DeBruce Center - University of Kansas

Henderson Engineers supplied the University of Kansas with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, electronic physical security, and fire protection design services for this 3-story, 46,000 SF facility that connects to the northeast corner of Allen Fieldhouse and provides a link to the fieldhouse and Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

James Naismith’s original Rules of Basket Ball, written in 1891, is displayed prominently in the building and is flanked by the stories of Naismith, “the Father of Basketball,” and Phog Allen, “the Father of Basketball Coaching.” The facility contains display areas including the original rules of basketball, a 200-seat student dining commons, an athletic training table for men’s and women’s basketball, a café, and a 60-seat restaurant.

Design includes wall/roof insulation and glazing studies to optimize building envelope for energy savings. MEP systems include a new 4-pipe hydronic chilled water and hot water central plant tied into the existing central plant for diversity as well as redundancy of central mechanical systems. Additionally, the design includes water savings plumbing fixtures, efficient architectural lighting, daylight harvesting controls, and building integrated submetering and automation controls.

The electronic physical security system design includes video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection throughout the DeBruce Center, as well as special security measures for the Rules of Basket Ball display.