DALLAS COLLEGE NATATORIUM
Mesquite, Texas
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: Lee Lewis Construction Inc.
OWNER Mesquite Independent School District
LEADING DESIGN COMPANY WRA Architects Inc.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Lee Lewis Construction Inc.
CIVIL ENGINEERING RLK Engineering
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Ponce Fuess Engineering
MEP ENGINEERING Reed, Wells, Benson & Co.
ARCHITECT/POOL DESIGNER ETC Architects and Engineers
An old aquatic center built in the 1970s had an outdoor recreational pool and was in need of an upgrade. Meanwhile, Mesquite Independent School District needed a competition pool, and at the same time, the city of Mesquite, Texas wanted a recreational pool. The result is this $9.7 million project, a partnership between the City of Mesquite, Mesquite ISD and Dallas College to create a state-of-the-art swimming facility for the community.
The pool, ranging in depth from 3.6 feet to 12.5 feet, can now be used in two lanes, with six 25-meter lanes in one lane and a new addition of eight 25-meter lanes in the ‘other axis, in order to accommodate both students and athletes for training and competitions. There is also a shallow area to teach life-saving swimming skills.
A competition-ready Myrtha gutter system was installed, raising performance standards and giving the pool a sleek look.
Myrtha RenovAction technology made it possible to renovate the existing pool structure that was not demolished, avoiding long lead times and additional costs associated with building from scratch.
Photo by Versatile Imaging Inc.
The 13,580 square meter natatorium also features a transparent OpenAire aluminum structure, allowing year-round use. This design allows the enclosure to open during good weather, providing an outdoor pool experience.
Due to time constraints, the building had to be erected before the pool was finished. The OpenAire building took three months to install and had to be placed on precast concrete.
Concrete strips were placed for the support columns, which required additional engineering, rebar and time. The pool and deck were completed after the pre-engineered building was constructed, which created a tight workspace. Two sections of walls were left open for the passage of equipment and materials and had to be closed later.
Photo by Versatile Imaging Inc.
Before installing the foundation for the mechanical yard, the project team discovered a 6-in. sanitary sewer line serving the existing locker rooms that conflicted with the new docks. The sewer had to be relocated overnight to maintain service.
Two months before the completion of the project, the pool was vandalized. Acetone and fuel were poured into the pool and sprayed with a fire extinguisher, staining and bubbling the pool liner, causing $40,000 worth of damage.
Since the pool liner was sourced from Italy, there was no time to order a new one. Fortunately, due to the contractor’s strong relationship with Myrtha Pools, the supplier was able to pull stock from other projects.
Despite this setback, contractor Lee Lewis Construction was able to complete the natatorium under budget and on schedule in January 2024.
In closing, Mesquite Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr. commented, “We are truly grateful for the incredible partnerships the city has with the school district and with Dallas College at Eastfield. The swimming pool is a direct result of the spirit of our association.”
