Supporting Health and Wellness for a Military Community  

Located along the east coast of North Carolina, the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point is home to a large military installation comprised of nearly 50,000 people, ranging from active-duty Marines to civilian employees.  

Bringing together service members and their families, the new fitness center and pool provide a vital and previously missing resource to the community on base, enhancing training experiences and contributing overall to member health and well-being.  

Serving as a Beacon on Campus  

Positioned at the vital crossroads of the residential zone, administration zone and flight line operations zone on the base, the design blends distinct architectural languages to create a building that respects existing requirements and context while also serving as a symbolic ‘beacon’ enhancing training, fitness, and mental health across the community. Natural light floods the interior fitness and natatorium spaces, reinforcing a sense of openness and wellness. The space draws Marines, their families, and civilian staff together in a facility dedicated to improving training, fitness, and mental well-being for the entire community.

Key design features include:

• Large, light-filled, interior fitness and training spaces
• Personal and group fitness spaces
• Weight and cardio fitness areas
• Gymnasium
• Natatorium  
• Classrooms  
• Health promotion program and administrative spaces
• Locker rooms, storage, and mechanical spaces sized to support a variety of activities