Hauppauge, NY – August 10, 2026 – Axis Construction Corporation, an award-winning leader in conventional and off-site modular commercial construction for the Northeast, proudly celebrated the topping off of the structural steel framework for the new Basketball Practice Facility for Men & Women at St. John’s University. An informal ceremony marked the placement of the final beam displaying the St. John’s University and Axis Construction logos at the highest point of the new building’s structure, signifying the completion of the building’s frame.
Construction of the approximately 50,000-square-foot basketball facility is led by Axis Construction Corporation. The University also contracted with Gensler, a global architecture and planning firm, for design of the practice facility.
Attendees for St. John’s University included President Rev. Brian J. Shanley; Nicole Miskiewicz, Senior Project Director; John Guido, Project Manager; Joseph Hauser, Project Manager; and Jacques C Theus (Jac), Associate Vice President for Campus Facilities & Services; as well as other key St. John’s University employees.
Attendees for the Axis team included Ralph Lambert, President & CEO; Peter Cannuscio, PE, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer; Ernie J. LaFemina, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President, Project Executive; Michael Lisi, Estimator, Dennis Savage, Superintendent, and Cailyn Sasso, Assistant Project Manager. Members of Gensler were also in attendance.
Participants signed the beam and—after a prayer and a blessing—President Rev. Brian J. Shanley delivered remarks recognizing the significance of the occasion and the continued progress of the project. The signed beam was then craned to the top of the structure and welded into place by steel workers from JC Steel. Following the ceremony, members of St. John’s and other attendees joined the Axis team for sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
The new practice facility will serve as a training location for the Red Storm Men’s and Women’s basketball programs. The facility will include multiple practice courts, strength and conditioning areas, hydro-therapy pools, team lounges, and video review rooms.
The new basketball facility is part of a larger effort to enhance campus recreation spaces at the Queens, NY campus and is expected to be ready by Spring 2027.
Fundraising for the basketball facility began with a historic gift of $32.5 million from Mr. Janetschek, whose donation, announced in May, 2025, is the largest single financial commitment in St. John’s 155-year history. The donation directs approximately $25 million toward the construction of the practice facility and $7.5 million toward student scholarships.
About St. John’s University. St. John’s University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic university, founded in 1870, by the Vincentian Community that has locations in Queens, NY, Manhattan, NY, Rome, Italy, Paris, France, and Limerick, Ireland. St. John’s is both a metropolitan and global university, enriched by a mixture of cultures, which complements an internationalized curriculum. Through collaboration with other institutions around the world, study abroad opportunities, and online courses and degrees, its outreach spans the globe. St. John’s University’s student-centered approach is shaped by a caring, energized, nimble culture. Enlivened by its distinctive mission, graduates excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving global community. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, it is known worldwide for addressing issues of poverty and social justice. www.stjohns.edu
About Gensler. The value of Gensler’s work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. Gensler is a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for clients. Their work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. They aren’t just designing buildings — but are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything they do is guided by their mission: to create a better world through the power of design. www.gensler.com.
About Axis Construction. For more than 30 years, Axis Construction has been widely recognized as an innovator in construction, design, and management services, consistently raising the industry standard for the building community. With a team approach that encompasses pre-design consultation, on-site project management, and post-construction follow-up, Axis strives to exceed expectations and deliver creative, sustainable, and cost-effective results for all clients. Axis was founded on a strong commitment to excellence and honesty that is brought to every project undertaken from small renovations to complex multi-phase assignments. Axis has been honored with numerous awards and has received a platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. Discover more at www.theaxisgroup.com.
