University Plans Remodeling IAB Pool To Increase Amount of Floor Space

The Planning Office and the Department of Athletics are considering plans to build a floor above the IAB pool for intramural and varsity sports.

Floyd E. Wilson, director of intramural athletics, said yesterday he estimates the construction's budget would be between $1 and $1.5 million.

John P. Reardon Jr. '60, director of athletics, said the budget for the plan would hinge on the success of the University's five-year $250 million capital campaign.

The plan would involve removing the pool grandstands but would not affect the pool itself, Reardon said.

The Quick Pick-Up

"The new floor would fill the school's crying need for more basketball courts," he said, adding "Harvard has no courts where people can go and just play a quick pick-up game."

Wilson said that no single final plan has yet been taken to an architect for an estimate.

"If the architect's estimate is over a million and a half, we'll just have to start making cuts," Wilson said.

Under the proposal, the floor would be built nine feet above the pool area, Wilson said.

No Diving

Wilson said the lower ceiling would eliminate diving in the IAB, but it is necessary to increase the space above the new floor area.

The varsity fencing team and intramural volleyball teams also would use the new floor, he added.

Joseph D. Bertagna '73, director of sports information, said the coach of the fencing team told him the new plan would increase the team's practice area from the current 1800 square feet to 4800 square feet.

Sooner than You Think

Wilson said construction could begin at the IAB in the spring or summer.

Reardon said the proposal is part of a larger plan to renovate the entire IAB. "The entire building is in need of repairs and renovation," he added.