PC Construction, an AGC of Vermont member, has completed construction of the 110,000-sq-ft Virtue Field House, passing the baton to Middlebury College student-athletes at the varsity, club, intramural, and recreational levels who now will be able to compete and play in the state-of-the-art sports facility.

Designed by Boston-based Sasaki Associates with PC Construction serving as the general contractor, the $29 million construction contract was funded entirely by donors and built with sustainability as a top priority. In fact, Virtue Field House consumes less energy than its predecessor even though it’s almost twice as large.

The significant reduction in energy consumption comes in part from the eight 24-ft-wide ceiling fans circulating air, efficient LED lighting, super-insulated walls and ceilings, and an abundance of natural light to reduce the need for overhead illumination. Middlebury College is in the process of seeking LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the facility.

The size and the scale of the six-lane, 200-meter New Balance Foundation Track (with nine lanes for sprinters) will enable Middlebury College for the first time to host regional and NCAA indoor track and field events, starting with the 2016 Women’s Division III New England Indoor Track and Field Championship.

In addition to hosting a variety of track and field events on the artificial turf field, which is suitable for all off-season and recreational field sports, the building’s footprint includes a new entry, locker rooms, expanded sports medicine facilities, offices, and spectator seating.

"Virtue Field House symbolizes the power of collaboration among our on- and off-campus partners, resulting in a building that is elegant and coherent with a warm architectural sensibility," said Erin Quinn, director of athletics for Middlebury College. "We’re especially pleased with the new first-class indoor track, which accommodates a wide variety of sports, from varsity athletics to recreational activities."

"In addition to building a facility that encourages students to be active and healthy, PC Construction is proud to support Middlebury College’s long-term efforts to integrate sustainable building into all facets of campus life," said Rich Leclerc, project manager for PC Construction.

---