Date of Completion: 1986

Building Area:
46,000 gross square feet

Contractors:
Kitchens Construction
T. A. Cole & Sons, Inc.

As the replacement for its structurally unsound predecessor, the new Belen High School Gymnasium provides for a full fledged physical education program as well as competitive sports. The new facility was constructed in two phases, first, a main gymnasium for 2,000 spectators, convertible into two basketball courts for physical education with locker rooms, and training facilities, and second, an auxiliary gym, wrestling room, and weight training room. The south facing courtyard provides a space for pep rallies and other large group activities. The change in elevation of the site allows handicapped access to the gym floor / locker room level and the gym lobby level by means of an outside ramp. An elevator was not necessary. Rest room and locker room facilities are also handicapped accessible. The existing campus buildings are red brick with lightly colored stucco or metal features. The new gymnasium maintains this tradition in red brick with lightly colored brick trim. In addition, the main lobby allows a view of the nearby Manzano mountains from the main concession area.