A Brief History of Cowling Recreation Center

Credits: Spencer Lekki

The Cowling Recreation Center was designed and built in 1964 by Minoru Yamasaki, the designer of 5 other campus buildings, including Watson Hall and the West Gymnasium. Yamasaki recieved an honorary degree in 1967 and is also known for his work designing the World Trade Center. 

It was initially used as the women's recreation center and is located across from Margaret Evans Hall, most commonly refered to as "Evans" by students today.

At the time of construction it contained offices, a classroom, a
student lounge, and a recreation room on its east side. The east basement contained areas to practice golf, tennis, and archery. On the west side, facing Bell Field, there was locker room and a pool in the west basement. 

Today Cowling is used for PE classes such as ballroom dance, yoga, and step aerobics, as well as club sports and general recreation.