Campus Master Plan

Carlson Gymnasium (1924)

This was Klauder's second major building on the CU campus, designed to house the Department of Physical Education for Men when PE classes were required of all students. It was one of the most active buildings on campus until the PE requirement was dropped in the 1970s.

The building is T-shaped with a large gymnasium to the east. The west end contained a large locker room complex, offices, specialty gyms, and a swimming pool (called "The Natatorium"). The soaring entrance hall once displayed athletics trophies. The exterior features an elegant set of steps and three arches topped by "blind" arches set into the stonework.

When Carlson was built, it stood on the east edge of campus, separated from other buildings by railroad tracks.

In 1975, the building was named to honor Harry Carlson (1896–1986) who was athletic director for 37 years. He also served CU as dean of men, baseball coach, and regent.

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