The IMA Locker Room and Pool Upgrade marked the first major renovation of the University of Washington’s Intramural Activities facility in decades, transforming a busy but outdated space into a modern, inclusive and sustainable destination. Through design-build delivery, the team replaced outdated locker rooms with gender-inclusive locker rooms, upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, improved moisture control and refreshed amenities, all while keeping the overall facility open and serving thousands of daily users in other recreation spaces.
Balancing Access and Ambition
While the locker rooms and pool spaces were closed to patrons during construction, the rest of the building — including gyms and fitness areas — remained open. The team used precise phasing, strategic scheduling and constant coordination with campus recreation staff to keep surrounding operations safe and uninterrupted while ensuring the renovated spaces were ready for reopening.
Design-build delivery allowed the team to address challenges early through transparent communication, regular stakeholder check-ins and a proactive risk register. A 50% shared savings incentive encouraged cost-conscious decisions without compromising quality, while quick decision-making kept the ambitious schedule on track.
Sustainability and accessibility shaped the project from the ground up. The facility now operates with water-saving fixtures, high-performance lighting and advanced HVAC systems that reduce energy use while durable finishes cut long-term maintenance. Inside, private changing areas and universally designed showers create comfort for all genders and abilities, while clear wayfinding, ADA-compliant routes, slip-resistant floors and improved pool entries make the space safe and welcoming for every member of the campus community.
The renewed IMA is a model for how design-build can modernize aging infrastructure without completely shutting it down, delivering a forward-thinking space that serves the university’s diverse and growing population for decades to come.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | University of Washington |
| Design-Builder: | Hoffman Construction Company |
| General Contractor: | Hoffman Construction Company |
| Architect: | Opsis Architecture |
| Engineers: | Sazan Group Inc.; PAE Consulting Engineers; Coughlin Porter Lundeen |
| Subcontractors: | Water Technology Inc; VECA Electric & Technologies; MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions; Hoffman Structures Inc.; KrisCo Pools & Spas |
| Project Cost: | $23,854,484 |
| Construction Duration: | 17 Months |
Photos
Photo Credits: Lara Swimmer, Marissa Lordahl