State Gymnasium, University gymnasium in Ames, Iowa, United States.
State Gymnasium is a multi-purpose sports facility that contains four basketball courts, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a circular indoor track. The building spans a substantial indoor area designed to accommodate various athletic programs and recreational activities.
The building was constructed in 1913 and served Iowa State University as its primary indoor athletic venue for decades. After 1946, newer facilities were built that gradually shifted the roles this complex played in the university's athletic programs.
The building served the campus community in unexpected ways during World War I, when it was converted into a dining hall for military recruits stationed there. This repurposing shows how athletic spaces adapt to meet broader community needs.
Access is typically available to students, staff, and members, with hours varying by season. It is helpful to check current availability before visiting, as the facility may have temporary closures for events or maintenance work.
The building was designed by the acclaimed architecture firm Proudfoot & Bird and is one of the few athletic complexes of that era to undergo extensive renovation work. Its energy-efficient modernization demonstrates how historical structures can adapt to contemporary standards.
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