National Register landmark recognized for meticulous façade restoration
Stevens' restoration of the historic Walker Gymnasium has earned national recognition from the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), winning an Award of Merit in the Historic category at the organization's 2025 Project Awards Program.
The award, to be presented later this month at ICRI's national convention in Chicago, recognizes the meticulous restoration of the south-facing façade of one of Stevens' most iconic buildings. The project was selected from 46 submissions nationwide.
"This national recognition underscores the care and expertise that went into preserving this landmark building for future generations," said Robert Maffia, vice president for facilities and campus operations at Stevens. "Walker Gymnasium has been central to campus life for more than a century, and this restoration ensures it will continue to serve our community for decades to come."
The award follows a Project of the Year honor from ICRI's Metro New York Chapter in 2025.
A Century-Old Landmark Restored
Built in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Walker Gymnasium features distinctive Beaux-Arts architecture, including a circular gym, raised running track and an iconic terrace overlooking the Hudson River. The building played a vital role during World War II, helping train Navy recruits and has hosted generations of athletic competitions, student celebrations and campus events.
The restoration addressed more than 100 years of natural wear and weather damage to prominent elements of the building's façade. Stevens' Facilities and Campus Operations Division worked with architect Surface Design Group and contractor Structural Preservation Systems to complete the complex project.
Preserving Historic Character
The restoration team replaced damaged terra cotta elements with cast stone and rebuilt the ornate terra cotta cornice using glass fiber reinforced concrete — carefully matching the original historic design. The work also included brick masonry replacement, steel repair and replacement and restoration of various terrace components.
Throughout the project, the team prioritized respecting the historic significance and character of the building, designed by New York's Ludlow and Peabody Architects and named for donor William Hall Walker.
Today, Walker Gymnasium houses an athletics recruiting lounge, coaches' offices, a strength and conditioning facility and team locker rooms. Its court serves team practices, recreation and campus events, while runners continue to circle its memorably curved, raised track.
Part of Ongoing Campus Stewardship
The Walker Gymnasium restoration exemplifies Stevens' commitment to maintaining and enhancing its campus through both historic preservation and modern sustainability initiatives. Recent projects include LEED Gold certifications for the University Center Complex and Gateway Academic Center, a transition to 100% renewable energy and comprehensive water management systems. These efforts earned Stevens a Gold STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in 2024, placing the university among only three institutions in New Jersey to achieve Gold status.
The ICRI Project Awards Program recognizes outstanding concrete repair, protection and strengthening projects that demonstrate technical achievement, innovation and successful execution.
Walker Gymnasium Restoration: Before and After
