Pace’s New Renovations Were Worth the Wait

Over the summer, Pace Academy received a few updates: the Inman Center Gym and the cafeteria got new floors, the back parking lot was re-paved, and renovations were made to the main level of the Castle. 

Inman Gym, built in 2000, needed an upgrade. While students were away for the summer, the black-and-white tile floors on the middle level of the gym were ripped out and replaced with brand-new gray flooring. Freshman Audrey Jordan said, “I think the new floors are much better. The other ones were dated and dirty.” Some of the older grades are nostalgic of the old floors. Sophomore Victoria Vasquez said, “I miss the old floors. The gray doesn’t match the walls.” The cafeteria, located on the upper level of Inman Center, also underwent a make-over. The old tile flooring consisted of blocks of white tiles, individually outlined by black tiles and accented by yellow tiles in the corners of each square. Though the floors were an identifying feature of the cafeteria, the color scheme did not support Pace Academy’s navy and white. Now, swirls of blue and gray cover the floor. Senior Jackson Washburn said, “I like the new [cafeteria] floors a lot because they are a lot less visually unattractive.” Overall, the student body has a positive outlook on the new lunch-room touch-up. Junior Hayes Hurd said, “I like what Pace did with the renovations, we really needed it.“

In previous years, the back parking lot has been a stressor for juniors, seniors, faculty and parents who try to park in the cramped spots. The old-cracked parking lot was replaced with freshly-paved asphalt. This year, drivers should find the parking lot easier to navigate and park in with the addition of new spots. The lines and numbers were repainted, making it easier for upperclassmen, faculty, and staff to find and park in their assigned spots for the school year. Junior Braylon Cambor said, “I like it because I can now see the lines where I’m supposed to park and I’m less likely to hit cars!”

Finally, Pace’s most beautiful improvement was remodeling the Castle’s main level. A new, modern look replaced the dated stone flooring, wood-paneled walls, and old decorative features. The main door, which was heavy and unwelcoming with its wrought iron bars guarding the window, is now fully covered by glass panels, allowing light to enter the foyer. The walls in the boardroom, which were adorned with a panoramic painting, alluding to the Castle’s previous life as a family home, now have a sleek, comfortable style. The old foyer featured multi-color stone floors, the offices were fitted with wood, and the windows offered obstructed views. The new Castle has a lighter and brighter theme to better welcome current, previous, and potential Pace families. The goal of the Castle was not only to better welcome families but to return it to its homely feel. By removing the false walls dividing up the main rooms, polishing the original flooring, and adding comfortable furnishing, the renovations accomplished their objective. “Once we finished the Lower School, we realized that our Lower School families had this wonderful space…it was very fresh and inviting and the Castle was sort of tired and worn out” said Headmaster Fred Assaf. Although the building was not completed by the start of the school year, the staff working in the Castle said they were excited about the new building. Associate Director of Upper School Admissions, De’ire Foxx, said back in August, “I am so excited and I can’t wait for the finished product!” Although the main floor was updated, the second floor will be left untouched. When asked why, Mr. Assaf said, “We tried to do it in the most economical way possible.” Mr. Assaf and Pace leaders did not feel it was necessary for the upper level, which most prospective parents will not visit, to be redone. The Castle’s construction was finished in late August, but it officially opened to students, staff, and parents in mid-Sept. 

In the exclusive with Mr. Assaf, he stated that Pace, as of now, does not have any upcoming plans for renovations around campus. For now, the Pace community can enjoy these new facilities!