Sierra College Gymnasium Renovation

Sierra College’s transformative gymnasium project represents one of the most significant campus investments in six decades, creating a modern hub that serves both student-athletes and the broader community. This ambitious modernization and expansion project transformed a 1960s-era facility into a state-of-the-art complex that seamlessly integrates athletics, academics, and community engagement. The project’s unique organizing element—a south-facing, connective “porch”—serves as both a welcoming gateway to outdoor programs and a symbol of the college’s commitment to creating spaces that foster connection and pride.

The comprehensive renovation combines two existing buildings while adding 47,000 square feet of new construction, including a competition gymnasium with expandable stadium seating, divisible courts for multiple sports, modern locker rooms, kinesiology classrooms, and a student gathering foyer. By connecting with the existing pool complex, football stadium, and sand volleyball courts, the facility creates a unified athletics “district” that supports everything from daily PE classes to major competitions. Lionakis provided full architectural design, interior design, and structural engineering for this landmark project, which exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform both the student experience and community identity for generations to come.