TheNelson Recreation Center, formerly Nelson Arena, and Pepin Gymnasium was renovated in 2003. The major components of the Nelson renovation are a new sports floor, a skylight that runs the length of the roof ridge, and a new climbing wall. The interior lighting system and controls have been upgraded, and offices, changing rooms and storage rooms have been created using existing spaces.
Pepin Gymnasium received a new floor, a skylight and a grand new entrance. New bleachers, light fixtures and an improved ventilation system have also been installed.
The renovated Nelson Recreation Center
A new interior for Pepin Gymnasium
Pepin's new entrance
Nelson Arena and Pepin Gymnasium were built on campus in 1949. The original structure, a hangar from an Air Force base in Rome, NY, was shipped in pieces to Middlebury where it was reassembled. The wood structure and copper roof are in remarkably good condition and well worth renovating, especially when renovation costs are compared with the cost of new multipurpose facilities of this size at other colleges.
The renovated Nelson Recreation Center hosts student and Commons events and intramural sports, in addition to providing a refurbished space for social events at the College.