Jenks Public Schools | Rock Gym
Recipient of the 2014 ABC Excellence in Construction Award. The Rock Gym was originally constructed in 1937 as a W.P.A. project. It has been a landmark in Jenks, OK for many years and is utilized by both Jenks Public Schools and the community. It was built by labor from Jenks, OK and in that tradition, Jenks Public Schools wanted the preservation work performed by both a Jenks contractor and architect. The project was a12,000sf preservation project. The entire concept was to preserve the building rather than renovate and was completed in two phases over two summer breaks.
The Rock Gym was originally constructed in 1937 as a W.P.A. project. It has been a landmark in Jenks, OK for many years and is utilized by both Jenks Public Schools and the community. It was built by labor from Jenks, OK and in that tradition, Jenks Public Schools wanted the preservation work performed by both a Jenks contractor and architect.
The project was a12,000sf preservation project. The entire concept was to preserve the building rather than renovate. The exterior sandstone veneer was weathered and required great care in cleaning and tuck pointing. Due to the soft nature of sandstone, after much testing, the building was literally hand scrubbed with mild detergent to clean the sandstone. The existing windows were also very deteriorated and were replaced with fixed translucent windows which added an updated look as well as protecting the interior. New roofing, sidewalks and ADA ramps were also added to the exterior with a new brick wainscot on the existing masonry block walls to blend the building in with the existing campus. The interior of the building had the original red oak gym floor, acoustical ceiling, and the original restrooms. During demolition of the existing acoustical ceilings, the steel barrel trusses were exposed, and the original pendant lighting was still in place. LDKerns worked with the architect and owner to develop a strategy to preserve the existing lighting and trusses. This created an unplanned, but yet visually stunning space with very little impact to the project budget. The existing gymnasium floor was also very distressed. It was stripped and sanded bare to reveal a very nice red oak gym floor. The gym floor was refinished and restriped to add 2 additional ½ court basketball goals as well as a volleyball court. The existing wood bleachers were modified to meet ADA compliance and refinished as well.
This project was completed in two phases over two summer breaks. This facility is used every day by students and had to be completed on time. We are also very proud of the fact that this project has been completed with zero lost time accidents and zero doctors’ cases. There were approximately 4,000-man hours expanded on this project. We are thankful to have been a part of this project. It was completed on time, on budget and with no accidents. It has made a positive impact for the Jenks School District by providing an updated landmark building in the community that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
