which was found to be competitively priced compared to traditional steel during the planning phase. The project includes notably 50,000 cubic feet of Austrian glulam beams, columns, and trusses, paired with 250,000 pounds of steel structural components.
The facility’s architectural design has been under consideration for nearly a decade, culminating in a successful merger of the architectural firm HKA5 with Howard Kulp Architects in 2024. Construction of the timber superstructure commenced in April, with goals set for completion by the end of the year. Builders are committed to innovative, sustainable materials and efficient methods to keep costs down while maximizing the project’s viability.
Despite challenges in procurement and design finalization amid evolving project requirements, the construction team has strategically adapted its schedules to regain time lost due to spring rainfall. Currently, efforts are underway to expedite security measures against weather impacts, ensuring a steady progression towards completion.
The facility is not just about sports; it aims to foster an inclusive environment that strives to provide recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities. The center is designed to enhance community engagement, making a significant impact on local recreational access.
Funding for the project has seen a robust structure with $44 million of awarded bids, complemented by $750,000 in federal funds and $5 million from state resources. As construction continues, residents of Upper Macungie Township can anticipate the facility opening its doors to the public by the summer of 2026.
The signature design of the facility is not just about function; it embodies a commitment to combining modern construction techniques with sustainability. The geometry of the portal frame structure is meticulously designed for stability and material efficiency, which is vital for a project of this magnitude.
As heavy timber framing advances and roof construction continues, the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center is set to become a landmark that unites residents around health, fitness, and recreational activities—all while honoring the township’s rich agricultural heritage through its construction methodology.
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Additional Resources
- Engineering News-Record: Pennsylvania Project Team Wrangles with Long-Span Timber Complexities
- The Morning Call: Upper Macungie Community Lifestyle Center Photos
- Lehigh Valley News: New Pickleball Courts Likely Coming to the Parkland Area
- 6ABC: Woman Attacked and Killed by Own Dog in Lehigh County
- Wikipedia: Community Center
- Google Search: Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center
Author: Construction TX News
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