Bowdoin College, Whittier Field
This transformation fulfilled Bowdoin College’s and the public’s desire to retain Whittier Field’s much-loved history while equipping it with modern amenities necessary to secure it as the 21st Century home of the College’s football, track and field, and men’s lacrosse teams. Whittier Field Athletic Complex was renovated in a two-phase project funded through private donations that revitalized this revered piece of college sport history.
The initial $4.5 million phase replaced the grass field with artificial turf and added lights, seating, and a new two-level press box, along with expanding the six-lane track to the eight lanes necessary to host NCAA championship track meets. The exterior of Hubbard Grandstand, which was added to the National Historic Register of Places in 2017 to assist with fundraising, was rehabilitated. Bleachers built around Hubbard Grandstand were removed to showcase its historical architecture. Additional aluminum grandstands were constructed on the opposite side of the field to preserve the spectator seating capacity.
The second phase relocated a public roadway, constructed a one-story 8,780-square-foot team/spectator support facility, and completed the east end of the additional spectator seating constructed in Phase 1. The Whittier Field support facility houses locker, training, and equipment rooms and spectator restrooms.
Awards:
- 2019 ACEC Maine Engineering Excellence Awards – Honor Award for Integrating Historical Preservation in Engineering Design
Project Services:
- Facilities Design
- Landscape Architecture