Turning an ambitious vision into an
award-winning reality
When the University of New Haven set out to create a world-class sports performance center for its 500+ student-athletes, it had big goals: deliver a state-of-the-art facility equal to the best Division I programs and do it on a fast-paced design-build schedule.
Pat Munger Construction Company, Inc. the VP builder trusted with bringing this vision to life, faced a series of structural challenges that would have given many teams pause:
- Long-span mezzanine beams stretching approximately 50 feet
- Super-tight deflection limits due to large curtainwall areas
- A second-floor cardio training deck designed to support high loads from football players using treadmills, requiring specialized vibration analysis
- Typical design-build coordination issues that required close, proactive communication
To make this work, the builder brought in the Varco Pruden Conventional Steel Services team as an early partner – a decision that proved essential in delivering both the architectural vision and the structural performance needed for a facility of this scale.
Solving Unique Design Challenges Together
“The Conventional Design team was fantastic in offering solutions to unique design challenges.” – David DeMaio, Munger Construction
Our conventional design experts stepped in early to develop practical solutions that met the strict structural and aesthetic requirements. From beam sizing to load paths to tight deflection coordination, every decision had to balance structural performance with the beautiful open interior design that sets the Peterson Performance Center apart.
To ensure the stability of the second-floor training area, where football athletes run at full speed on treadmills, we performed a vibration analysis that minimized movement, ensuring structural integrity under dynamic loading. This was also a hybrid steel building, combining lighter-weight pre-engineered components with conventional steel framing to maximize cost-efficiency and structure optimization.
This kind of proactive collaboration means that architects and owners don’t have to compromise on vision to achieve cost-effective structures. By involving our team during design development, builders and architects gain a partner who understands both the technical requirements and the real-world conditions that impact schedule and budget.
A Facility Built for High Performance
The finished three-story, 31,000-square-foot facility now supports every aspect of student-athlete development. It includes a state-of-the-art weight training area, sports medicine spaces, cardio mezzanines, locker rooms, team meeting rooms, and space for future offices.
Every steel element behind the walls plays a role in making that open environment possible. For example, the 50-foot mezzanine beams allow unobstructed sightlines and flexibility for equipment layout, while the tight deflection controls protect the integrity of the large curtainwall.
The hybrid steel approach gave the design team flexibility to recommend the most efficient system for each part of the structure.
The balance of form and function was one reason the project earned Best in Class – Conventional honors in Varco Pruden’s 2025 Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing innovation and excellence in building design.
Why Early Steel Collaboration Matters
From long-span trusses to intricate deflection requirements, unique structural challenges can quickly derail a project’s budget or timeline if not addressed early. Too often, steel is treated just as a commodity, but in reality, it’s a critical piece of the design puzzle that demands practical, thoughtful solutions.
Our VP Conventional Steel Services team brings practical expertise and real-world experience to every phase of your project, working hand-in-hand with your design and construction partners to:
- Evaluate design options that protect architectural vision and function
- Identify potential coordination issues before they become costly
- Design steel buildings that make installation smoother and faster
- Solve problems creatively, balancing cost, schedule, and performance
Whether you’re planning a complex sports facility, a corporate headquarters, or any project with unique structural needs, bringing us in early can help you avoid surprises and deliver a building that stands the test of time.
A Partner You Can Count On
The Peterson Performance Center is a testament to what’s possible when builders, architects, and our Conventional Steel Services team work together toward a common goal. It’s more than just an award-winning building; it’s an environment that’s transforming the student-athlete experience for the University of New Haven, giving them a competitive edge for years to come.
Have a Unique Design Challenge in Mind?
Let’s talk about how the VP Conventional Steel Services team can help you tackle it with confidence through a fully conventional or hybrid building solution.