United States
project
Saint Joseph’s University, O’Pake Fitness + Recreation Center
Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) selected LF Driscoll as construction manager for comprehensive renovation to its campus recreation and athletic facility, including a natatorium. This 72,000sf project encompassed upgrades to athletic locker rooms, showers, training spaces, weight and fitness rooms, a new cardio area, elevators, the natatorium, and outdoor areas.
Collaborating closely with SJU and the design team, LF Driscoll addressed a variety of design and construction challenges with effective solutions:
- Minimizing Procurement Delays: LF Driscoll prepurchased mechanical equipment and identified a certified fabricator to produce electrical switchgear that had not been preordered, working with the design team to ensure all materials were appropriate for the environment.
- Logistics on an Active Campus: Located adjacent to a residential neighborhood, the project required careful coordination. LF Driscoll worked with SJU to designate safe parking for trade workers and ensured a secure jobsite for students, staff, and neighbors.
- Pool Construction Safety: To safeguard the natatorium during construction, a third-party engineer assessed the pool structure’s capacity for supporting high scaffolding.
- Coordinated Electrical Shutdown: LF Driscoll coordinated a campus-wide electrical shutdown on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, minimizing disruption for the university community.
The project was successfully completed in time for the new academic year, welcoming students back to an enhanced campus recreation and athletic facility designed for long-term enjoyment and use.
® Photography Credit Halkin Mason
Architect
Ewing Cole
Client
Saint Joseph’s University
Location
376 N Latches Lane
Merion Station, PA 19066
SF
72,000sf
Contract
CM-at-Risk
Architect
EwingCole
