A New Pool for Albany High School

Posted May 19, 2017

Albany High School finally has its own pool again after more than two years. The pool closed in March 2015 after an exterior brick wall crumbled during an extreme cold stretch.

The repairs were approved as part of a $13.9 million districtwide facilities project and included about $4 million to fix the exterior wall. Renovations include the installation of "clearstory" polycarbonate panels toward the top of the walls to let in natural light, new ceramic floor tiling and finishes, lighting upgrades, and bleachers in the spectator area.

CHA was involved in the aquatic design of the pool, as well as mechanical and electrical upgrades. In addition, due to the pool’s high humidity, rusted structural steel members and select roof deck areas were replaced. The firm also designed a small addition to house the new pool equipment and surge tank, along with associated site/civil work.

Board members, faculty, students, and local politicians celebrated last week with a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open up their new pool facility, renewing the Albany High School’s swimming program.

Although separate from the latest $180 million capital project to rebuild and expand the High School, the pool repair project is one of the first important steps toward bringing Albany High School into modern times. That project officially kicks off in spring 2018, starting with construction of a new 3-story classroom building. The initiative will be completed in four phases and is expected to finish in fall 2024.

Many kudos to the entire CHA team, which included more than 30 people, who once again brought in another successful project on time and on budget. Everyone who worked on this project has shown how we responsibly improve the world we live in within our community.