At the latest University Senate meeting, Vice President for Facilities & Operations Joseph Campbell announced that the Esbjornson (Esby) Gymnasium will be getting an upgraded strength and athletic training area for Rowan’s NCAA Division III athletes. The renovations won’t begin until fall 2025.

Originally built in 1963, Espy’s facilities were originally made small for the amount of athletes at the university. This new renovation will build a state-of-the-art weight and training room in space currently housing a pool, according to the Division of Facilities, Planning, & Operations. The upgrades are expected to be completed by fall 2026 and will be open to all students, not just athletes.

“With over 500 athletes, the facilities we have for the athletes are definitely undersize. With all the success that we have with our athletic department, we hope to mirror the standards that we have been able to set with our athletic teams,” said Associate Athletic Director Gabby Lisella.

Director of Planning & Design Services Alexis Breining says the plans are still under development. 

“We have to put this project out for public bid and that will hit the street this summer,” said Breining. “Public bid will get us a general contractor on board. So, our anticipated start date for construction would put us in about in September, so fall of 2025 and it will run through the duration of the school year, next year.”

The strength and training area is currently in the basement of Esby, with the new weight room to be built on the main level. Breining says this will alleviate a convincing problem for Rowan’s student-athletes.

“They’re [athletes] are such a winning group of students,” said Breining. “They’re are champions and I think the motivation is that champions deserve a nice facility to work out of.”

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