Northfield Mount Hermon

NMH wanted to reflect their commitment to student well-being with an upgrade to their athletic facilities. Jones Whitsett Architects was hired to convert the historic James Gym into the Calagione Fitness Center, improve the McCollum Ice Hockey Arena, and construct a new wrestling center near the campus tennis courts. The first phase of work involved renovation of the existing 6,000-square-foot James Gym into the Calagione Fitness Center, an overlooked jewel of the campus. James Gym possesses high ceilings, tall arched windows and an unusual overhead running track.

The design replaced worn finishes, removed unused apparatus, and provided new lighting to draw attention to the remarkable roof structure. Also included in the project were structural floor reinforcements to support a new weight lifting area, ventilation improvements to improve indoor air quality and restroom upgrade, lobby and office renovations.

The second phase involved the design and construction of a multisport venue below James Gym, near the school’s existing McCollum Ice Arena. JWA worked with Renaissance Builders to design a daylit wood and insulated metal clad steel building with locker rooms and viewing stands to support the wrestling program and others sports. They also designed a wood pavilion and outdoor terrace to provide restrooms and shared outdoor space to the new venue, the improved ice arena and the existing tennis courts.

Type: 9-12 Education

Award: 2022 WMAIA Merit Award