Once home to all varsity athletics, Dillon Gymnasium is now primarily used as the headquarters for Campus Recreation programs, serving undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff. In addition to Stephens Fitness Center and Dillon Pool, Dillon includes many other activity areas and various administrative and varsity athletic coach offices. It is also the home venue for men's and women's varsity volleyball and wrestling matches. As Princeton University plans to increase the student population in fall 2022, it is necessary to renovate and expand Dillon Gymnasium so Campus Recreation may continue to provide robust recreational opportunities to a larger campus community.
The project includes demolition of existing modular structures located on the Dillon Court area and construction of the Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center, a 2-story addition on the southeast corner of the building. The remainder of Dillon Court will be resurfaced and landscaped for recreational use by the campus community. The project also includes a major renovation of the south portion of the A level, which is currently underutilized, and Stephens Fitness Center in the southwest wing of the building. The renovation will create a new accessible entrance and lobby on the north side of the south wing near the existing tower and increase accessibility in most of the building with the inclusion of a new elevator that will serve all levels on the south side of the building from the pool up to the main gym. The existing paved parking lot near the tower will be repaved and landscaped to create a new pedestrian entrance plaza.
Focusing primarily on passive strategies, the project will also include natural ventilation, mass timber construction and a green roof at the addition. In keeping with Princeton University’s Sustainability Action Plan, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, enhance stormwater management in the area, and cultivate healthy and resilient habits. We design buildings and manage construction projects that help the University achieve our Sustainability Plan goals. See how on our sustainable design pages. The building's sustainable design and responsible development will be enhanced by the active participation of the engineering team and construction managers early in the process. The University is seeking LEED Gold certification, a standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council, for the buildings.
If you have a question or concern about campus construction please call us, 609-258-8023 (7:30 am – 5 pm) or submit a Contact Us form.
