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Grimm + Parker - Sterling Community Center

Sterling Community Center

Sterling, Virginia

client

Loudoun County Government

size

20,000 sf

certification

Tracking LEED Silver Certification

type

Renovation + Addition

Grimm + Parker - Sterling Community Center

With the departure of the Sterling Library in 2017, the opportunity arose to completely transform the existing, outdated, joint-use community center into a new, state-of-the-art facility that serves as a focal point and gathering place for the whole community.

The Sterling Community Center is a 1970s-built masonry building of approximately 18,000 sf. Once a split-level, single story building, it has now been raised to one contiguous level. The existing gymnasium has also been expanded on two sides and received a new, higher roof structure.

Located in the heart of Sterling Park, the new center provides a walkable destination with quality outdoor spaces, including a grass play area, teen patio, and a terraced amphitheater with a pavilion that has been transformed into an intimate community performance venue nestled into nature.

While the existing facility had few windows and turned its back to the street, the newly transformed community center opens to the community with an outdoor public plaza and large windows that advertise the fitness and recreation activities inside.

With large, daylit pre-school classrooms, multi-purpose activity spaces, a one-of-a-kind teen center, art room, and computer lab, the inclusive center invites people of all ages and backgrounds to take advantage of a broad range of programs and activities.

Health and well-being are promoted with raised community garden planting beds, a full-size gymnasium, fitness room, and teaching kitchen. The renovated building also includes a public lobby, teen recreation area, computer room, kitchen, classrooms, administrative space, and an art/maker space.

Closing Thoughts

The idea of wellness is reinforced in the design with abundant daylight and connection to nature.

Awards

Northern VA Capital Improvement Institutional Award of Merit

NAIOP