Athletics and
Wellness Center FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions concerning the new Athletic and Wellness Center:
Why is this project important to the school?
Knowing healthy minds go hand in hand with healthy bodies, Waynflete considers athletic skills core to our curriculum. Our athletic program sparks learning and growth at every age. Our youngest students practice self-control and turn pent-up energy into new strengths. Middle schoolers join teams and discover the importance of working together. Older students build leadership skills and resilience through the highs and lows of competition. And above all, they get out there and play. Waynflete’s new Wellness and Athletics Center will be the heart of our holistic health program. As students develop physical gifts, perseverance, and powerful school spirit at the Center, they will also learn to value physical activity, form healthy habits, and strive toward personal bests.
Why is this project necessary now?
Waynflete’s current gymnasium was built in the 1970s. Although it has served the school well for more than five decades, it has now outlived its usefulness. While it has been a cornerstone of our physical education and winter athletic programs, it faces several critical issues, including size constraints, structural concerns, outdated design, energy inefficiency, and accessibility limitations. These factors have led to the decision to replace the gymnasium with a state-of-the-art athletic and wellness center that will better serve our students for years to come.
Wasn’t a new gymnasium already permitted?
Preliminary designs were completed in 2015 and we received permits for a new facility as part of our Lower School project. We worked closely with all stakeholders, including our neighbors, and intend to do the same this time. This current design is an evolution from the 2015 version. In the last nine years, the needs of the program have evolved. The basic geometry and footprint of the building has not changed.
What is the timeline for this project?
Demolition could begin as early as February 2025 with construction completed in July 2026. The school and design team must finalize the designs, permit the project, and complete fundraising prior to the start of construction.
What hours will the site be in operation?
Typical site hours are 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (work cannot begin prior to 7:00 a.m.). Work is permitted up to 7:00 p.m., and there may be some occasions when this will be necessary. Saturday work will be required periodically within the 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. timeframe.
Will there be dust from the demolition? Do you have any plans to protect our home and air quality?
As with any project in the City of Portland, our partner Zachau Construction will be required to submit and receive approval of a construction management plan. This plan, which is reviewed by the City’s planning department as well as the Department of Public Works, addresses work hours, traffic control, dust control, etc. We are required to control dust from construction-related activities by street sweeping, putting down calcium on site, and by using water to wet down areas—particularly during demolition—to prevent airborne dust. We will be requesting the use and occupancy of Fletcher Street to create a safety barrier/perimeter from the work site as well as a location to stage equipment.
Is there asbestos in the current gym?
The City of Portland requires the completion of a hazardous material survey, which documents the location of any asbestos within the structure, by a licensed inspector prior to issuing a demolition permit. This inspection was completed in August 2024—no asbestos was found.
What should we expect in terms of noise from the worksite?
Construction is noisy and we won’t try to tell you otherwise. The noisiest activities will occur at the beginning of the project as the site is excavated and the structure is constructed. The goal is to have the building and exterior shell completed by the winter 2025. The majority of the work throughout the winter will be conducted indoors and noise pollution will be significantly reduced. Noise and exterior activities will ramp up for a shorter period of time throughout spring/early summer 2026 as exterior hardscaping/landscaping and site finishing work is completed. Zachau has a lot of experience working in urban neighborhoods and we understand that we are the guests. It will be our priority to maintain an open line of communication with neighbors detailing our upcoming activities so that noise/changing conditions/special concerns can be communicated as necessary.
What will be the specific impact of construction on Fletcher Street?
The use of Fletcher Street is critical to the logistics of the building construction due to the geometry of the site. Neighbors will have access to all driveways and doors. We will request that the portion of Fletcher directly adjacent to the current gym be closed during construction.
