Phase II (Gym) Completed: 2003 Cost: $1.47 million

Phase I Completed: 2002 Cost: $4.1 million

When the Manzano Mesa Multi-Generational Center was in its initial design phases, the possibility of a future gymnasium was identified, but it was not written into the program as a express element of the project. However, in anticipation of the possibility of the gymnasium, a corner of the building included a “knuckle” onto which the gym could be later attached with minimal impact on the by then operating facility. As the center was nearing completion, it was decided to include the gymnasium within the project.

The 10,000 square foot addition includes a gymnasium with a regulation size basketball court, restrooms and storage. The gymnasium was conceived as a distinct, but complementary form to the bold geometric shapes of the original building. Its purple stucco was derived from the color of the distant mountains, while its two outward leaning walls serve to bounce light into the interior from skylights located along the north and west wall.