Heavy timber framing is underway at the Upper Macungie Township Indoor Soccer Facility.
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.
The construction of the Upper Macungie Township (UMT) Community Lifestyle Center’s indoor soccer facility is making significant strides, with heavy timber framing now one quarter complete. This extensive project, valued at $49 million, aims to address the recreational needs of a rapidly growing community in Pennsylvania, and early phases of construction have already started.
Currently, the crews from StructureCraft, the British Columbia-based engineering firm responsible for the structural design, are advancing on the roofing section of the building. They have begun installing glulam purlins and two layers of plywood, marking a critical step in the overall project timeline. The facility’s design includes gable walls framed with glulam columns and wind girts, which support the overall structure while maintaining an aesthetic that reflects the area’s agricultural heritage.
The UMT Community Lifestyle Center will encompass four interconnected buildings, collectively offering a substantial gross floor area of approximately 188,000 square feet. Among these, the standout structure is a 133,000 square foot indoor soccer facility that will not only serve as a sporting arena but will also house two flex gyms and an amenity/lobby building designed for community engagement and accessibility.
Designed with both cost-effectiveness and sustainability in mind, the facility’s construction employs a hybrid structure of heavy timber and steel. It has been determined that using timber is competitively priced compared to traditional steel options. This decision has been pivotal in ensuring a balance between cost and aesthetic appeal.
The architectural team’s efforts over nearly a decade have culminated in the current construction phase, which began in April. The initial erection of the timber superstructure is expected to be completed by the end of the year, laying the groundwork for subsequent stages of the project. As construction unfolds, there have been adjustments to schedules to accommodate delays caused by spring rains, demonstrating the team’s commitment to recovering lost time and securing the building against unexpected weather challenges.
Moreover, the construction utilizes approximately 50,000 cubic feet of Austrian glulam beams, columns, and trusses, paired with about 250,000 pounds of steel structural members. The design emphasizes an optimized portal frame structure, which enhances both stability and material efficiency.
Upon completion, expected by summer 2026, the facility is poised to become a significant community landmark, providing opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to engage in recreational activities. The project is not only about sports; it cultivates a sense of connection within the community by offering versatile spaces that cater to diverse interests.
The funding framework for this ambitious project includes $44 million in awarded bids, supplemented by $750,000 in federal funds and $5 million from the state. This financial backing is crucial to ensuring that the construction progresses as planned while adhering to sustainability goals and materials efficiency, which have been key priorities from the project’s inception.
As crews continue to evolve their building strategies to meet the dynamic needs of the construction timeline, the UMT Community Lifestyle Center’s indoor soccer facility stands to significantly enhance the recreational landscape of Upper Macungie Township, ultimately enriching community life through increased accessibility to sports and fitness opportunities.
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