Augusta is set to break ground later this year on a new gymnasium that has faced years of delays and setbacks. The current gym was built in 1926 and is the oldest in the state still in use. However, the gym seats less than 750 people and the floor length is shorter than regulation.

From Augusta Independent School:

After the project was put on hold approximately three years ago due to significantly increased construction costs and a budget gap, Augusta Independent’s new gymnasium project is back on track.  The Board of Education voted at its August meeting to revise the Gymnasium Addition BG-1, which is a construction project application, to reflect changes in the budget and anticipated costs.

Augusta Independent was recently awarded $2.6 million in the 2025 legislative session through the School Facilities Construction Commission.  A select number of districts who had made significant progress on construction projects, but then had to pause their projects due to highly increased costs, were awarded the funds.  The funding can only be used for the specific construction project in question to help bridge the funding gap.  

For Augusta Independent, that is the construction of a new, additional gymnasium.  The district had put the project out to bid, had purchased a small portion of property from the city, and was deep into the design phase with the architect before the project was put on hold.  With this new funding along with construction costs having decreased, project planning has resumed.  

The project is expected to be put out to bid in early October, while the district expects to break ground later this year.  The building addition will go on the east side of the campus along Frankfort Street.  One of the first tasks will be to demolish the old boiler building and prepare the site for construction. Some prep work has already been completed, such as the construction of the new bus parking lot on Bracken Street and the relocation of the dumpsters and recycling trailers.

Once construction is complete, the current historical 1926 gymnasium will continue to be used as well, as the need for additional space is a primary reason for the new gym.  While additional athletic space is needed, the gym addition will provide additional opportunities for physical education instruction and a needed space for large-group or school gatherings.  In addition to the gym itself, the facility will have a set of locker rooms, a concessions area, restrooms, and administrative office space.  The project is expected to take about two years to complete.