project highlights
services provided
Aquatic design and engineering
year completed
2020
pool area
4,621 square feet combined pool area
features
Lap pool, recreational pool, and ADA accessible whirlpool
Beloit College
Beloit, WI
Beloit College Powerhouse Pool
When Beloit College partnered with Studio Gang and Angus-Young to transform the historic Powerhouse into a hub for student recreation and wellness, Ramaker’s aquatic engineering team was brought on as the project’s pool consultant. The task: Design and engineer a new competition swimming and diving pool as part of the facility’s overall renovation.
A unique combination of early twentieth century industrial buildings, what is now the Powerhouse was once home to the Blackhawk Generating Station. Originally constructed in 1908 and decommissioned by Alliant Energy in 2010, the power plant had endured more than a century of use before it was completely repurposed as the college’s student union and athletic center.
Beloit College began the process of acquiring the Powerhouse from Alliant Energy in 2014. Today, the student union’s current design pays homage to its long history. Beloit College students can behold the early twentieth century industrial motifs while grabbing a drink from the Powerhouse’s coffee shop, jogging along the indoor track, or diving into the pool.
Ramaker approached the facility’s pool with collegiate swimmers and divers in mind. Consisting of eight 25-yard lanes, a 12-foot diving well with one-meter and three-meter diving stands, a sloped entrance ramp for ADA compliant access, and basement pool equipment and chemical rooms, the project was seamlessly integrated into the restored building. The pool also meets NCAA competition standards.
Nationwide pool consultation services
Since 1992, Ramaker’s aquatic engineering team has designed and renovated pools and aquatic facilities for municipalities, high schools, universities, and other organizations across the country. From recreational pools for community members of all ages to competition pools for university swim teams, Ramaker has developed a robust aquatics portfolio with a range of pool projects.
Need to design a new pool or upgrade your existing aquatics facility? Start a conversation with Ramaker today.
