Behind the Tsai Field House

          The goal of building the Tsai Field House is not simply to renovate Lawrenceville’s dining and athletic facilities or updating old structures—the project is also focused on creating a space that fosters community, wellness, and inclusivity. I had the opportunity to sit down with Head of School Mr. Murray H ’54 ’55 ’63 ’65 ’16 P ’16 ’21 to discuss the vision behind these renovations and how they will transform the student experience.

          Nine years ago, Lawrenceville faced a daunting challenge. The aging athletic facilities, including the Loucks Ice Rink and the Lavino Field House—which encompassed indoor tracks, basketball courts, and a pool—were in dire need of repair. The systems were failing, the roof was leaking, and the ice rink was in need of a renovation. Fundraising for such a massive project, estimated to cost over $100 million, required more than just highlighting the maintenance issues. According to Murray, it demanded an inspiring vision, “an idea that would excite people.”

          The idea that captured donors’ imaginations was a concept which paralleled a recent project at Princeton University that combined healthy eating, living, and lifestyle with athletics and fitness. Lawrenceville’s project is not just about a new hockey rink or a renovated track, but rather about truly combining wellness, fitness, and community well-being. The Harkness Courtyard, for example, will echo the sense of belonging around a Harkness table, symbolizing that every voice matters and every person belongs.

          Lawrenceville’s design also emphasizes equity and accessibility. Upon entering the facility, visitors are greeted by common spaces like dining areas and multi-purpose rooms, making everyone feel welcome and included. The layout facilitates movement and interaction, fostering a sense of community. The design of the renovated facility reflects this vision of inclusivity. “When you walk into the space, it shouldn’t be that you feel unworthy,” Murray emphasized. “The idea is that people should feel like this is just as much their space as anyone else’s.”

          
          The renovation project is being completed in phases. The first, including the new rink, pool, and dining hall, is already open. The second phase, which includes the new basketball and the completed entranceway, should be open by April of this year. The last period of construction, finishing the renovation of the track and the turf football field, will extend into the summer. The football field, now a central sports venue with lights and a turf, will be a hub for various sports events. “You could have field hockey on a Friday night under the lights, football the next day, and soccer games earlier in the day,” Murray explained. “All our sports are important, and this venue reflects that.”

          This project represents more than just a physical transformation; it is a testament to the School’s commitment to future generations. “We do not have too many opportunities to do a project of this size,” Murray reflected. “It is part of a series of steps the school has taken over its long history that will affect future generations for a long time.”