On Friday, March 8, 2013, Cerritos College will be hosting a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated gym (The Aviary) that was under construction for 2 1/2 years. The gym has been released to the college for Falcon men's and women's basketball games, but the dedication ceremony will release the building to the campus. On January 25, the men's basketball team played the first event in the renovated gym and posted a 95-85 win over Pasadena City College.

The renovation of the 52-year-old gymnasium included a state-funded seismic upgrade which comprises of (120) - 70 foot deep concrete piers and reinforced concrete walls to make the building more resistant to earthquakes. While the renovation added new features/upgrades such as refinished floor, team rooms, meeting room, classroom, bleachers, restrooms, sound system and lighting, it was also about restoring a high-design mid-century modern architecture.

Originally designed by architects Henry Wright and Earl Freels from Kistner, Wright & Wright, the 33,925 sq. foot gymnasium - dubbed "The Aviary" - opened its doors in 1961. The gymnasium's distinctive four rolling-arched roof and organic curves reflect the clean, unique look of mid-century modern.

The celebration is open to the community.

WHEN: Friday, March 8 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Cerritos College Falcon Gymnasium (Parking available on Lots C-1 and C-2, off Alondra Blvd.)
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650

A map of the campus is available at www.cerritos.edu/guide.

CONTACT: To attend the ceremony, please RSVP to (562) 860-2451, Ext. 4399 by February 28