Gym
Rebuilding a Legacy
Adelbert Gymnasium renovations
An integral part of Case Western Reserve University is getting a vital overhaul, and you’re invited to help us make history.
The History of Adelbert
Adelbert Gymnasium was originally constructed in 1919 as a WWI-era armory, becoming Case Western’s key athletic facility when the war ended. Today, Adelbert Gym is used for varsity athletic practice as well as a multitude of intramural, club sport and campus recreational functions. It also serves as home to the National Youth Sports Program, an award-winning summer community youth program.
To attract the best and brightest Spartan athletes and enable them to compete at the highest level, our facilities need to set a standard. Once a shining beacon of progress, the gym is now in a state of disrepair. Renovation and expansion into a distinctive Division III varsity gymnasium is critical to the development of engagement, learning and competition at the highest level.
This renovation will not only bring the historic structure back to its original glory, but will position it as a 21st century state-of-the-art athletic destination.
Renovation Timeline
Q1 2024
Begin Permitting
Q2 2024
Permits Approved
Q2 2024
Final Price Approved
Q3 2024
Construction Contractor Confirmed and Begin Internal Renovations
Q4 2024 – Q1 2025
Official Ground Breaking Ceremony (for external addition)
Q2 – Q3 2025
External Site Preparation
Q4 2025 – Q1 2026
External Shell Build
Q2 2026
Interior Fill-Out Build
Q2 2026
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Install
Q2 2026
Move In and Project Complete
Q3 2026
New Arena Open for Use
With your help, we can kick off our future in ultimate style — in an incredible new building.
The restoration will make the building ADA compliant plus add 12,000 square feet of additional space, bringing the total to 34,595 square feet. These architectural renderings give you a small glance into a bigger future:
Athletics builds more than athletes
Athletics are an important part of the collegiate educational experience. They teach lifelong lessons in areas like team building, goal setting, time management and leadership development.
“Athletics imparts lessons that shape individuals’ future paths, regardless of their specific careers. Qualities such as perseverance, patience, trust and collaboration all play critical roles in business-and often extend to our personal lives as well. We are delighted to support future students’ utilization of Adelbert Gym.”
Fred DiSanto
Class of ’85Chair, CWRU Board of Trustees
Basketball and Football Player
“Being right on Adelbert Road, the renovation of Adelbert Gym into the new arena will increase the visibility of the recent and future successes by the Spartan basketball teams, while elevating the University’s overall stature with the student body, within the East Cleveland neighborhood, and across the UAA Conference. It is incredibly exciting and a project that is overdue.”
Arnold Huffman
Class of ‘93Chair, Adelbert Gym Fundraising
Past President, CWRU Alumni Board
Basketball Player
Frequently asked.
For more information
Gary Pillar,
gary.pillar@case.edu,
216-368-3992
Will the gymnasium still be named Adelbert Gym?
The name of the new arena will be revealed soon. Check back for future updates regarding the new arena.
What’s the fundraising goal?
The target fundraising goal is $7.5 million, with the generous $5 million donation leaving $2.5 million to be brought in through philanthropic gifts. Numerous naming opportunities provide outstanding recognition for upper-level donations.
Why does Adelbert need such extensive renovations?
Adelbert is antiquated, lacking in modern standards, and is no match for the quality of Case Western Reserve University and its students. For this reason, the decision was made to restore the facility to its original beauty and add a 16,000 square foot addition to the building.
Beyond donating, what are some other ways I can help the campaign?
- Make suggestions regarding strategy for the campaign
- Provide introductions to alumni or colleagues who may be interested in supporting the campaign
- Attend presentations introducing the campaign to provide peer-to-peer interaction
- Host a meal or gathering of prospects for campaign presentations
- Provide a follow up testimonial
What is the UAA?
Eight leading independent research universities announced in June 1986 that they had joined together to compete in varsity sports under a new league called the University Athletic Association (UAA). Case Western Reserve University is a founding member along with Carnegie Mellon University, University of Chicago, Emory University, New York University, University of Rochester, Washington University and Johns Hopkins University (replaced by Brandeis University).
For more information
Gary Pillar,
gary.pillar@case.edu,
216-368-3992