Design began in 2022 and concluded in March 2023, followed by demolition in May and the start of expansion construction in September. With completion targeted for September 2024, the project required an efficient, highly coordinated approach to maintain an active campus schedule. Wells’ prefabricated precast concrete played a central role in meeting that demand, providing custom geometry, refined architectural finishes, and rapid installation in a congested area that remained operational throughout construction. Panels were prefabricated off-site with acid-etched surfaces and coursed reveal patterns, visually connecting the bridge and base walls while delivering the durability required in a demanding athletic environment. Precast’s ability to span long distances, remain self-supporting, and install efficiently helped keep the project on track while preserving access to the field below.

The team navigated tight access, live athletic events, and complex sequencing with other trades. Working within just 15 feet of the field’s end zone, the Wells team coordinated daily with campus operations to stage deliveries and plan crane locations safely. A custom A-frame cart was developed to lower understructure panels through bridge deck openings, allowing precise placement where crane access was limited. Each precast component was modeled and ticketed in Revit, including hardware and reinforcement, ensuring accuracy from detailing through installation. Multi-radius arches, sloped reveals, and spliced vertical panels were fabricated to match bridge slopes and structural demands, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and coordination between design and field teams.

Wells also supported the project’s broader performance goals. Prefabricated concrete’s strength enabled open and flexible interior spaces, while its durability and low-maintenance characteristics support long-term use in a facility subject to continuous activity and impact. Designed to meet LEED certification goals, the project incorporates daylighting, energy-efficient systems, and low-flow fixtures. Material reuse further reinforced sustainability objectives, with wood flooring from the original 1959 gym repurposed into signage, stair treads, and custom furnishings. Concrete’s inherent thermal mass and long service life contribute to the facility’s long-term efficiency and environmental performance.

By aligning architectural integrity with construction ingenuity, the precast system delivered schedule certainty, structural performance, and visual continuity across campus. Through digital precision, off-site fabrication, and close collaboration, Wells helped transform a mid-century recreation building into a resilient, wellness-focused destination built to serve the next generation of campus life.