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Vision
Becomes Reality
Thunder Bay Recreation Center
Jesse Besser, the
founder of Besser Company and ardent supporter of the Alpena community,
had a vision for northeastern Michigan. He envisioned a place where
people of all ages could go for fellowship and sports. In his opinion
this type of interaction was a good way to build the community while
also strengthening individuals.
The
entryway is indicated through the use of blue Astra-Glaze units. The
name of the building is made of individually cut concrete masonry units.
The realization of
Jesse’s vision is the Thunder Bay Recreation Center (TBRC). The name
Thunder Bay reflects the geographic region served by the complex. The
logo symbolizes all the people who benefit from using the facility.
During the dedication
ceremony held in the summer of 1999, Jim Park, Besser Company chairman
and CEO, stated, "The Thunder Bay Recreation Center began in the
mind of Jesse Besser more than 50 years ago. Jesse would be proud that
the Thunder Bay Recreation Center was the starting point for an area
that now includes the World Center for Concrete Technology (education),
soccer fields, a baseball diamond and soon to be Community Events Center
which will be connected to the TBRC."
GMB Architects •
Engineers of Holland, Michigan, a firm that understands and exercises
the incredible flexibility of various sizes, styles, colors and textures
of concrete masonry, designed the structure. A prime example of their
creativity is the K-Dron® barrier wall, which was incorporated into the
building design in front of the tennis court area. The angled faces of
the
K-Dron units reflect sunlight differently depending on the time of day
and the time of year.
Another creative
design element is the dramatic use of color, especially around the
covered entryway. The entrance to the TBRC is clearly indicated through
the use of bright blue Astra-Glaze units.
The flexibility of
concrete masonry is evident throughout the building. Among others,
split, scored, ground, standard and Sound Cell® units are showcased in
the walls. Housed inside the building are the area’s newest
basketball/volleyball courts
(multi-purpose room), exercise studio, locker rooms, spa area, aerobics
room, tennis courts, office space and a kitchen. The design of the
multi-purpose room allow an easy conversion from sports courts to a
banquet room that is used for community events, seminars and weddings.
The entire building encompasses 49,075 square feet
(4515 sq m).
The Alpena area is
truly fortunate for the vision of Jesse Besser. Through his forethought
the community has continued to grow. Whether a school, church, office
building or recreation center the presence of Jesse Besser lives on
through the many concrete masonry buildings he made possible.
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