Williams Gymnasium on the campus of Lees-McRae kicked off its next big chapter during the Celebration and Preview event on Monday, August 28.
The celebration marked the end of a $2.5 million, seven-month project following a fire that damaged most of the building in February. The fire destroyed multiple offices, the laundry room and concession stand. Some amount of smoke damage was found in almost all other spaces in the building.
“The fire was absolutely devastating,” said Craig McPhail, vice president of athletics and club sports. “Especially for our coaches, staff and student-athletes who use the facility every single day.