After significant damage was done to Strayer Gym in September during Hurricane Henri Hurricane Ida, which touched down in New York on Aug. 22 till Sept. 1, the 8-month renovation project is close to being done. The gym will be done the week of April 17 with minor additions needed
The Category 1 Storm of Henri was quickly followed by a Category 4 hurricane that devastated New York and left significant damage to Masters facilities. Damage was sustained on the first floor of the Fonseca Center and Strayer Gym. Repairing these spaces has been part of Masters’ major simultaneous construction projects this year. The Fonseca Center’s newly redone dance studio was completed on Jan. 21. The hallways surrounding Strayer Gym were similarly damaged, prompting a whole restoration of Strayer Hall’s first floor. During construction, construction crews also found mold as a result of the water damage that had been sitting there.

Throughout the whole project, one general contractor was in control of the project with subcontractors in control of other elements such as the new padding, curtains, and painting. The contractor has worked with Masters in the past making it easier for operations. 

The crew did face problems in the project overall. Director of Operations Dan Pereira said that the project was finished after its expected completion date. Pereira stressed the difficulty of Covid in the construction world which affected the work on the gym greatly. 

Because of supply chain issues we were waiting for the flooring and other equipment that was normally in stock or readily available. Everything was 6-8 weeks back-ordered..” Pereira said.

To prevent further damage from storms, Pereira mentioned the addition of preventative measures including fans that will blow air underneath the floor removing water.

Otherwise Pereira and Head of Engineering Craig Dunne expressed their satisfaction with the work that has been done. 

“ The new gym is beautiful…new bleachers, new curtains, I am really happy with the way it came out,” Dunne said.

The gym has officially been handed over to the athletic department as of Thursday 14th of April. Strayer Gym can now fit three volleyball courts and includes eight basketball hoops. Girls’ lacrosse has already used the gym during a rainy day practice.