Made from rough brick, construction of the building took place between October, 1891 and August, 1892 on land owned by the university.

The gymnasium was built with two divisions in order to separate activities devoted to men and women.

The gymnasium was constructed to be a temporary structure with full knowledge that a permanent facility would be built.

The university developed a plan to have a facility that would be a combination of a gymnasium and a diminutive athletic field under one roof.

The dedication ceremony took place immediately following the annual football dinner hosted by President Harper.