Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University

Princeton’s Dillon Gymnasium is an integral part of campus life that serves as a destination, a meeting

place, and an all-hours center of activity. The renovation and expansion were motivated by a need for new, enhanced, and accessible facilities for an increasing student population. The existing 150,000 SF gymnasium was built upon the remains of a gym that burned in 1944. Due to this complicated building legacy and a sloped site condition, the existing building comprised multiple offset stories of predominantly inaccessible spaces, with no accessible main entrance. Through the renovation

and addition, the facility is being updated to be 90% accessible and to include a host of new program spaces.

DIGSAU and MJMA’s adaptation of existing spaces, including underutilized squash courts, led to a 65% reduction in new built space as compared to the design brief. In addition to the embodied and operational carbon savings, the resulting jewel-box addition is better contextualized within the site.

The new and renovated program spaces include: strength and conditioning facilities; multi-purpose

group fitness studios; a lobby and reception area; recreation staff offices and consultation room; a

golf simulator facility; gender inclusive restrooms; an exterior fitness courtyard; and a landscaped

pedestrian entry plaza that transforms an underutilized parking lot. DIGSAU collaborated closely with

the University and Construction Manager to develop a phased approach, allowing the current recreation programs to remain operational during construction.