Lone Tree Wellness Center
Neumann Monson Architects
Recognitions:
2018 AIA Iowa Design Award,
AIA Iowa Impact Award 2020,
Summer 2020 Iowa Architect
Project Description
Like many small towns, Lone Tree, population 1,300, was fighting to remain relevant. For years, and to no avail, a small group of future-minded residents lobbied for a wellness center and gathering place for citizens of all ages. More recently the local school district, with all grade levels in one building, struggled with grossly outdated and undersized facilities, specifically the wrestling room and gymnasium.
The project’s momentum built when the school district and the city banded together, to create a shared wellness facility that provides for the physical, mental, and social well-being of all residents. The Lone Tree Wellness Center is now the heart of this small town and is a manifestation of the community’s teamwork.
The building’s architecture is clear and direct and reflects the town’s ethos. A raised indoor track orbits the wrestling/exercise room’s perch that overlooks the basketball court. Transparent and translucent materials at the street elevation welcome visitors by day and announce activities at night. The material palette is straight forward and hardy, with black-painted steel structuring interconnected, daylit spaces.
Wellness programs serve ages 5 to 85 and are expanding with public input. The facility hosts a wide variety of events including flu shot clinics, public meetings, Senior Coffee Time with the superintendent, birthday parties, family reunions, etc. A local community college is exploring adult education offerings.
The facility’s success can be measured by the steady increase in membership: currently over 300 active members drawing from a 30-mile radius. Success can also be measured by the number of similar-sized communities – some from as far away as 200 miles – who visit the facility in hopes of bringing a similar success story to their town. The facility is a model of what a wellness center can and should do for small town Iowans.