[3] They were jointly added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 under the name Military Drill Hall and Men's Gymnasium.

[4] The one-story building now known as the Kenney Gym Annex, the easternmost of the two structures, was built in 1889-90 as the Military Drill Hall and was designed by Nathan Clifford Ricker.

In 1974, it was named after Harold Eugene "Hek" Kenney, a former UIUC wrestler, coach, and administrator in the early 20th century.

[2] Prior to the opening of Huff Hall in 1925, Kenney Gym housed the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team.

[5] From 1919 to 1925, Kenney Gym played host to the state finals of the Illinois High School Association boys' basketball tournament.