Sports complex overhaul under review

The plan, which would involve a complete reconstruction of the interior of Alumni Gym and substantial improvements to the Palestra, Field House, and Zornow Center, was discussed in late February by the Board of Trustees. The renovation project would rely on external fundraising, and board chairman Robert B. Goergen has pledged $5 million toward the project.

President Thomas Jackson said that the plan is a direct outcome of the needs, identified in the Renaissance Plan, to improve campus facilities, as well as the continuing comments from such campus groups as the Residential College Commission.

He noted that the facilities improvements would be of importance to many members of the University community as well as to prospective students and faculty who are considering their college or career choices.

"This is an exciting plan with a widespread payoff, and one that has broad trustee support," Jackson said.

Options ranging from performing "maintenance only" on the complex to demolishing the current facilities and building from scratch were examined. The $12.6 million plan is the middle option, one that is "fiscally responsible and will also accomplish most of what we need to have done," Jackson said.

The changes include a vastly improved entrance to the complex, with better access to various areas inside; relocation of the coaches' offices to the front of the complex; construction of a new and spacious fitness center and new multi-use rooms; enlargement of the basketball court to meet NCAA standards; renovation of the spectator area of the pool; and installation of air conditioning in Alumni Gym, the pool, and squash courts.

In addition, the complex would have two new elevators and significant ADA improvements with the reworking of the main entrance and primary circulation paths.

On the outside, external bricks may conceivably be added to the Zornow Center to enhance its appearance. In addition, the service road between the complex and the residential quad may be closed and turned into "green space."

Jackson noted that no details of the plan will be final until the campus review is complete.

If the project receives trustee approval in May, construction could begin in March 1999 with final completion of the various phases by August 2000. The construction would be carried out in phases--the first involving Alumni Gym; the second, Palestra and Field House; and the third, Zornow Center--to minimize, to the extent possible, the disruption to athletics and other facility uses.