Located directly adjacent to the existing Regional Aquatic Center complex, this new 36,536-sq-ft aquatic facility includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, lobby and ticketing area, spectator seating and locker rooms.

Exterior windows feature vertically placed decorative aluminum blue fins, which invoke the movement and aesthetic of water. The fins also provide a function, as they will stand up to New Mexico’s extreme weather conditions and offer shading over the floor-to-ceiling natatorium windows.

Despite working off a seven-year-old cost estimate during the pandemic, the project team led a value analysis effort to keep design with the city’s budget, completing work on time and within budget in March 2023. This streamlined layout, finishes and other details early in design. The cost of pool construction materials and equipment was volatile at the time, so the contractor procured pool materials, steel, switchgear and mechanical equipment early.

Advanced filtration and water treatment systems will clean the water while also minimizing the use of chemicals. Systems include a UV disinfection technology and an automated chlorinating process. This will ensure optimal quality for the pool’s 750,000 gallons of water.

Photo courtesy HB construction

Complex areas required detailed constructibility planning. For example, the surge tank featured piping throughout that required close coordination between the cast-in-place and plumbing subcontractors.

While digging the pool, crews placed temporary barricades around the 12-ft drop to keep workers safe. Barriers remained after filling the pool.

Massive 180-ft-long trusses for the project weighing 126,000 lb each were built off site. Temporary road shutdowns occurred and all work on site was suspended or redirected to ensure safe delivery and installation.

While the facility enables professional-level competition, it was also designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Accessibility features, which were a priority for the city of Las Cruces, include pool lifts and accessible changing rooms.