Old River Rd Wellness Center

A waterfront wellness center for a growing residential area

This proposed new Wellness Center sits on the Flats East Bank and uses the building’s orientation to activate waterfront space. The Wellness Center brings a program not yet available in an area that is seeing rapid residential growth. The center is built around four ideas:

1. Fitness (gym facilities, yoga, and cycling classes)
2. Wellness (ozone sauna, relaxation pools, spa amenities)
3. Therapy (cryotherapy treatments, massage)
4. Community (juice bar, rooftop pool and nightclub, boardwalk)

The existing site consists of three buildings, including one historic structure. The new plan replaces two of these buildings with a single structure. The new consolidated massing creates a direct outdoor path from Old River Road to the waterfront that is currently lacking. The massing is set at an angle, creating a large open gathering space at the river. These connections activate the riverfront and take advantage of different transportation modes like the water taxi that runs between the east and west banks of The Flats.

A monumental stair leads up from the boardwalk to an open-air rooftop pool and bar. The stair makes the upper deck a seamless extension of the boardwalk while also serving as a stage for live performance. The upper deck also connects to a semi-enclosed nightclub. A mixture of floor-to-ceiling glass panels and frosted partial walls set the club apart while maintaining the visual connection to the river.