RENOVATION REPORT: Belk Gym is getting a makeover

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CHARLOTTE -The Belk Gym at the University of North Carolina Charlotte is undergoing a much needed metamorphosis.

“It was well beyond time for it to be upfitted, plus code has changed,” explained John Fessler, director of capital projects at the UNC Charlotte.

The facility was built in 1970 was the school’s original gym when the school had only 600 resident students. Today, it accommodates the recreational needs of a must vaster student body at 26,000. Serving multiple needs, the 130,000 squar

e foot building also houses the university’s Department of Kinesiology, or the study of human movement, and the Department of Recreational Services.

Between the demands of age and space, it was time for a major facility upgrade.

Construction on the $17.2 million project got underway on June 2 and is expected to be completed by the beginning of the fall 2015 semester.

Improvements will include a new lobby and entrance plaza and a remodeled building façade plus new staircases for improved traffic flow. The entire building will have a modern heating and air conditioning system installed and upgraded lighting. While the building is closed during the renovation, the project calls for resurfacing and repainting lines on the gymnasium. Additionally, a new 8,000-square-area will become a dedicated fitness area with a free weight room and group fitness classes.

“The entire building will be reconfigured,” said Fessler. “The squash courts are gone, classrooms are being added. The exercise facility is being greatly enhanced. The wrestling area is gone since we don’t have a team anymore. More light is being brought to the core of the building.”

On the exterior, brick cladding is being added to the building to make it more in line to other school structures, and it’s getting a new roof to replace an old leaky one.

The locker rooms will be remodeled to include day lockers and individual showers stalls as well as improved access to the school’s only swimming pool. “Restrooms won’t be as dark and humid,” said Fessler.

The Recreational Services and Kinesiology departments will get a new administrative office suite as well as new classrooms, labs and a large auditorium-style lecture hall. During the rehabilitation, the departments are being “scattered to the seven winds,” added Fessler. It didn’t make economic sense to keep the classes and administrative office at the gym during the remodel.

Some of the Kinesiology Department’s classes will be moved to the group fitness room in the student activity center; others will be moved to various buildings around campus.

New Atlantic Construction is the primary contractor on the job, which is being paid for by student fees. The funding is part of a $41 million infrastructure development program.

Known by students as “the Mineshaft,” the gym had served as the home court of the Charlotte 49ers men’s and women’s basketball teams until the 1970s when the men’s team moved to the Charlotte Coliseums. In 1996, the other varsity teams began playing at newly constructed Halton Arena.

Project description: Complete renovation to Belk Gym at University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Address: 9201 University City Blvd.

Contractor: New Atlantic Construction

Available space: 130,000 square feet

Construction cost: $17.2 million

Construction started: June 2

Expected completion: September 2015