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Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance and Sports Center Annex Feedback and Responses

The following feedback items were shared in public settings (e.g. AU Community Liaison Committee meetings, select AU Neighborhood Partnership (AUNP) meetings, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) meetings, dedicated Meltzer Center/SCAN Information Forums, and via AU Community Input Portal).

Additional feedback can be submitted via AU’s Community Input Portal.

Feedback and Responses
Question Number Category Question Response
ED-001 Exterior Design

How tall will the building be?

 Meltzer Center will consist of two stories with a proposed height of approximately 51 feet. The Sports Center Annex (SCAN) will consist of three stories with a proposed height of approximately 51 feet. Both buildings are smaller than the approved Campus Plan height of 60 feet.
PO-001 Programming and Operations

Is the turf area big enough to accommodate a soccer game? What is or isn’t it going to have?

 The Health and Wellness Court (referred to in feedback item as “turf area”) will not be large enough to accommodate a soccer game. The Health and Wellness Court will be approximately 17,500 SF (for comparison, a typical soccer field is approximately 80,000 SF). The Health and Wellness Court will not accommodate spectator-attended events and the area will not be lit except for security lighting. The Health and Wellness Court may be used by athletes recovering from injuries, to perform stretching and other related activities. It will also provide space for groups of athletes to perform movement exercises such as sprints. The Health and Wellness Court will be available for use by the community when not in use by Athletics.
PO-002 Programming and Operations Is this a replacement gym for Bender? The Meltzer Center does not replace Bender Arena. The Meltzer Center is part of the Student Thriving Complex and will include a 750-seat gym for wrestling and volleyball competitions, and basketball practices. Basketball games will continue to be hosted at Bender Arena.
PO-003 Programming and Operations What activities do you envision for the turf area? The Health and Wellness Court (referred to in feedback item as “turf area”) may be used by athletes recovering from injuries, to perform stretching and other related activities. It will also provide space for groups of athletes to perform movement exercises such as sprints. The Health and Wellness Court will be available for use by the community when not in use by Athletics. It will not accommodate spectator-attended events.
PO-004 Programming and Operations What noise-producing activities will be allowed (and not allowed) to take place on the turf field area? The Health and Wellness Court (referred to in feedback item as “turf field area”) will not accommodate spectator-attended events and the area will not be lit except for security lighting. The Health and Wellness Court may be used by athletes recovering from injuries, to perform stretching and other related activities. It will also provide space for groups of athletes to perform movement exercises such as sprints. The Health and Wellness Court will also be available for use by the community when not in use by Athletics. There will be no amplified sound on the Health and Wellness Court.
LB-001 Landscaping and Buffers What is the plan for trees in the buffer area? AU will continue to maintain trees in the buffer area. Planting Type I - Trees are detailed in Information Forum #2 materials 03/02/2023 p. 34. AU will work closely with DC Urban Forestry on all development affecting heritage trees.
NS-001 Noise Sources What noise will occur from the building and turf area? Limited noise will be generated by mechanical equipment located on the roof of the Meltzer Center and SCAN buildings. All rooftop equipment will be enclosed within continuous acoustical barrier/screening. As part of the design process and as shared with the AU Neighborhood Partnership Facilities and Planning Working Group, AU worked with sound engineers to model what typical noise may be heard by neighbors along University Avenue. Based on the design and noise mitigating barriers/screening, AU estimates any noise from the mechanical equipment to be between 46-51 db.
PA-001 Project Admin How did we get this far in design process without narrowing down programmatic requirements? (Question asked at 1/26/23 Info Forum #1) Additional programmatic information was provided on March 2, 2023, at Information Forum #2 to reflect conversations with other university stakeholders (e.g. AU Athletics). Relevant programmatic information for the Health and Wellness Court is available on page 14 of the Information Forum #2 presentation (3/2/23, https://www.american.edu/communityrelations/campus-plan/upload/Information-Forum-PpT-3-2-23-vF_WATERMARK.pdf).
ED-002 Exterior Design Did you place the turf area there because of a desire to lower the max height of the building immediately adjacent to the University? The placement of the turf area does not have any relationship to the height of the building immediately adjacent to the university.
ED-003 Exterior Design Is this the final design? (Question asked at 1/26/23 Info Forum #1) AU has worked with the AU Neighborhood Partnership and other interested stakeholders to develop key design aspects of the Meltzer Center and SCAN buildings. The final design is subject to the review and approval of the DC Zoning Commission through the Further Processing approval process.
PO-005 Programming and Operations If the community is going to lose the amenities of tennis courts, will they have access to the turf area? Members of the community will have access to the Health and Wellness Court when not in use by AU Athletics.
ED-004 Exterior Design It could be useful to have a reference for the size of the turf area. The Health and Wellness Court is approximately 17,500 SF. For comparison, a typical regulation size soccer field is approximately 80,000 SF.
CM-001 Construction Management Are the fence and gates going to be there? Exterior fencing is planned for the perimeter of the Health and Wellness Court. The existing University fence in the buffer area will remain in place, as will the gates along the fence.
