herr2ck: Phys Ed

Photo of RPAC from September 2025.

Larkins Hall was the sprawling predecessor to the RPAC. A lot of alternate names refer to “Hen” (such as “Hen’s Gym”), and I’m curious who this refers to. It was expanded multiple times during its lifetime from the original Neoclassical design, but its age by the 2000s resulted in its demolition and replacement by the RPAC. Larkins Hall’s site is currently bordered by Annie and John Glenn Avenue and Ohio Stadium to the north, McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion and Cunz Hall to the south, Wilce Student Health Center and Townshend Hall to the east, and Lincoln Tower Park to the west.

Larkins Hall History

Elevations of the Natatorium portion of Larkins Hall. (Historic Campus Map)

Larkins Hall was designed and built as two separate yet connected buildings: the “Physical Education Building” and “Natatorium.” Its architect was university architect Howard Dwight Smith, and his documents were approved in 1930. The Natatorium was completed earlier in 1931, and the remainder of the building was finished in either late 1931 or early 1932. With a concrete and steel frame and brick exterior, the original building was in the Neoclassical style. It contained swimming pools, handball courts, and a gymnasium.

Larkins Hall in 1934. (Buckeye Stroll)

A small addition was built onto the north facade of the Physical Education portion in 1940, which was also designed by Smith a year prior. It was known as the “Library Storage Building” and was probably used for that purpose. Why it was added to the campus gym at a distance from the library is beyond me. This addition was renovated in 1958 to accommodate Navy ROTC after the Armory burnt down.

Larkins Hall after its 1970s additions. (Historic Campus Map)

In 1975, a second addition to Larkins Hall was designed by Sanborn-Steketee, Otis, and Evans Inc. Its construction began that year and was mostly completed by early 1977, as the building was dedicated on May 21, 1977. This addition included another pool and more gymnasium space.

By the 2000s, Ohio State was looking to modernize the campus gym again. They looked into remodeling Larkins Hall at first, but its age, lack of AC, and poor accessibility resulted in planning of a new building. Larkins Hall was demolished in July 2005.

The Physical Education Building and Natatorium were renamed to “Larkins Hall” in 1976, after Richard Larkins. Larkins played football and basketball at Ohio State before graduating with a commerce (business) degree in 1931, receiving his master’s in 1935. After briefly coaching football at the University of Rochester, he returned to Ohio State as assistant professor of physical education in 1937. He became the athletic director in 1946, a position he held until 1970. During that time, Larkins increased the number of varsity sports, established the intramural sports program, and served on NCAA and Big 10 committees. Larkins retired in 1970 and died in 1977.

RPAC History

The Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) was designed by Antoine Predock and Curt Moody (partner of Moody Nolan), and its construction began in 2003. The entire complex was completed in January 2007. Built in the Contemporary style, it features a large gymnasium space, campus restaurants, various courts for many different sports, offices, classrooms, and the Student Wellness Center. The eastern portion is also used by Physical Activity and Education Services.