JLGA’s award-winning design for the 30,000 sq. ft. athletic center at Poly Prep Country Day School redefines the concept of athletic facilities, seamlessly blending the new structure with the existing gymnasium while establishing a strong visual dialogue with the surrounding fields and campus green. The façade’s expansive transparency frames sweeping views, fostering a sense of openness that connects the building to its environment.
Bold and sculptural, the design plays with broad planes and asymmetric angles to create a striking presence. The athletic center honors Poly Prep’s storied 100-year history, while embodying the school’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking excellence. With facilities that reflect the caliber of Poly Prep’s athletic programs, the center stands as a testament to both tradition and progress.
The comprehensive program includes a reconfigurable full-court gym, an 11,000 sq. ft. wrestling area, a 12,500 sq. ft. squash center featuring six international courts, including two all-glass competition courts, along with concessions, locker rooms, staff offices, and a spectator mezzanine.
The Novogratz Center’s design maximizes transparency through strategically placed glass, creating a dynamic focal point at the heart of campus life. This contemporary architectural statement not only invites participation and engagement with its athletics but also harmoniously connects the building to the existing gymnasium and the broader campus context, marking a bold, new chapter in Poly Prep’s legacy.
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Completion
2016
Area
30,000 sq. ft.
Client
Poly Prep Country Day School
Recognition
Winner: Award of Merit, Institutional, AIA Brooklyn + Queens Design Awards
Winner: Award of Merit, Society of American Registered Architects NY Design Awards
Winner: Outstanding Project Award, Learning by Design Magazine