University of Wisconsin Armory and Gymnasium

Madison, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

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Built in 1894 on the shores of Lake Mendota at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Armory and Gymnasium—commonly known as the Red Gym—is a Romanesque Revival structure designed by Conover & Porter in red brick that evokes a castle. Originally serving as both a gymnasium and armory, the building sits adjacent to Memorial Union and overlooks Library Mall. The Red Gym gained political significance when it hosted the 1904 Wisconsin Republican Party convention, where Robert La Follette and the Progressive Republicans wrested control of the state party from the Stalwarts, a victory that secured a legislative majority and enabled reforms including the direct primary, which subsequently influenced political processes across the nation.

Architect

Conover & Porter

Movement

Romanesque Revival architecture

Built: 1894
Type: gym, university building
Materials: brick
Heritage: Madison Landmark, National Register of Historic Places listed place
Place: Madison, United States

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Location

43.07623, -89.39869