Half Acre Gym

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The Half Ace Gym facility was constructed in 1925 to house the National Guard Armory of Laramie as well as the athletic programs until the field house was built in 1951.[1] In order to fund this project, the University had received a $100,000 gift from the Wyoming State Legislature designated to be used for new buildings such as a library, the gymnasium and armory, a new power plant, an engineering building, and expansion of Hoyt Hall dormitory.[2] The original structure occupied half an acre, hence the name "Half Acre Gym" and was one of the largest facilities of its type at the time. The building has undergone several renovations to increase the size and safety of the facility.

2013 Renovation

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In 2012, The University of Wyoming announced a $27 million renovation to the facility which would begin in the Spring of 2013, and be completed by the Fall of 2014.[3] Groathouse Construction, a local construction management firm, carried out the project in two phases to allow maximum use of the facility while undergoing construction. Phase One would consist of the demolition and recreation of the east portion of the building, and Phase Two would include the reopening of the east portion, and the closure and construction of the west portion which is the historical section of the building. Throughout the renovation, The university hoped to keep and incorporate as much of the historical structure and facade as possible. [4]

2013 Improvements

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The overall changes made to the Half Acre Facility in 2013 according to the University of Wyoming's web site were as follows:

  • Elevator access to all levels
  • Kinesiology/Health and Theater and Dance classrooms, as well as a space for athletic training
  • New racquetball courts with glass viewing area
  • Additional Outdoor Program space, including a climbing wall for Bouldering, Lead Rope Climbing, and Top Rope Climbing
  • Large increase in cardio machine and weight training areas on all levels
  • New Multi-Activity Court (MAC) on second floor
  • Additional fitness areas on the third floor including a dance studio and jogging/walking track
  • New men's and women's locker rooms with access to the pool as well as an express locker room[4]

A complete list of the renovations and improvements can be found on the University's Renovation Information page.[5]

  1. ^ "The Past Future of the University of Wyoming's Half Acre Gym". Wyoming Postscripts. 11/21/2014. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Hardy, Deborah (1986). Wyoming University: The First 100 Years 1886-1986. p. 77. ISBN 0941570010.
  3. ^ "UW to renovate, expand Half Acre Gym for $27 million". Billings Gazette. 09/11/2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b "Half Acre Gym Renovation Timeline". University of Wyoming.
  5. ^ "Renovation New Features". University of Wyoming.