By Amy Salvagno
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Just a year ago, it was a vision represented by seven shovels wedged into the grass along Fisher Avenue, just beyond the Grosse Pointe South High School football field.

Today, it’s grown into a 50,000-square-foot natatorium, the symbol of a community’s support and of an effort to maintain an unparalleled, quality district for students, families and neighbors.

Several Board of Education members and officials from the school system’s administration were led on a tour July 31 of the $11.3 million site, just weeks before it welcomes its first swimmers and spectators.

Robin Block of construction managers Barton Mallow guided the group around paint cans and scaffolding in the 7,045-square-foot gymnasium, into a locker room tiled with a blue and yellow decorative pattern — both boys and girls will have a swimsuit dryer — and up steps to the 300-person mezzanine seating that overlooks the 12-lane, 425,000-gallon pool. It took crew members 56 days to lay the tile in the pool, said Block, and before it opens at the end of the month, workers can only fill it with 2 feet of water each day so as not to shock and crack the tile. 

A gallery area was built between the gym and the pool for spectators who would like to look down and observe the basketball game on one side and the swim meet on the other. Just down the way is the athletic director’s office, with a bird’s-eye view of the two diving boards and the entire watery facility.

When the elevator-equipped natatorium opens it doors for the 2008 swim season, it will not only be the first time the students have seen more than four lanes, but it will also be the first time in 36 years that South will be able to host a home meet.

“I’m amazed by it going from nothing to something to this something,” said board Trustee Alice Kosinski. “It was just year ago — and wow.”

The district is planning an open house for the facility during Victory in the Pointes Sept. 4-7.

“I’m amazed at how many people have been watching this project grow from the beginning,” said Superintendent Suzanne Klein. “The most exciting thing will be when the students are in here. And I’m excited to see members of the community walk through.”

The project has been in the works since the community passed a $62 million bond several years ago; it was one of the largest on the bond list. And it had a little help from some friends: Contributions by the volunteer fundraising group Friends of the Grosse Pointe Pools helped ensure the pool had 12 lanes.

Ehresman Associates created the architectural renderings for the tall brick building — which also adds 76 parking spaces along Fisher Avenue for swim meet-goers — back in 2006 and has been able to see the picture come to life.

“I’m so pleased to see how it fits in with the current building,” said senior architect Dale Ehresman, adding that everyone involved in the project has been conscious of the nearby business community, especially with dust control. “It’s a dynamite pool. It’s something the community can really be proud of.”