The Multi-Purpose Sports & Recreational Facility was the first new construction project to be done on the Philander Smith College campus in almost three decades. Woods & Caradine Architects was selected as the Architects for this project because of its outstanding reputation for the personal attention its architects have given to its previous projects on the college campus. Due to the College's lack of experience on projects of this size and magnitude, they were in need of a unique firm that possessed the ability to provide leadership and guide them through the critical steps of the building process.
Woods Caradine Architects worked with school officials and the Board of Trustees to develop a Master Plan for the entire campus which would make efficient use of the available real estate while positively influencing the school's image in its future growth and development. This was a very important decision due to the limited amount of land and the location of the site. With Woods Caradine Architect's guidance, a site was selected overlooking Interstate 630. The Multi-purpose Sports & Recreational facility has become a landmark in Little Rock., and it draws much attention to the once obscured college campus location.
The Philander Smith College's presence in the community has also been enhanced and defined by wrapping the perimeter of the campus with a masonry and iron security fence and perimeter landscaping. The 40,000 sq. ft. complex includes a gymnasium, physical education unit and a connecting School of Business Administration.
The gymnasium houses a main basketball/volleyball court which can be divided into two full-size regulation courts running perpendicular to the main court. A second level mezzanine provides staff and coaches offices that provide access to the third level jogging track.
The physical education wing contains four dressing rooms, racquetball court, weight room and miscellaneous classrooms. The facility is actually two buildings that are connected by a lobby, which houses concessions and public restroom facilities.
