The earliest plan designated a field on the West edge of the campus for athletics. As a land grant institution, the all male university was expected to conduct drill and athletic activities to support the physical readiness of students for national defense. When construction funds for a gymnasium ran out in 1919, President Murphree persuaded the people of Gainesville to contribute money to install such luxuries as showers. Funding to complete the Gym was secured when the New York Giants accepted an invitation from Murphree and the Mayor to hold their spring training on campus. The Florida Pool was completed in 1929 and construction began on Florida Field on the site designated for athletics in the original campus.
The Gymnasium became the Women’s Gym after co-education bill of 1948 and the construction of the new Gymnasium in 1949. The building was rehabilitated in 2006 as a center for gender studies.
2 stories (taller 2nd level)
Rectangle
Gable with hip gable end parapets
Centered on gable end
6 over 6 light
Double hung
Grouped on front
Gym space double hung 3 over 3 vertical panes
Brick is Common Bond with 6th course alternating header/stretcher
6th course is Flemish headers
Cast stone copings at gable ends
Horizontal bands above 1st level and above the gym level
Retains open character of the gymnasium space with adaptive use design
Entrance on axis through the exterior garden space
Architect: William Augustus Edwards
Building Name: Renamed in 1948 when it was dedicated to women's athletics
