Normal Gymnasium

Building Name: Normal Gymnasium
Description: The Normal Gymnasium was constructed in response to the 1871 fire of the school's original gymnasium and the formal addition of a department of physical training. The groundbreaking took place in October of 1892, after appropriations of $20,000 were used for the construction cost. The building was on a 250 x 275 ft lot on Cross Street across from Welch Hall. Originally built with two main rooms, one for men and another for women, one was equipped with a running track, the other with a gallery on three sides. The basement included a swimming pool and locker rooms equipped with showers.
Year Constructed: 1892
Date Dedicated: 1894
Building Functions: Gymnasium; Red Gym
Architect: A.C. Varney Co., Detroit, MI; Addition by Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, Detroit, MI
Builder: F.W. Gianfield
Original Cost: $50,000
Architectural Style: Castlesque
Square Footage: 38,000
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