McVay Renovation Earns Award for Helmkamp Construction

In recognition of their work on Principia’s McVay Center for the Performing Arts, Helmkamp Construction received a second-place Construction Keystone Award, celebrating the best construction projects in the region.

“Helmkamp has been a wonderful construction partner,” says Principia College Facilities Director Paul Lehr, acknowledging the company’s innovative and outstanding work restoring the 1937 Morey Field House and renovating it into the current performing arts venue. “This project is a testament to that partnership.” 

Transforming the 16,000 square-foot gymnasium into a modern-day facility with a stage, rehearsal areas, dressing rooms, an orchestral pit with mechanical lift, concrete stadium seating, and a dance studio was a major undertaking. The historically significant building was designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck and is one of 11 Maybeck buildings that contribute to the College’s National Historic Landmark District designation. Morey was also home to the early performances of Academy Award winner and alum Robert Duvall (US’49, C’53) when he was a student at the College. 

The building is now well-preserved and thoroughly updated, including restored exterior finishes, a new slate roof, new curved wooden staircases on each side of the stage using reclaimed wood from another staircase, and restored exterior light fixtures. A “Visitors” sign was left visible in the auditorium at the door that led to what was once the visiting team’s locker room.

“This project with Principia was an exciting one,” says Helmkamp Construction President Rob Johnes. “The architecture on Principia’s campus is beautiful. To work with them on taking one of these historic buildings and updating it for them to enjoy and use for another 100 years is a challenge, but one we take great pride and responsibility in.”