We apologize for the lack of updates regarding this project. Due to the rapid pace of developments, there was not a finalized plan to share as we evaluated multiple options. Any update provided earlier would have been based largely on possibilities rather than confirmed decisions.
How Did We Get Here?
This project has been 63 years in the making. The Old Gym is a unique and beautiful facility, particularly because of its exposed wooden arches, which have long been a defining feature of the interior. For many years, we believed the building primarily needed updates and general maintenance.
However, the wooden arches began to delaminate sometime prior to 1985. In a proactive effort to address the issue, the district installed steel sleeves to reinforce the affected arches. This solution was intended as a temporary measure to provide additional time while a permanent solution could be evaluated. It was never designed to stop further delamination of the wood itself.
The investment made in 1985 proved to be worthwhile, as the temporary fix successfully extended the life of the structure for nearly 40 years. Unfortunately, the building has now reached the point where a long-term solution is no longer feasible.
While the Old Gym primarily served as a practice facility, the new building will function more as an auxiliary gym and will be designed to support full competition use in the future.
Project Scope
Final design details will depend on cost estimates and bid results; however, the current project scope includes construction of a new gymnasium within the existing footprint of the facility being replaced. The layout will be similar to Muenster's current practice gym and is expected to include:
One full-length competition basketball and volleyball court
Four side basketball goals
Two cross-court volleyball courts
Wood flooring
HVAC system
LED lighting
Two single-use restrooms
The facility will also be designed to accommodate a future Phase II expansion, which may include:
Locker rooms
OAP space
Music room
Additional storage areas
Tentative Timeline
July 2, 2026
The district evaluates, and potentially approves guaranteed maximum price (GMP) as presented by the Construction Manager @ Risk (MMC)
Shortly after July 10, 2026
Asbestos removal to begin, followed by building demolition.
August–October 2026
Final design selected
Cost estimates completed
Permitting and code compliance finalized
Construction bids received and reviewed
The district evaluates, and potentially approves guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction of the new gymnasium as presented by the Construction Manager @ Risk (MMC)
October 2026
Groundbreaking begins
August 2027 (Target Completion)
New facility completed and ready for use
Current Status
The district has preserved the center-court Hornets logos from the last two gym floor replacements. These will remain in storage and be incorporated into the new facility in the future.
Storage areas within the Old Gym have been cleared, and items have been relocated to designated areas on the gym floor for each program.
Storage containers have been delivered for items currently housed in the facility.
The district has secured portable classrooms to use as replacement locker rooms.
The district is salvaging usable materials and equipment for potential future use.
Items being auctioned are available through reneebates.com.
Geotechnical drilling was completed on June 18, 2026.
Surveying and engineering services are being scheduled.
Facility design work is underway.
Staying Informed
The district is developing a webpage within the district website to provide ongoing updates and project information as it becomes available.
Visit the Old Gym One Last Time
If you would like to tour the campus facilities or visit the Old Gym before demolition begins, please contact us by phone or email to schedule a visit. Walk-ins are always welcome; however, we cannot guarantee that someone will be immediately available to assist you.