Jacksonville University Basketball Performance Center

Jacksonville University Basketball Performance Center

Building through constraints

For Jacksonville University, a new basketball practice facility required more than a straightforward build. The project combined a tight budget, an aggressive schedule and evolving challenges tied to both site conditions and supply chain disruptions.

From the start, the team at Harrell Construction Co., Inc. approached the project as a coordinated effort, aligning design, engineering and construction decisions to keep progress moving despite uncertainty.

The 18,000-square-foot facility was designed to support athlete development while also reflecting a higher level of architectural intent. That balance of performance and presence became a defining factor in how the building took shape.

Designing within the site

The location introduced immediate complexity. Built into the side of one of Jacksonville’s few elevated areas, the structure required a 10-foot retaining wall along the north side to manage grade changes and maintain stability.

Rather than treating the site as a limitation, the team incorporated it into the overall approach. Structural systems were coordinated to work with the terrain, ensuring that the building remained functional while accommodating the unique conditions.

This level of adaptability reflects a core strength in Varco Pruden^™ systems, allowing buildings to respond to site realities without compromising performance or design intent.

Coordinating materials and systems

A key feature of the project is the integration of multiple wall systems within a single plane. Horizontal Panel Rib™ panels installed over hat channels, insulated metal panels and vertical Panel Rib™ panels were combined to create depth and variation without disrupting alignment.

This required careful coordination of framing, including partially inset girts and varying cee and zee members. Each element was positioned to support both structural performance and visual consistency.

Additional detailing, including multi-colored insulated panels and layered corner treatments, introduced further dimension to the building’s exterior. Recessed entryways and continuous canopies on all sides contribute to both functionality and a more defined architectural presence.

Inside, curtain wall elements at opposing ends of the building bring natural light into the space, supporting visibility and comfort for daily use.

These decisions reflect more than aesthetic preference. They demonstrate how multiple systems can be integrated into a cohesive solution when design and engineering remain aligned.

Managing time and uncertainty

The project’s schedule was shaped by external factors as much as internal coordination. COVID-19 delayed the start of construction by more than a month, compressing an already tight timeline.

Later in the project, delays in HVAC equipment created additional pressure. The facility could not be closed for extended periods, requiring the team to adjust sequencing and continue work without interrupting critical activities.

Through close coordination, the team adapted to these challenges, maintaining progress while managing shifting constraints. Design-build delivery allowed decisions to be made quickly, keeping the project aligned with its overall schedule.

This approach underscores the importance of flexibility not just in the building system, but in how the project is managed from start to finish.

A facility that reflects the process

Today, the completed practice facility provides a dedicated environment for training while also serving as a visible example of what coordinated design and construction can achieve.

The building’s performance is matched by its presence. Material transitions, layered systems and integrated detailing create a facility that stands apart without relying on unnecessary complexity.

More importantly, the project demonstrates how challenges can be addressed through alignment—between builder, systems and process.

Despite site limitations, budget constraints and schedule disruptions, the outcome remains consistent: a functional, durable and thoughtfully executed facility delivered to meet the needs of its users.

For Harrell Construction and Varco Pruden, the project reflects a practical approach to building, one that adapts to conditions, integrates systems effectively and stays focused on delivering results.