Gregory Gym

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In Folder: University of Texas Buildings

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Gregory Gym

Photographs documenting the Gregory Gymnasium at the University of Texas at Austin from the Austin Files collection. Gregory Gymnasium, built in 1930 at an approximate cost of $500,000, was at its onset one of the pioneering projects for the advancement of The University of Texas campus. The proposal for a new modern gymnasium came about in 1907 by Thomas Watt Gregory, the first ex-student appointed to the Board of Regents. For 46 years, Gregory Gymnasium served as the home for the UT basketball and swimming teams until the Erwin Center and the Jamail Texas Swimming Center were built. Until 1977, it also hosted the University Interscholastic League state basketball championships. University registration took place in Gregory Gym until Bellmont Hall was completed in 1972, as well as many other large events such as Longhorn Round-Up, dances, speeches and performing arts presentations. In the spring of 1962, the addition of the Gregory Annex became the first renovation. The three-floor addition connected to the south side of the building and extended down to 21st Street. Among the unique details of the addition were electric clocks for the new basketball courts, a large gymnastics facility, and an observation walkway above the gym. Perhaps the most unique manner in which the addition was designed was its capacity to enable women to use the gym to watch competitions - an activity they had never been able to do before. In December of 1995, Gregory Gymnasium was closed to begin a $26.8 million renovation. Completed after 22 months of construction, the facility reopened on Nov. 12, 1997. The renovated Gregory Gym features a retail store, exercise lounge, the Outdoor Center, the Wellness Center, an indoor jogging/walking track, an indoor climbing wall, and air conditioning throughout the building. In addition, the redesign created a bright and airy setting that unites the heritage and tradition of the old Gregory with the functional, state-of-the-art design of the modern interior. The Gregory Gym renovation project was completed with the creation of the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex featuring a complete renovation of the then 75-year-old Natatorium and the addition of a new two-acre outdoor complex consisting of an outdoor lap pool, two outdoor leisure pools, a spa, reception garden, deck for lounging, wireless Internet and lush landscaping. The complex opened in two phases: the outdoor complex debuted on Nov. 18, 2005, and the Natatorium opened on Dec. 16, 2005.

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[Gregory Gym interior]

Interior of the Gregory Gym decorated with flags and bunting for Franklin D. Roosevelt's birthday on January 13, 1934.

1934-01-13