Beloit, WI: Recognized as the “Most Forward-Looking Concept in the World,” the Beloit College Powerhouse adaptive reuse renovation project reimagined a 100-year-old decommissioned coal-burning power plant into a unique student gathering and recreational facility for this land-locked Wisconsin private college. Just gaining access into the building was a challenge and surprises were found with every brick wall. Despite many challenges, including the riverfront site, the incredible efforts by Corporate Contractors Inc. and the build team resulted in a brilliantly-designed open floor concept facility.

Designed by Studio Gang Architects and Angus Young Associates, the incredible facility features multiple fitness areas, an elevated three-lane indoor track, batting cages, an eight-lane competitive pool, a 17,000 square foot, polycarbonate-enclosed fieldhouse with artificial turf, and a 180-foot pedestrian bridge that spans above the busy highway connecting the center to campus. Several outdoor decks provide sweeping river views. The anticipated LEED Silver project diverted and recycled 3,665 tons of concrete and metals.

The project was featured in the NRCA’s March, 2021 issue of Professional Roofing, “Roofing a Powerhouse”.

Awards:

In Business magazine awarded CCI top honors in the “Best New Development or Renovation – Education” category for the Beloit College Powerhouse project. One judge from the 2021 Commercial Design Awards remarked: “We have all grown up with old and decommissioned powerhouses … so to see one so thoughtfully and fully realized as a student center is an inspiration in how to capture our shared imagination for what happened in the past and what our future can look like.”

The Daily Reporter honored 55 Top Projects from 2020 during their annual awards event that recognized outstanding achievements by Wisconsin builders, owners, engineers, architects and more. In addition to receiving one of The Daily Reporter’s Top Project awards, the Beloit College Powerhouse project received over 30% of the votes and was also presented with the People’s Choice award.

The Beloit College Powerhouse was recognized as one of Wisconsin’s most impressive and unique construction projects in 2020. Corporate Contractors Inc received a Gold Projects of Distinction Award from the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin for its work on this project.