The new 10,000 SF fitness center is one of the first projects implemented as a result of the comprehensive athletics master plan developed by ARC at Phillips Exeter Academy. The state of the art facility is located in the lower level of the historic Thompson Gymnasium Building, which was constructed in 1910 as the original home for athletics at PEA. ARC’s design transformed a series of dark, underutilized storage spaces and inadequate facilities for dance and cycling into a sunny, open, flexible space for fitness and weight training. The new space includes distinct zones for cardiovascular exercise equipment, strength training power racks and free weights, as well as a central area with interior turf flooring – providing a flexible space for a variety of exercise drills and for practice for the 40 yard dash. The project also included a complete restoration of the historic exterior – including new roofing, limestone restoration, and replacement of the original windows with new steel-insulated windows to maintain the buildings historic integrity while providing a new, modern, energy efficient envelope. The open floor plan and energy-efficient LED lighting work together to create a bright, welcoming fitness space for all students and faculty at PEA. ARC is currently working with PEA to continue to implement the next phases of the athletics master plan including a new 150,000 SF Field House and a new entry to the Love Gym Complex with circulation connections between all the components of the athletic complex.

Warren Patterson