Repurposed storage creates bright, new fitness center

Phillips Exeter Academy

athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
ARC’s design transformed a series of dark, underutilized storage spaces in the basement of PEA’s 1910 Thompson Gymnasium into a sunny, open, flexible fitness and weight training center. The project included a complete restoration of the historic exterior: roofing, limestone restoration, and replacement of the original windows to provide a new, modern, energy efficient envelope. The project is the first implemented from the athletics master plan developed by ARC.
Presentation Mode
before image of storage space converted to fitness center
after image of converted storage space now a fitness center

Great care was taken by the design team to be incredibly efficient with the new mechanical systems and lighting to preserve as much space and flexibility as possible – and to introduce as much natural light and views to the outside as possible.

Peter Reiss, AIA, LEED AP, ARC

new fitness center with equipment

The Center’s wide variety of daylit workout spaces, open floor plan, and energy-efficient LED lighting work together to create a bright, welcoming fitness experience for every PEA student and faculty member.

exterior or renovated fitness center building

Photography: Warren Patterson Photography

Project
Downer Family Fitness Center at Phillips Exeter Academy
Location
Exeter, MA
Size
10,000 AF

Repurposed storage creates bright, new fitness center

Phillips Exeter Academy

athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
Project
Downer Family Fitness Center at Phillips Exeter Academy
Location
Exeter, MA
Size
10,000 AF
ARC’s design transformed a series of dark, underutilized storage spaces in the basement of PEA’s 1910 Thompson Gymnasium into a sunny, open, flexible fitness and weight training center. The project included a complete restoration of the historic exterior: roofing, limestone restoration, and replacement of the original windows to provide a new, modern, energy efficient envelope. The project is the first implemented from the athletics master plan developed by ARC.
Presentation Mode
before image of storage space converted to fitness center
after image of converted storage space now a fitness center

Great care was taken by the design team to be incredibly efficient with the new mechanical systems and lighting to preserve as much space and flexibility as possible – and to introduce as much natural light and views to the outside as possible.

Peter Reiss, AIA, LEED AP, ARC

new fitness center with equipment

The Center’s wide variety of daylit workout spaces, open floor plan, and energy-efficient LED lighting work together to create a bright, welcoming fitness experience for every PEA student and faculty member.

exterior or renovated fitness center building

Photography: Warren Patterson Photography

Repurposed storage creates bright, new fitness center / Phillips Exeter Academy
before image of storage space converted to fitness center
athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
after image of converted storage space now a fitness center
athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
new fitness center with equipment
athlete doing a box jump in fitness center
exterior or renovated fitness center building
athlete doing a box jump in fitness center