The old gym at Brevard High has been closed and deemed unsafe since Jan 20. According to TCS officials, the closure was necessary after a structural assessment revealed that the large laminate wood beams supporting the roof had begun to rot away.

Work began early this semester, but has since halted. The project has been delayed due to budget issues and disagreements between the school board and county commission; renovations are expected to continue after six to eight weeks as officials work to finalize new plans.

As of May 30, the Department of Public Instruction hadn’t finished reviewing the plans.   

“We plan to renew the aging roof, as well as replace windows, flooring and install a new HVAC system,” said Athletic Director Josh Galloway. “Safety of our students is our top priority.”

Renovations continue in the old gym March 26, not long before the construction work was halted.

The delay means the gym will not be reopened before the 2025-26 school year, leaving athletes and students in limbo.

The gym has been used for the MJROTC program and physical education classes. The closure has disrupted these activities, forcing the classes to relocate to other areas of the campus, adding strain to already limited space.

For the wrestling team, which usually practices in the gym, the loss of the space has been particularly challenging.

“Not having the old gym meant we had to practice in the JV football locker room,” Madeline Adrignola, a sophomore on the team, said about the winter 2025 sports season. “We spent practice time setting up the mats and had to block off the bathroom and varsity football locker room.”  

The old gym, shown in this March 26 photo, is closed to students and staff due to renovations.

Previously, the gym served as a vital space for the MJROTC program, hosting activities like air rifle training, physical fitness workouts, and drill practices.

“We had a designated space to safely conduct air rifle practice, which has stopped altogether,” said Lt. Col. Chuck Megown. “Now, we are practicing in a classroom and outside, which is not ideal for our program.” 

TCS officials are factoring in costs, safety and the building’s historical significance as they develop plans for the gym’s future. Renovations are estimated to cost $1.2 million.

The project will include a modern HVAC system to improve air conditioning, new windows for better lighting, and reinforced beams to prevent future structural damage. 

Despite the planned renovations, some community members have suggested that the gym should be torn down entirely and replaced with a brand-new facility. 

“A fresh start might be the best option,” said Melanie O’Dea, parent of a current student. “We can keep some of the old gym memorabilia and build something safer and more modern.”

For now, the old gym remains closed, awaiting its fate. As plans continue to evolve, the Brevard High community waits to see whether the old gym will be restored or replaced, and what that means for its legacy.

By Kinslan O’Dea