From Split to Soaring Space
Waverly Central School District
Expansion of Wellness Center to bolster the district’s athletics program
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Tetra Tech led a complex, design‑forward renovation to create a new state‑of‑the‑art gymnasium and Wellness Center for Waverly High School. Originally two separate gymnasiums separated by mechanical equipment space, a weight room, and support spaces, the area was completely reimagined into one expansive, flexible athletic facility. The centerpiece is a second‑story, three‑lane running track that overlooks a large, divisible playing floor. The new track, an ambitious feature, required significant structural reconfiguration and close coordination with the district to keep school operations running throughout construction.
The project began with a precise demolition plan. Existing partitions, roof sections, and intermediate support spaces were removed to open a single, voluminous interior. To achieve the new layout and elevated track, Tetra Tech engineered a series of structural upgrades, including custom truss systems, braces, and shear walls. Shear anchors, reinforced concrete block walls, and columns were installed to secure the new load paths and ensure long‑term integrity. Half of the existing roof was raised by six feet to meet NCAA minimum volleyball clearance requirements, enabling the space to host regional competitions.
Removing and relocating the mechanical mezzanine and service systems without disrupting the rest of the school was a significant technical challenge. Tetra Tech’s mechanical team coordinated detailed sequencing and temporary services so that educational spaces remained functional. The phased construction plan, conveyed to stakeholders through a Tetra Tech time-lapse video visualization, provided an understanding for the progression of work and safety measures. This careful and thorough planning of the work minimized interruptions to the academic schedule and allowed construction to proceed efficiently within an active school environment.
Support areas—team rooms, locker rooms, and restrooms—were designed to withstand use while reflecting contemporary aesthetics. Materials and layouts were selected for durability and ease of maintenance, supporting athletic programming and community events for years to come. Rolling partitions and movable bleachers provided quick reconfiguration of the main floor, allowing the space to divide into three separate activity zones for classes, intramurals, or small events, or open up as one large arena for tournaments and assemblies.
Tetra Tech’s approach—combining a precise demolition plan, complex structural engineering, mechanical expertise, responsive architectural design, and phased construction—delivered a resilient and adaptable facility tailored to a small, rural district’s needs. By blending practical solutions with innovative design, the project transformed underutilized space into a vibrant Wellness Center that supports students, educators, staff, and the entire Waverly community.