Radnor to consider renovations at Sulpizio Gym

RADNOR – The Radnor Activity Center at Sulpizio Gymnasium, 125 S. Wayne Ave., could soon undergo renovations.

During a board of commissioners meeting last week, the board approved a contract with Heckendorn Shiles Architects for a professional architectural and engineering review and conditions assessment of the building.

The board also authorized RT Environmental Services, Inc. to provide a professional hazardous materials survey in a second resolution.

The costs of each contract are $32,075 with Heckendorn Shiles Architects and $11,915 with RT Environmental Services, which would be funded from the facilities bond.

Tammy Cohen, director of parks and recreation for Radnor Township, said the gym is used by several groups such as Radnor Youth Basketball, Radnor Soccer Club, men’s and women’s basketball, indoor soccer, and others.

They also hosted other community events, such as hosting then-Vice President Joseph Biden in 2011.

“This is a great space. It’s a true community asset,” Cohen said. “As everyone is aware, there’s definitely some improvements that need to be made at the facility.”

Cohen listed some of the issues with the building, such as roofing problems.

She said the HVAC system has reached the end of its life span. Now, they can consider whether the HVAC units should remain on the roof or be relocated to the ground. It’s also a good time to decide whether to move away from gas-powered HVAC systems.

Another thing that needs to be fixed is failures along some windows.

The second contract that was approved will examine issues such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, and others to provide a complete understanding of any potential hazards with the facility.

The equipment inside the gym will also be examined, such as the mechanical arms that raise and lower the basketball nets.

They also want to look at technology inside the building, such as the lights, and consider moving to LEDs.

“We’re not buying improvements tonight. We’re buying a look into what we have to do,” Cohen said.

Once they know what the building needs, they would have to return to the commissioners for the approvals.

According to information about the gym on the township’s website, it was originally built in 1939 as a Federal Works Agency and Public Works Administration project as part of the former Radnor High School.

When the high school moved to its new location, it was used with the Radnor Middle School. When the middle school was demolished in 2007, the gym remained and was leased to the township, where its recreation department used it for indoor programs.

Both resolutions passed the seven-member board unanimously.