Cahill Fitness & Wellness Center

Design of the new Cahill Fitness & Wellness Center, which is located in Baltimore’s Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, was inspired by the surrounding densely wooded 1,000-acre urban oasis.

As a result of an inclusive community engagement program, the design team learned that the former facility was home to a successful youth-based theater program that lacked sufficient space, thus restricting the program’s growth. To accommodate the additional square footage and cost of a performance space, designers worked closely with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to develop a highly efficient floor plan by allocating fitness space within the central core and removing unnecessary circulation space.

Designed to be compliant with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), the building’s sustainable design elements include light colored roofing materials to minimize heat island effect, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, recycled materials, and low-emitting materials. Energy reduction initiatives include LED energy efficient lighting, natural daylighting coupled with fritted glazing and sun shading devices to control the amount of direct sunlight entering the building, and energy efficient HVAC systems. Notably, Over 80% of occupied floor areas have direct views to the natural woodland setting, including within program spaces that are traditionally devoid of natural light like the gymnasium, natatorium, and fitness areas