Penn Announces the New Martin and Julie Franklin Squash Courts
photo Penn Athletics
June 27, 2018
PHILADELPHIA –
The University of Pennsylvania’s Director of Athletics and Recreation,
Dr. M. Grace Calhoun, is pleased to announce the renovation of the
Ringe Squash Center. The facility will be renamed the Martin and Julie
Franklin Squash Courts once the project is completed. The renovation is
scheduled to begin on August 1 and is expected to be completed in time
for the University’s 2019 fall semester.
Among the renovation highlights:
· Increasing the number of international courts from 10 to 12, including a pair of four-glass-wall courts.
· Improved spectator seating/viewing areas as well as increased space for spectator circulation.
· Upgraded lighting with LED fixtures throughout the building.
· Updated heating systems and the installation of air conditioning for optimal year-round usage.
· Upgrades to facilities such as team rooms, coaches’ offices, and restrooms.
· Upgrades to technology to allow for video streaming on all courts.
· Additional glazing to the
South and East sides of the building, which will provide additional
ambient light inside the facility and exterior views.
· A new brick façade on the East side of the building.
· An enhanced entrance into the building.
Penn has hired EwingCole as the architect.
EwingCole has completed several feasibility studies for Penn Athletics
in recent years including Meiklejohn Stadium (baseball) and the Tse
Center. The construction manager will be LF Driscoll, which has
completed numerous projects on Penn’s campus and in Philadelphia.
Driscoll is currently the construction manager for the new patient
pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).
“We are thrilled to announce the renovation
of our squash facility, which will significantly improve the experience
of our varsity student-athletes and our recreational users,” said Dr.
Calhoun. “The new facility will also provide an enhanced spectator
experience, allowing Penn to host intercollegiate, national and
international events in the future. Penn Athletics is extremely
grateful for the many donors, especially the leadership gift from
Martin and Julie Franklin, who have made this project a reality.”
“Ringe was the premier squash facility for
decades and hosted countless junior, intercollegiate and senior
national championships,” said Penn’s 14-year Director of Squash, Jack
Wyant. “This renovation will, once again, give Penn a world-class
facility. It has been an exciting, at times trying, 10-year journey
requiring collaboration and teamwork between the University, Penn
Squash alumni and the athletic department. Thanks to everyone involved
in pushing this project forward—it’s go time!”
“We are extremely excited about the
renovation project to the squash courts,” said Penn’s head coach of
men’s squash, Gilly Lane C’07. “The Ringe Squash Courts have long been
the home of Penn Squash and created the great history that we have
today as a program. This renovation will provide our student-athletes
with the opportunity to train and compete in the best collegiate squash
center in the country while adding another amazing sports facility to
campus. With this project, we will be able to add to the rich tradition
that already exists with the University and the Penn squash programs.”
“Respectful of the historic character of
the building and reflective of the legacy of Penn Squash, EwingCole’s
design re-imagines this iconic facility with an eye toward the future
of the sport,” said Andrew Donaldson-Evans, principal at EwingCole.
“The renovation is attuned to the evolution of the game: dynamic,
contemporary, and technologically-advanced. The new design improves
connectivity for players and spectators inside while providing a high
level of visibility for the squash program to students and pedestrians
outside.”
