Most know of it as 'The Red Gym.' Others simply refer to it as 'the castle on Langdon Street.' There is even a group on facebook.com that is convinced the Red Gym is the home of Bowser, the famous archenemy of Nintendo's classic videogame hero, Mario.
Whatever Madisonians may choose to call it, it is safe to say that no structure on this campus symbolizes the intelligence, character and the spirit of UW-Madison better than the University of Wisconsin Armory and Gymnasium. From the middle of Library Mall, no other building stands out more clearly. Sadly, many do not have a clue just how magnificent this historic building is.
Nowadays, the Red Gym is considered the university's front door to visitors. The 111-year-old building, however, was once used as a training facility for Reserve Officer Training Corps and as a gymnasium for several sporting events held on campus.
In 1881, UW-Madison President John Bascom petitioned for a gymnasium, but it was not until 1894 that the Armory and Gymnasium was actually opened and dedicated to UW-Madison in a widely-celebrated ceremony.
Even the 1894 Daily Cardinal staff predicted the opening of the Armory and Gymnasium 'would undoubtedly be recorded as most important in the university's history.'
Railroads offered reduced rates to those that wanted to attend the festival. In addition the university even cancelled classes to allow students a day of celebration. How often does an event like that happen around here these days? (Classes cancelled? Come on, that's huge!)
Because the building was intended for military use, it was originally designed to replicate a medieval castle. By the very looks of it'arched entryways, towers and steeples, massive walls'the gym suggests an authoritative impression as individuals make the trip down Langdon St.
Unfortunately, some did not agree with the gym's military purpose. In 1970 the building was firebombed in a bold reaction by anti-war activists who opposed the ROTC programs that took place there during the Vietnam war.
For UW-Madison sophomore Jason Mathew, the Red Gym holds welcoming memories of his first visit to UW-Madison.
'The first time I came to Madison to visit the university, I was overwhelmed by the structure of the Red Gym. Though many buildings on the campus are impressive, the Red Gym is certainly unique in its own way,' Mathew said.
Undoubtedly, the most important historic significance of the Red Gym is its connection with the Wisconsin Republican Convention. At the 1904 convention, Robert M. La Follette won control of the Wisconsin Republican Party, after which he led the Progressive Party to enact several significant reforms throughout the state.
In 1993, the Red Gym was recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its involvement with the Wisconsin Progressives. In the nomination process, the gym was described as 'the only extant building with such an outstanding association with Wisconsin's Progressive Movement.'
Despite numerous plans for its demolition, the Red Gym was renovated in 1998 and now serves as a focal point for student activity.
Today, the Red Gym has separated from its military roots and is home to several organizations on campus. In addition to being the primary recruiting office for undergraduate admissions, the gym accommodates the Student Organization Office, Morgridge Center for Public Service and International Student and Scholar Services.
Likewise, the offices of the Multicultural Student Center, Student Orientation Programs and Madison Friends of International Students are located within this great building.
'[The Red Gym] is a great building which we returned to the UW-Madison students as one of the key hubs of activities, services and programs in order to serve them better,' said Mary Rouse, former director of the Morgridge Center. 'With the addition of this building, students are now able to exercise their talents and leadership skills by active participation in student organizations, as well as other curricular and co-curricular programs.'
