It’s one of Stevens’ oldest and most iconic buildings, with its distinctive terrace and circular gym that helped train Navy recruits during World War II and hosted many seasons of basketball and volleyball games and fencing matches, student research celebrations and music and dancing under the stars. 

Cornice reconstruction at southwest corner, before restoration. Now, the Walker Gymnasium — built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places — will serve future generations of students, thanks to a national award-winning restoration.  

Stevens’ Facilities and Campus Operations Division, with architect Surface Design Group and contractor Structural Preservation Systems, have restored the gymnasium’s south-facing façade to repair damaged masonry, historic terra cotta and supporting structural elements. The restoration won an Award of Merit in the Historic category from the national 2025 International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) Project Awards Program and a Project of the Year award from the ICRI, Metro New York Chapter.  

Over 100 years of natural wear and inclement weather contributed to the deterioration of prominent elements of the grand Beaux-Arts building. The work included brick masonry replacement, steel repair and replacement, restoration of the ornate terra cotta cornice and repair and replacement of various parts of the terrace.  

Cornice reconstruction at southwest corner, after restoration.The restoration team replaced terra cotta elements with cast stone, and the terra cotta cornice with glass fiber-reinforced concrete — ensuring that these materials matched the original historic design. The project’s abiding principle was to respect the historic significance and character of the building.  

Walker Gymnasium, designed by the Ludlow and Peabody Architects of New York and named to honor donor William Hall Walker, currently houses an athletics recruiting lounge, coaches’ offices, a strength/conditioning facility and team locker rooms, with its court now used for team practices, recreation and campus events. Runners still bound along its memorable curved, raised running track. 

 – Beth Kissinger