Aug 1, 2024
As the world turns its attention to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, it's a fitting time to reflect a project that was close to CDA founder, John Chipman’s heart. John attended Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana and was a member of the rowing team.
When the opportunity came to design and develop a new facility for the rowing program, John was eager to participate as the only Culver graduate to design a structure at the historical prep-school in the Midwest.
Culver Academies, known for its commitment to education and sports, set a new standard in rowing training with the completion of its state-of-the-art crew training facility. This milestone project showcases how CDA was able to design and oversee the construction of a top-tier facility that helps shape future athletes and leaders.
In the quest to elevate its rowing program, Culver Academies undertook the ambitious project of replacing its modest crew building and storage shed with a cutting-edge, two-story structure. Completed in 2012, this 24,000 square foot facility provides a modern, year-round training environment and multipurpose spaces to support the evolving demands of the rowing team.
Central to the facility is an active moving water rowing tank, accommodating up to 16 rowers simultaneously. Located on the main level, this tank offers realistic and rigorous training sessions, independent of outdoor conditions. Adjacent to the tank is the main training and multipurpose room, outfitted with ergometers and other training equipment. Designed for flexibility, the room's equipment can be moved to allow for meetings, gatherings, and various events.
The ground level also includes essential support areas such as shell storage with direct lake access, locker rooms, showers, toilets, mechanical rooms, and coaching staff offices. The shell (term used for rowing vessels) storage, featuring three bays, streamlines the process of launching and retrieving rowing shells.
A standout feature of the new facility is the alumni lounge, located adjacent to the training room. This space serves as a year-round meeting and gathering place for alumni, friends, and guests, offering a private balcony-style deck with stunning views of Lake Maxinkuckee and the crew races.
The White-DeVries Rowing Center exemplifies cutting-edge design and functionality. The facility's distinctive steel roofline mirrors the gentle waves of Lake Maxinkuckee, seamlessly blending with its picturesque surroundings.
This world-class rowing center is equipped with Olympic quality moving water tanks, programmable to simulate a variety of open water and lagoon conditions. This innovation ensures that Culver's student-athletes can train year-round, unaffected by the often-unpredictable Midwest weather. In addition to the rowing tank, the facility boasts dedicated weight and workout rooms, enhancing the overall training experience.
“Collaboration between the owners, architects, designers, engineers, construction contractors, and benefactors made this project a great success.”
Martin Duda, Senior Architectural Design Manager
Chipman Design Architecture
The second-floor alumni lounge offers a breathtaking panorama of the lakefront, extending onto an outdoor deck that provides unparalleled views of crew races. The Lauridsen Lobby on the main floor serves as the formal entrance, featuring an intimate reception lounge complete with a large flatscreen interactive media center, creating a welcoming and interactive space for visitors.
John Chipman’s path to architecture was heavily influenced by his art teacher at Culver. When the White-DeVries Rowing Center was in design development, John saw a perfect opportunity to honor his mentor, Warner Williams. He proposed the installation of two 8-foot diameter stone sculptured eagle medallions on either side of the building. The bronze medallion design was originally created by Mr. Williams and presented to each member of the 1968 crew team, when John was a senior. John personally oversaw the fabrication of the medallions and handpicked the limestone from the quarry in Bloomington, Indiana.
“I ended up spending a lot of time in his studio working on my projects. He was a mentor to me.”
John Chipman
Culver History Quarterly – Winter 2013
The completion of the crew training facility at Culver Academies marked a significant milestone in the institution's history, reinforcing its dedication to athletic excellence. Now, as the world watches the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the White-DeVries Rowing Center stands as a testament to the importance of investing in top-tier training environments. This facility has not only met the current needs of the rowing team but also anticipated future growth, ensuring that Culver's rowing program remains at the forefront of the sport. By fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive, Culver Academies continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, inspiring future Olympians and leaders in society.
Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned retail, hospitality, restaurant, and senior living architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love collaborating, breaking boundaries, and creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty-five years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago, and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm’s Principal team, led by third generation family member, and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm’s commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today’s world.
