The University of Chicago Athletic Field & Service Building

The University of Chicago selected Eriksson Engineering Associates, Ltd. (EEA) to convert its vacant parcel at the northeast corner of 61st Street and Woodlawn into a synthetic turf athletic field with a 1,250-square foot service building. EEA was the prime consultant on the project coordinating efforts from architectural, structural and MEP design team partners. In addition to civil engineering, EEA also provided irrigation and landscape design services.

To meet the accelerated completion schedule, the project was divided into two phases – the first for the athletic field and followed by the service building. To combat the long building approval process, the field was permitted first, allowing construction to begin on the more demanding portions of the field.

The lighted, synthetic turf field serves both varsity soccer, and as a multi-purpose space for intramural and club-level teams. The turf was supplied by FieldTurf and striped to accommodate soccer and lacrosse. The complex is outfitted with accessible sidewalks and bleachers, protective netting, and security fencing. Four, seventy-foot, Musco lighting standards provide the university with maximum flexibility to schedule practice and games within the field complex.

The heated and cooled service building provides restrooms, a training room, and storage room for athletic equipment. This single-story structure boasts the Maroon’s school colors both on the pre-cast walls and metal roof. A full assortment of utilities was routed to serve the building including water, IT and telephone.