Shawmut celebrates completion of 13,000 s/f aquatic center at Riverdale Country School; Architect was PBDW

Bronx, NY Shawmut Design and Construction has completed Riverdale Country School’s aquatic center. The new facility, located on the Hill Campus, is a key component of the college preparatory school’s plan to update athletic facilities for the middle and upper school.

Working alongside designer PBDW Architects, Shawmut constructed the 13,000 s/f space and installed pillar supports to maintain the view of the Frank J. Bertino Memorial Field from the top of the hill. The center includes a six-lane, USA Swimming-certified pool with bleachers, locker rooms, and a lobby gathering space. The lobby and pool spaces are set behind a tall ribbon of north-facing glass and reinforcing the building’s connection to other athletic facilities on campus.

“It was an exhilarating experience for our team to rise to the challenge of building the center on top of a steep, rocky hill,” said Tony Miliote, Shawmut vice president. “The complex logistics were well worth the effort, resulting in a facility that not only maintains the area’s scenic beauty, but will allow both students and visitors to enjoy a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center.”

Shawmut carefully selected materials with durability in mind due to the corrosive nature of the pool environment. The space features multiple sustainable elements, including a highly efficient building envelope, reduced energy loads by capturing heat from the pool dehumidification systems, water use reduction, storm water quantity control, use of recycled and regional materials, and increased indoor air quality.

Shawmut is also working on renovations to Riverdale’s Marc A. Zambetti ‘80 Athletic Center and recently completed the Lower School’s new Upper Learning Building on the River Campus.