Spinning off the great success of the Camp Gray Dining Hall project, Camp Director Jeff Hoeben again approached ADCI with the instruction, "Let's all start the next project!" And so the gymnasium planning began in May of 2017, setting into motion part two of Camp Gray's three-part 'Strength for the Journey, Growing our Legacy of Family and Faith' campaign.
Camp Gray is set within 225 acres of rolling, wooded hills filled with fresh air, pines and oaks. The earlier dining hall project, also designed by ADCI, was crafted to fit within that setting and blend comfortably with its surroundings. Deemed "The Heart of Camp," the dining hall is a gathering place.
As an inherently large, tall facility, the gymnasium presented different design challenges if it was follow in the dining hall's footsteps. Despite its size, the facility needed to blend in with nature and scale. And it needed an identity of its own. "The Ark" concept emerged and became the guiding design vision.
Entering the building, campers and guests are greeted by a smaller, defined entrance. Once inside, the space opens to the expanse of the gymnasium with a full basketball court, which also functions as two volley ball courts. Spectator seating allows guests to cheer for their participants. Beyond the court space, a 40-foot tall tower offers campers an activity to overcome fears and scale new heights on the rock climbing wall. Adjacent to the lobby, an arts and crafts room has ample space for campers to explore their artistic side.
The exterior facade of The Ark features materials and color palette that complement the natural setting. Wood and stone products blended in unison provide longevity while not compromising aesthetics.
We thank Camp Gray for the opportunity to once again team together to create another special component for the camp and its family.
Award Winner: 2018 Projects of Distinction Gold Award presented by Associated Builders & Contractors - Wisconsin
Award Winner: 2018 National Excellence in Construction Award presented by Associated Builders & Contractors
