EDiS completed a new Fitness Center for Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, delivering a modern, high-quality athletic and training environment designed to support the school’s students, physical education curriculum, and athletic programs. The project was part of a larger transformation of Ursuline’s physical education facilities, made possible in part by a $5 million contribution from alumnus Anthony Fusco—the largest gift in the school’s history.

From the outset, the project was defined by an aggressive summer construction schedule. Significant renovation work needed to be completed before students returned for the new academic year, leaving little room for delays. EDiS worked closely with Ursuline Academy, the design team, engineers, subcontractors, and project stakeholders to carefully sequence construction activities, manage critical milestones, and quickly address issues as they arose.

Much of the project’s success came from detailed behind-the-scenes coordination. Existing-condition verification, structural reviews, submittal management, demolition sequencing, and coordination between existing and new construction were all critical to maintaining progress. As unforeseen field conditions and structural coordination challenges were uncovered, the team worked collaboratively to define each issue and identify solutions with the appropriate designers and trade partners that allowed construction to continue without compromising the overall schedule.

The team continually evaluated sequencing and priorities as conditions developed in the field. Decisions were made with the required opening date in mind, helping prevent individual issues from creating downstream impacts for multiple trades. Proactive coordination between EDiS, the design team, engineers, and subcontractors allowed potential conflicts to be addressed early, protecting both the project schedule and budget.

Construction also took place within an active school campus, requiring careful planning of deliveries, access, work areas, and daily construction activities. EDiS maintained close communication with Ursuline leadership throughout the project to minimize disruption to students, faculty, athletics, and ongoing campus operations.

In addition to schedule management, the project team maintained a strong focus on quality. Attention to architectural finishes, building systems, and final detailing helped create a polished and durable facility capable of supporting daily use. The completed Fitness Center provides students with modern equipment and an inviting environment for athletics, physical education, strength and conditioning, and overall wellness.

Despite the compressed schedule and challenges associated with renovating an existing facility, EDiS delivered the Fitness Center on time and below budget. Completing the work before students returned prevented construction from extending into the academic year and allowed Ursuline to begin the school year with the new facility fully available for students and athletic programs.

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