PA-002 Project Admin Is the neighborhood partnership happy with this design? The AU Neighborhood Partnership has been meeting regularly to review and provide feedback on the overall design of the Meltzer and SCAN buildings. The AU Partnership is seeking to achieve consensus on the project prior to submission of the further processing application for Meltzer Center/SCAN.
CM-002 Construction Management What is the proposed timing for construction? The duration of construction is estimated to be two years. The exact timing of the start of construction is unknown and is directly related to the timing of certain approvals, including those the further processing review and subsequent building permit submittals.
CM-003 Construction Management How long will the construction noise take? The intensity of noise produced will vary over the course of construction (i.e. demolition phase is likely to be loudest, but its duration will be limited, and efforts will be taken to mitigate its impact). Additional details will be provided and communicated regularly to members of the community prior to the beginning of any construction activity associated with the project.
NS-002 Noise Sources The height of the building is lower than what was approved in the campus plan. That is a positive, but I still have questions on the turf area. Is there going to be any more noise in the neighborhood than there is today? AU does not anticipate noise levels from Meltzer Center/SCAN or the Health and Wellness Court to exceed the noise levels experienced today that result from activities in the areas of the tennis courts and adjacent to Reeves Field.
PO-006 Programming and Operations Since the project will discontinue the outdoor tennis courts, does AU plan on dropping the club tennis team? The university will continue to provide opportunity for club tennis teams to compete and practice at alternative facilities. The Club Sport Office will work with the students on the teams to determine the future location and support of the team.
ED-005 Exterior Design Will there be lights facing University Ave at night from the building? While there will be security lighting throughout the exterior of the building and around the Health and Wellness Court, no lighting fixtures from the Meltzer Center or SCAN will be directed towards University Avenue. Lighting mitigation measures at Meltzer Center include lights being strategically located and directed downward. Additional mitigation measures for windows on the side of the building that faces University Avenue include automatic shades and interior room occupancy sensors to ensure that lights are turned off when not in use.
NS-003 Noise Sources Are any utilities going to mounted on the University edge of the building? No utilities are going to be mounted on the University Avenue edge of the building. Utilities (water, power, data connections) will be placed in the access and service road along the North side of the building.
PA-003 Project Admin I am supportive of AU being able to fulfill its strategic needs and education purposes. I am also a neighbor about two blocks away. Hopefully, the design process is structured in a way that addresses the needs of the neighborhood equal to that of AU. What is concerning to me is this work and the uncertainty of use and building elements leaves me lacking credibility. (Note: Feedback provided at 1/26/23 Information Forum #1) AU is committed to work with all interested stakeholders, and particularly with nearby neighbors, to develop a design for Meltzer/SCAN that effectively meets the University's programmatic needs while addressing concerns raised by members of the community and mitigating potentially objectionable impacts.
PA-004 Project Admin On your website, please make the drawings easier [to read] for those with old eyes. If there are specific accommodation needs related to designs or other materials, please email communityrelations@american.edu and AU will work to accommodate the request.
LB-002 Landscaping and Buffers Perhaps if there is concern about noisy activities on the turf field, it could be landscaped with benches/planters as is the area around the entrance to Bender Arena higher up on the campus. The Health and Wellness Court will not be a location for loud athletic events. The Health and Wellness Court will be used for athletes recovering from injuries to perform stretching exercises and movement exercises such as sprints. The Health and Wellness Court will also be accessible to the community when not in use by Athletics. Additionally, Health and Wellness Court programming will not use amplified sound. There will likely be four to eight benches at the site.
PA-005 Project Admin Is an April FPA timeline realistic? Since receiving this feedback on January 26, 2023, at Information Forum #1, the AU project team has actively engaged with the AU Neighborhood Partnership (AUNP), the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) and members of the surrounding community through two open information forums. In addition, AU has briefed ANC 3D, 3E and 3A. Based on the progress made since introducing this project in late 2022, the AU Neighborhood Partnership supports an early April filing of the Further Processing Application for Meltzer Center/SCAN.
PO-007 Programming and Operations Does AU expect this to attract student athletes to the university? Competitive intercollegiate athletics, robust recreational sports, and comprehensive fitness programs are all integral components of the AU student experience, yet AU’s current facilities do not adequately serve the needs of the university community. Facility limitations serve as a significant challenge to recruit and retain high-level student-athletes, and club and intramural sports as well as recreational and fitness programs compete for field and studio space on campus. As a new, state-of-the-art facility, the Meltzer Center will serve as a catalyst to recruit and retain world class student-athletes and inspire increased competitive excellence, enhance the university’s national profile, and heighten alumni and community engagement.
CM-004 Construction Management Do you expect construction to disrupt neighboring streets? AU will work with the Facilities Planning Working Group to develop a Construction Management Plan that will effectively address issues of construction-related concerns to the community, including truck routes.
