By Zack East, MoodyontheMarket.com Features
Those of you cruising along “Old 31” in Berrien Springs may have noticed some work taking place at the longtime home of Berrien Springs Public Schools’ fall football games as construction trailers have moved in. May 23 saw the groundbreaking of an ambitious new construction project to replace the current football field and surrounding outbuildings. In August of 2020, teams from not only football, but track & field and soccer will begin to utilize the new space.
In addition, the new Sylvester field space will feature classroom learning spaces, a space for the community recreation programs, and many other events and activities.
The team at Carmi Design of Berrien Springs is leading the design process on this project, with support services from Wightman of Benton Harbor. The architects will meet with focus groups that will help provide insight from a variety of viewpoints on the uses and needs of the new spaces. Administration, staff, coaches, community organization leaders, students, local government leaders and community members are being welcomed to participate in the process, which will begin meeting in the next few weeks.
Superintendent Dave Eichberg tells us, “the new facilities will mean richer and deeper real-world experiences for students, opportunities and a source of pride for the community.”
The Performing Arts Center will feature auditorium-style seating, storage, and performance areas, in addition to classroom and instructional space for the District’s choir program, band program, and drama & musical productions. The building may also possibly showcase technology-related programming, such as robotics, computer science, and more.
The planned Indoor Athletic Complex will provide an auxiliary gymnasium and practice space for up to three indoor athletic teams at one time, plus additional team locker rooms for male and female athletics, a new fitness and weight room, and wrestling and competitive cheer practice space. As outlined in the accompanying photo here, and at this link, the “IAC” would be located between the tennis complex, the Sylvester Outdoor Athletic Center, and the baseball and softball complexes to allow all athletes easy access to the building.
January 2022 will be the projected completion date for all three major projects that will bring change and improvement to the Berrien Springs campus.
The District will continue to update the public with more information on the progress of the projects, and welcomes input from the public, by checking out their website here.
Below is a provided outset design image of the “PAC” and “IAC” buildings:
