Shenandoah University James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Event Center

James Wilkins, Jr., like many members of his family, has been a generous supporter of Shenandoah University. His father, James R. Wilkins Sr., played a pivotal role in relocating Shenandoah College and the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music from Dayton to Winchester in 1960, a move that laid the foundation for their eventual merger as Shenandoah University in 1991.

KSi Structural Engineers, now part of Wallace Design Collective, provided structural engineering services for the university’s new 77,000 square foot athletics facility, designed as a multifunctional space for major school and community events. The building includes a 63,000 square foot multipurpose fieldhouse with retractable seating for nearly 1,600 spectators, a 200-meter six-lane competition track, throwing cages, sand pit and pole vaulting areas, batting cages for baseball, softball and golf, locker rooms, concessions and an athletic training area.

Faced with a limited budget, the project team focused on striking a balance between cost efficiency and long-term value. One key solution involved the use of interlocking precast panels for the structure’s perimeter – a method typically seen in industrial construction. To complement this, the exterior showcases extensive brickwork, installed in part by SAM (Semi-Automated Mason), one of only six brick-laying robots in the U.S. at the time. SAM placed nearly 375,000 bricks over three months – including a personal best of 3,270 bricks in a single eight-hour shift – reducing labor costs while allowing skilled masons to focus on precision details. The project provided valuable real-world insight into construction robotics while delivering a durable, high-performing facility for the university and the surrounding community.

photography: ©Attic Fire Photography