CM-005 Construction Management What is the anticipated duration of the construction? Once site work begins, the duration of project construction is estimated to be 2 years. Additional details will be provided and communicated regularly to members of the community prior to the beginning of any construction activity associated with the project.
CM-006 Construction Management Who will monitor/manage any construction vehicles that fail to abide by rules (e.g. park in neighboring streets)? The General Contractor for the project will ensure truck routes are followed and construction workers are parking in the appropriate, designated locations on campus. As part of the Principles of Construction Management shared with the Facilities and Planning Working Group of the AU Neighborhood Partnership on March 15, 2023, AU has committed to have all construction vehicles enter and exit through the Massachusetts Avenue Entrance/Exit.
PO-008 Programming and Operations I’m perplexed by the turf area… has AUNP discussed what it can and cannot be used for? It seems like that should be under discussion. Will that information be included in the Further Processing Application (FPA)? The Health and Wellness Court will not accommodate spectator-attended events and the area will not be lit except for security lighting. The Health and Wellness Court may be used by athletes recovering from injuries, to perform stretching and other related activities. It will also provide space for groups of athletes performing movement exercises such as sprints. The Health and Wellness Court will also be available for use by the community when not in use by AU Athletics. These issues will be addressed in the Further Processing Application (FPA).
PO-009 Programming and Operations Community use I’ve envisioned for [Health and Wellness Court]… it would be a great place for people to wake up early and have a yoga class. AU will continue to work with neighborhood stakeholders to explore potential community programming opportunities for Meltzer Center/SCAN-- and the Health and Wellness Court. An early morning yoga class is a great idea.
L-001 Lighting Is the building scheduled to be open 24/7? If so, what do you anticipate the light from the windows of the property that is facing University Avenue? Operating hours are planned to be similar to Mary Graydon Center and Bender Arena hours. As with other university facilities, certain areas of the building will be accessible outside of normal operating hours to authorized users with controlled access. In order to mitigate light impacts from windows on the side of Meltzer Center that faces University Avenue, AU will utilize occupancy sensors and autoshades.
CM-007 Construction Management What kind of disruption will there be in the surrounding neighborhood? The intensity of noise produced will vary over the course of construction (i.e. demolition phase is likely to be loudest, but its duration will be limited, and efforts will be taken to mitigate its impact). AU will work with the Facilities Planning Working Group to develop a Construction Management Plan that will effectively address issues of construction-related concern to the community. Additional details will be provided and communicated regularly to members of the community prior to the beginning of any construction activity associated with the project.
CM-008 Construction Management Will the construction access point be along University Avenue? The primary access point for construction vehicles will be the Massachusetts Avenue entrance/exit.
PO-010 Programming and Operations Will the tennis courts be relocated? The tennis courts are not planned to be relocated on campus.
PO-011 Programming and Operations Will the basketball and volleyball courts be removed? The outdoor basketball courts are planned to be retired. The volleyball courts are located adjacent to Jacobs Field and will not be impacted by this project.
PO-012 Programming and Operations What will happen to the student community garden? The student community garden will be moved behind Katzen Arts Center (between Katzen and Nebraska Hall). This relocation decision was made in partnership with the American University Neighborhood Partnership's Facilities Planning Working Group and representatives of the Fort Gaines Citizens Association. To align with planting season, the relocation is scheduled for November/December 2023.
PO-013 Programming and Operations Will there be food service at the facility? Concessions areas are a common feature in similar venues. AU has evaluated other existing campus locations in helping to determine whether this function is required at Meltzer Center. There are no other concession spaces within an approximate 1,200-foot walking distance of the project, and the University’s existing campus retail locations are staffed locations with limited evening and weekend hours. Given these two primary considerations, AU plans to include a small food service concession area at Meltzer Center.
PO-014 Programming and Operations Will there be external vendors? AU is planning to implement a fully automated market vending concept that will provide bottled beverages, packaged snacks, packaged fresh food items, and limited game day merchandise for student athletes, visitors, and spectators attending sporting events. The addition of the automated market vending area operating model will also allow for the offering of services in the evenings and on weekends when the athletes, visitors, and spectators are present for events or practices.
CM-009 Construction Management Will there be a construction management plan? Does AU have construction principles in place? Yes, AU worked with the Facilities Planning Working Group to develop a Construction Management Plan to address construction-related concerns associated with the project. Construction Management Principles were reviewed with the Facilities Planning Working Group on March 15, 2023 and further discussed on March 28, 2023. The principles are available for public viewing here: Meltzer-SCAN Principles of Construction dated 03-27-2023. The complete Construction Management Plan will be included in the Further Processing Application.
CM-010 Construction Management Will the construction management plan will be presented in subsequent meetings? The Construction Management Plan was developed in consultation with the Facilities Planning Working Group of the AU Neighborhood Partnership on March 15 and 28, 2023. The complete Construction Management Plan will be included in the Further Processing Application.