National Cathedral School
Washington, D.C.
The National Cathedral School opened in 1900 and is the oldest of the institutions constituting the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation. The existing 1954 gym was designed for only 80 athletes. The school determined it was necessary to improve their athletic facilities to meet the demands of their current student population. The new $17.3 million 100,000 GSF below-grade athletic center provides for the athletic, health and wellness needs of approximately 550 students. The facility includes four gymnasiums, an indoor track, weight and aerobic facilities, a climbing wall, crew room and lockers, shower, office classroom and meeting facilities with garage parking.
Heery International provided owner’s representative services and guided the National Cathedral School through all phases of the project including A/E negotiations, selection of skilled contractors for the specialized project and quality assurance. Heery also secured and managed the archaeological investigation; managed the furniture, fixture and equipment contracts; managed the signage contracts; and coordinated the security system.
The planning and construction of this unique facility offered many challenges including fitting a new visually appealing athletic center on a tight, existing, urban site, while maximizing the athletic field’s green space, preserving much-loved views of the National Cathedral, and protecting the 100+ year-old trees. The surrounding residents were concerned about the effect of this project on their living environment as well, and Heery provided the National Cathedral School and A/E team with technical expertise and support at all of the community meetings.