Team from Megamorphosis Receive Award for Design of La Feria Recreation Center

For many years, La Feria had a dream. A dream to create a Recreation Center to serve the community with not only healthy sports opportunities, but a place to gather with computer technology and learning areas available.

With determination by city leaders to locate grants and funding for the project and the foresight to hire Megamorphosis Designs of Harlingen, the complex is a reality and an award-winning reality. The 12,200 square foot building is water efficient, uses natural daylight, was constructed with local materials, addresses storm water run-off and is energy efficient. The center is located on Pancho Maples Drive across from the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex.

Megamorphosis Architect John R. Pearcy was in charge of the project, assisted by Benito Lozano II and Meg Jorn. The Lower Rio Grande Valley-American Institute of Architects (LRGV-AIA) awarded the team with the General Design Award for 2013, for one built project of the most exemplary design quality.

The LRGV-AIA Design Awards Program honors and celebrates its member’s commitment to design excellence in architecture. The ongoing awards program demonstrates to clients and the public the availability of local award-winning firms and individuals dedicated to providing outstanding architectural services. The LRGV-AIA seeks to encourage excellence and elevate the quality of architecture by recognizing and honoring works of distinction by its members and bring to public attention outstanding examples of architecture and design.

The following was submitted by the team for their design entry:

Located 24 miles north of Brownsville, TX is the small town of La Feria. Said to only have a total city area of two square miles, it is one of the most rapidly maturing cities in the Rio Grande Valley. With their eyes on the future, city leaders are focusing on the growth of the youth of the community by investing in its new Recreation Center.

The La Feria Recreation Center is located in the Recreation district of this small town where it sits in the vicinity of a sports complex, jogging trails, and a wetland park. The lush green mural welcoming passers-by is reminiscent of the natural grasslands of the region. Its sloped roof helps shed rain water to strategically placed rain chains into a trench of smooth round pebbles connecting to a network of bio-swales, naturally irrigating the surrounding land and minimizing runoff. Varieties of profiled metals and locally produced masonry help create a facility that is durable and inexpensive, while instilling a sense of pride among the citizens knowing this was a homegrown product. The carefully arranged brick pavers (also locally produced) lining the parking lot are part of a study by TAMUK on the effects of storm water run-off, making this a learning center before even settingfoot indoors.

Upon entering the facility, one is greeted by a reception desk that utilizes warm wood tones, cool galvanized metals, and vibrant colors. The exposed metal beams and use of industrial hardware garnish the modern style of architecture and design. Natural lighting increases the efficiency of the area while highlighting the architectural details found throughout the center. With security and accessibility in mind, the location of the receptionist area was strategically chosen so as to offer line of site directly into the various housed amenities including the Technology Center, Game Room, Auditorium, and Conference Room.

Across from the receptionist area is a technology center which helps to encourage and enhance learning and provide access to resources for the town’s youth. Adjacent to the technology center is a game room purposefully outfitted with kid friendly furniture making the space a relaxing and welcoming area to congregate in while also providing a positive outlet for youth. A multifunction gymnasium offers space for a variety of uses ranging from volleyball competitions to dance recitals, but also offers spectators the ability to engage in multiple activities occurring simultaneously, such as basketball games. It is within this gymnasium one can experience the effects the translucent panels have in enhancing the quality of the space with minimal use of artificial light.

A small auditorium with a temporary stage available for shows, seminars and events makes use of readily available, everyday materials creating an atmosphere familiar to most.

The La Feria Recreation center is a dream realized for the community. The La Feria Recreation Center is to be the heartbeat of the community, progressing into the future with reflections of local culture to remind this small town of the importance of responsible development, and offer the youth the future they deserve.