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INTRODUCTION |
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES |
PAYNE WHITNEY GYM |
STERLING LIBRARY |
OTHERS | HOME Payne Whitney Gymnasium "Body and Mind in Balance," a phrase from Robert Browning's poem "The Ring and the Book" quoted in stone on the Payne Whitney Gymnasium lobby wall, reflects Yale's belief in athletic programs as an important element of life. The Ivy League tradition of amateur athletic competition differs significantly from other universities, where increasing professionalization of intercollegiate sports undermines the original purpose of collegiate athletic competition. "Athletics for all" was invoked by two of the significant visionaries of the Gymnasium -- Robert J. H. Kiphuth and James R. Angell -- to suggest the valuable role athletic activity plays in education and the importance of its equitable availability. This concern is evident in the broad range of athletic opportunities available to the entire Yale community, with thirty-three varsity sports participated in by approximately 1000 students, an equally large number of club sports with an estimated 700 participants, substantial intramural activity involving some 5000 students, and numerous other opportunities for physical education and recreation. Payne Whitney Gymnasium, as the centerpiece for athletics on campus, is an embodiment of Yale's commitment to athletics. At the time of its creation in 1932, the Gymnasium was generally considered to be the world's largest and most magnificent athletic facility. It held this position for some thirty years, a tremendous accomplishment in light of the significant changes in such facilities during that period. The technical quality of the Gymnasium exceeded ordinary expectations when it was built and many of the innovations developed here became standard in later years. Even today, although some important components are outdated or in need of replacement, Payne Whitney continues to be an outstanding facility. The design of the building is equally unique and still creates a memorable experience for visitors and users alike. | |
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Payne Whitney Gymnasium - this view of the architect's model from above looking towards Tower Parkway shows the new addition in the foreground. Model: Cesar Pelli & Associates, Inc. Architects in collaboration with Ellerbe Becket Architects. |
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Payne Whitney Gymnasium - drawing showing the interior of the new addition with running track and basketball courts. Drawing: Cesar Pelli & Associates, Inc. Architects in collaboration with Ellerbe Becket Architects. |
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| The
Payne Whitney Gymnasium study analyzed both how the programs use the facility
and the facility itself, with the intended emphasis on excellence in amateur
intercollegiate athletic competition, developing the bodies as well as the
minds of Yale students, and fostering interaction within the diverse Yale
community. To this end, the building was inspected to identify systems that
are badly deteriorated or those which contribute to the deterioration of
the remainder of the building. The athletic programs were considered in
terms of available space and comparable programs within the Ivy League.
Options ranged from extensive renovation and no new additions to total replacement
of the Gymnasium with a new building. The favored option includes renovation
and expansion of the facility. Phase One, currently under way, includes
the construction of a 57,000-square-foot addition that houses four basketball
courts and a running track. It also includes extensive renovation of the
existing building and the construction of a 24,000-square-foot exercise/weight
training facility and six new international squash courts.
One of the leading donors to support the gym renovation is Colonel William K. Lanman, Jr. '28S, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret. Other Campaign contributions toward this project came from Barton M. Biggs '55; the Day family including Harry D. Day '70, Jerrold Day, the late Dr. Harry M. Day '34 and the Dr. Harry M. Day '34 Charitable Foundation; Joshua Bekenstein '80; the late Adrian C. Israel '36S; Theodore P. Shen '66; and John J. Lee '58E, '59M.Eng. Over $40 million was raised by the Campaign for athletic facilities, including a challenge pledge from Richard Gilder '54, '57 LL.B. and his daughter Ginny Gilder '79 for construction of a new boathouse replacing the crew facility, and funding from Joel E. Smilow '54 for the Field Center at Yale Bowl. |
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