Gerald Ratner Athletics Center
Illinois, United States
Open to visitors
The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.
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The Gerald Ratner Athletics Center, a $51 million sports facility on the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus, is a striking example of high-tech architecture designed by César Pelli, the renowned architect of the Petronas Towers. Approved for use in September 2003 and named after alumnus Gerald Ratner, the building employs an innovative suspension structure supported by external masts, cables, and counterweights rather than interior columns—a design choice that creates expansive, column-free interior spaces. Located at the southwest corner of Ellis Avenue and 55th Street, the facility houses a competition gymnasium, Olympic-sized swimming pool, multilevel fitness center, dance studio, and administrative offices, serving as home to several university athletic teams and hosting NCAA Division III and University Athletic Association championship events.
Architect
Movement
- Type
- sports venue
- Place
- Illinois, United States
This building on
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