The Cambridge War Memorial renovation required the complete gutting of an existing three-story, 150,000-square-foot building that had been used as the city’s main recreation and athletic center. Although the building was partially unoccupied during the renovation, the project was under strong pressure to meet aggressive completion times so the adjacent Cambridge Rindge and Latin School could reoccupy the facility.
The existing building, which was solidly constructed in the 1950s, adapted well to new programs, resulting in easy and separate access for student-athletes and community users. The recreation center features three restored pools, a refurbished gymnasium, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a multipurpose room and separate locker room facilities for school and public use. An adjacent field house accommodates courts and an indoor running track.
The nature and scope of the project was extensive and, in some cases, technically challenging, involving hazardous materials abatement; the removal of the existing MEP system, partition walls and interior finishes; new concrete foundations within the building’s basement crawl space; new structural steel framing from the basement to the roof; concrete repair; and new elevators and stairwells. The energy-efficient and well-organized building solution is bright and welcoming, with a low-maintenance, durable palette of materials.
Secaucus Recreation Center
