A National High-Performance Center • Home of OCU Rowing
Poised for launch at the river’s edge
SLEEK AS A ROWING SHELL
The Devon Boathouse is positioned inches from the river’s edge, as if ready for a regatta. The architecture creates the impression of a prow breaking the water. The riverfront Master Plan had mapped out positions for a series of boathouses and structures that build on the idea of sleek rowing shells lined up, ready for a race.
For visitors inside the building, wide wrap-around windows showcase a panorama of the river. Day or night, the views are spectacular, designed for up-close encounters with the water.
The Devon Boathouse boat bay can be seen from the balcony upstairs.
This, the second boathouse to rise from OKC’s fast-growing Boathouse District, Devon’s immaculate boathouse is twice the size of the 2006 Chesapeake Boathouse. It opened next door to the CHK Finish Line Tower all but simultaneously, as Rand Elliott Architects continued its task of designing still more sculptural structures. There was momentum to be seized.
As the home of Oklahoma City University’s rowing team, Devon Boathouse is immersed in their collegiate color, sapphire blue. Luminous, in blue LED lights and blue transparent walls along the stairs, the setting is dynamic and one-of-a-kind.
A NATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE CENTER
“This was built to win Gold medals”
CEO of USA Canoe Kayak in OKC, 2009-2014 and 1992 Gold Medal winner, Joe Jacobi, Barcelona Olympics
This OKC facility was designed to support state-of-the art training for Olympic hopefuls — developing elite athletes who’d win a spot on Team USA in rowing and/or kayak.
When the Devon Boathouse opened in 2010, it began drawing talent from across the U.S. to this new river stadium. Soon, the front page of USA TODAY featured sunny San Diego native Jen Burke, who’d moved from her hometown to OKC to train at the Devon Boathouse. The story mused about a striking reversal of the Dust Bowl exodus. Buzz about hosting Olympic Trials here had begun. Coaching talent arrived from far and wide.
Angular elements dominate the interior experience. A view of the river and ground-level events center, from the second floor.
INSIDE A POWERHOUSE
Soaring spaces framed by glass and polycarbonate walls are flooded with natural light. Expansive waterfront windows offer spectacular views of the Oklahoma River, day and night. Tours include views of the boat bay from above and more specialized training equipment.
By day, the events center hosts groups for rounds of race days, meetings and special events. It’s Oklahoma’s introduction to a sport that’s new to many. Visitors and athletes leave, excited and inspired.
The Devon training room, seen from the boat bay.
The dynamic propulsion rowing tank combines moving water and rowing seats to simulate rowing.
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