The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Eugene E. Closson Physical Educaiton Center

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Eugene E. Closson Physical Education Center (three-quarter view), Graceland University

Eugene E. Closson Physical Education Center (front facade), Graceland University

Institution Name: Graceland University
Original/Historic Place Name: Eugene E. Closson Physical Education Center
Location on Campus:
Date(s) of Construction:

1967	original construction John Shaver & Company

Designer: John Shaver & Company (Salina, KS)
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Contemporary (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls:

Roof: foam

Function:

ca. 1967-present (2006)	gymnasium
ca. 1967-present (2006)	faculty offices
ca. 1967-present (2006)	classrooms

Narrative:
Opened in 1969, the Closson Center is significant because of its unique design and use. The building's name honors Eugene E. Closson, who was an active supporter of the college's athletic teams throughout the years he taught at Graceland (1931 to 1959). The Closson Center consists of a field house, a junior Olympic swimming pool, offices, classrooms, locker rooms, and weight training and equipment rooms. The multi-purpose building contains 69,000 sq. ft. and was built at a cost of $1.6 million. The field house is composed of three large beams supporting a grid on which the polyurethane foam roof was sprayed. The indoor track is 200 meters surrounding 3 full-size basketball courts, with a Tartan surface by 3M. It provides the facilities for 17 varsity sports and intramurals in which about 90% of the student body participates. Its fold out bleachers and main floor seats approximately 2,000 persons, and it is the setting for the annual commencement.

References:

Cheville, Roy A. Through the West Door: the Story of the First Half-Century of Graceland College. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1946.

Edwards, Paul M. The Hilltop Where: an Informal History of Graceland College. Lamoni, IA: Venture Foundation, 1972.

Goehner, David. The Graceland College Book of Knowledge. Independence, MO: Graceland Publishing House, 1997.

Higdon, Barbara J., ed. An Illustrated History of Graceland College. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1989.