Artist David Rottinghaus stands underneath the image of a mustang he painted on the new gym at the Gerard Institute during an open house for the gym Thursday afternoon. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

For as long as Brent Henry can remember, the Gerard Academy needed a new gym. During his 35-year career at Gerard, that’s the one thing he’s heard most.

Gerard Academy executive director Brent Henry talks about the newly built gym at the academy during the open house Thursday afternoon. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“The thing I’ve heard more often than anything during that 35 years is, ‘I wish we had a gym,’” Henry, Gerard’s executive director said. “It’s been a need and something that we’ve desired for the kids, I kid you not, since 1969.”

Henry’s wish, along with many Gerard students and employee’s wishes, came true last year.

Gerard hosted an open house for its new gymnasium Thursday afternoon. The $1.5 million facility is 9,700 square feet, comes with a recreation center and can be used by almost every student daily.

“We finally found ourselves in a position to do it,” Henry said.

For Henry, the gym couldn’t come quick enough. Gerard started construction last April and was supposed to finish in September, but moisture prevented the building’s concrete from properly setting.

Now that it’s finished, the gym boasts a full-sized basketball court, brand new equipment for basketball, volleyball, badminton and other indoor sports, a recreation center with foosball, air hockey, ping pong, two billiards tables and elliptical machines.

“It’s all about the kids,” Henry said. “The kids need it, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The project didn’t come up for a long time until Gerard was financially able to build a new gym, according to Henry. After receiving approval from Gerard’s corporate office, the project quickly went underway.

The gym is already getting a lot of use, according to Henry, and is helping student life at Gerard.

“They’re in awe of it,” Henry said. “We’ve heard … that many of the students are behaving better in school so they’re able to come in and use the gym. So they absolutely love this place.”