As the largest building on The Episcopal Academy’s new campus, the Athletic Center brings together under one roof all of the indoor sporting events offered by the school. Fully ADA-compliant throughout, the building is composed of three primary areas – Natatorium, Field House, and Competition Gym – which are linked and supported by associated spaces for athletic activities.
Visible from the entrance to the building is the Natatorium, housing a six-lane, 35-meter pool and seating for 250 spectators. The pool has movable bulkheads to accommodate water polo and diving, in addition to competitive swimming. Nearby spaces include a rowing tank, wrestling room, weight room, dance studio, coach offices, and locker rooms. On the second floor, the Field House houses three practice basketball courts, although a composite rubberized floor allows for a variety of sports to use the space. Adjacent to the Field House, 10 glass-walled squash courts line a central spectator arcade, terminating in an overlook into the Competition Gym. With its hardwood flooring and bleacher seating for 1,200, this space is where the entire school comes together to cheer on its teams.
Challenges during the construction of the Athletic Center included the removal of underlying bedrock, not only at the foundations but also in the pool depths. The project was constructed simultaneously along with three other new buildings, the Campus Center, Academic Building, and Lower School, as well as new playing fields for football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer.