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Memorial Field House grand opening, President’s Backyard BBQ set for Sept. 18 |
| By
Jim Winkler |
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Sep 15, 2008
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| The Memorial Field House was the site of several concerts, including this one by The Temptations. |
During its history, The University of Toledo’s Memorial Field House hosted concerts by The Mamas & the Papas and The Temptations, talks by anthropologist Margaret Mead and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, Rocket basketball games featuring future NBA star Steve Mix, numerous commencements, and the first-ever Holiday on Ice production on Christmas Day in 1943.
Soon, the building constructed in 1931 with its castle-like turrets will reclaim its former pivotal place in the life of UT students as home to 54 state-of-the-art classrooms, 70 faculty offices, a three-story central atrium, a 250-seat auditorium, and an educational incubator to develop innovative teaching methods. It also will house the departments of English and Foreign Languages.
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| Sal Murslovic, kneeling, and Mike Nicoll of Michielutti Brothers Inc. of Eastpointe, Mich., were putting in a terrazzo floor in the Memorial Field House last week. |
A grand opening celebration for the renovated Memorial Field House and the third annual President’s Backyard BBQ will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a formal program at 12:30 p.m. on Centennial Mall in front of the building’s entrance.
The entire University community is invited to have a free lunch and tour the Memorial Field House.
Transportation will be provided to the Memorial Field House from the Health Science and Scott Park campuses every 20 minutes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The bus stop on Health Science Campus is in front of the Mulford Library and in Lot 21 near the bus shelter at Scott Park.
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| This photo shows the basketball court in the Memorial Field House shortly after the building opened in 1931. |
“We plan to have music playing in the mall by artists who performed in the old Field House, and as people tour the building, they will be able to watch a great video about its history,” said Matt Lockwood, director of public relations and chair of a committee that put the event together.
The building’s $27 million, 145,000-square-foot renovation will open for classes in January. BHDP Architecture of Cincinnati developed the design.
The University, known for its research in alternative energy and commitment to sustainability, is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification for the Memorial Field House. More than 50 percent of construction debris has been recycled and otherwise diverted from landfills; this includes tons of concrete from the former gymnasium’s bleachers that is being utilized by Owens Community College for fire and police rescue scenario training.
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| Tom Andres of Alumina Railing Products Inc., Cleves, Ohio, welded railings on the top floor of the Memorial Field House last week. |
New energy-efficient, automated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have been installed, and a large skylight allows sunlight to brighten the building. The building also houses a chill water plant that cools more than half of UT’s Main Campus.
Featured interior elements will include an “academic sidewalk” of terrazzo flooring leading to a three-story central “town square” space. The “town square” will give the building’s interior an open feeling and allow students and faculty to gather and socialize. Classrooms and labs have been designed with a focus on flexibility and state-of-the-art technology. Hallway walls eventually will be adorned with photos from past events, including concerts, athletic events and commencements.
The building’s Collegiate Gothic exterior features have been preserved, including its battlements along rooflines of the main entrance and a central bay window, which is a common Gothic feature. The existing Lannon stone façade has been refurbished, and new double-insulated replacement windows have been added, replicating the original character of the building.
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