The new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center got one beam closer to completion last week. - Photo courtesy of Tufts

By Tiffani M. Westbrook

Tufts University laid the last beam of the super structure that will be the framework for the in the new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center on August 17. The ceremony marking the milestone in the progress of the construction, begin at 11:30am, when attendees were encouraged to sign the beam.  The beam was decorated with a traditional evergreen sapling and balanced on opposite ends by an American flag and the Tufts University flag.  The beam was lifted into its temporary resting place by crane amidst the approving applause of the crowd.

The new athletic center will be an addition to the existing athletic structure located on College Street in Medford. Medford Mayor McGlynn noted in his speech that Tufts placement of the entrance of the new athletic center gives is in great proximity to I-93.  The new athletic center, scheduled to be finished early August 2012, will be 42,000 square feet with a glass, brick, and cooper façade and green technology installed, will make an attractive first impression of Tufts University and the city of Medford.

In addition to the mayor, Anthony Monaco, Tufts University President, and President of Stanmar Inc Mark Snider, addressed the crowd consisting of mostly Tufts faculty and Stanmar employees.  Snider thanked the Stanmar team and gave a special thank you to Dick Reynolds, Vice President for Operations.  He also stated that “teamwork and entrepreneurship” were important assets to this project’s success thus far.

University president Monaco stated that the existing structure was clearly outdated and that the new building was definitely necessary providing more room for the athletic department.  In addition to new workout facilities and aerobics rooms, there will be locker rooms and offices for the staff. “This is phase 2 in a 3 phase project.”  The next phase will include a new pool and locker room for the aquatics department.

Also amongst those recognized was Steve Tisch, whose generous donation of $13 million made him the major contributor to the $16.6million rejuvenation project. Tisch, a Tufts University Alumni is the chairman of the New York Giants football team as well as an Academy Award–winning film producer.