On Wednesday, I made my 5th visit to the new Northside ISD gymnasium that is currently under construction. According to Marmon Mok Architecture, the 2,500 seat, 88,400 SF venue will be more than three times the size of Paul Taylor, NISD’s first gymnasium which was also designed by Marmon Mok in 1976.
Just so you can get a visual of how big 88,400 SF is, a football field is 360 feet long and 160 feet wide for a total of 57,600 SF. The HEB, which is a local grocery store, located on Babcock and Huebner, in San Antonio is 88,000 SF (so, go there for a real visual and tell them Mark from www.thestatmanspeaks.com sent you). Maybe I will get a little kick-back from HEB!!!
Even though I have yet to get inside, the Athletic Director told me that the gymnasium will be turned over to the school district during the first week of November and I am welcome to come over at that time and the gym dedication will be November 30th at 6:30. I can’t wait for that to happen…it’ll be like FINALLY!!! I am planning on making another visit sometime next month. Anybody care to join me?
If you didn’t know already, I photographed the renovation of Alamo Stadium/Alamo Convocation Center and Lehnhoff Stadium in Schertz (home of the Clemens Buffaloes and the Steele Knights). I loved seeing the transformation of these stadiums from start to finish. I did this because I am fascinated by it and I know for a fact that there are other people in the world who also want to see what is going on. Plus, I am extremely passionate for what I do whether it is photography or writing or both (in this case).
When the Northside gym is completed, I will find another stadium renovation or a new construction stadium to photograph. I am keeping an eye on Comalander Stadium, which is in the Northeast ISD. The community approved a $499.95 million dollar bond last November and part of that bond money will go toward replacing the 60-year-old bleachers at Comalander Stadium. to Nth
Here are some photos from September 21st. If you want to see all the photos, please visit: https://thestatmanspeaks.smugmug.com/Northside-ISD-Gymnasium-Constr/Northside-ISD-Gym-09212016