Vocational and Physical Training Building

Title of Building: Muncie Fieldhouse
Address: 525 N. Walnut Street
Year Built: 1928
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
SHAARD Survey # 035-442-45163; Surveyed 1985.

Originally known as the Vocational and Physical Education Building, Muncie Fieldhouse served as Indiana's largest high school gymnasium at the time of its construction.[1] Built by architects Houck & Smenner, it was the result of a community effort to acquire land and raise funds.[2] It is made primarily with red brick but has limestone reliefs on all sides. Beyond athletics, the Fieldhouse hosted various events and served as a community gathering place. The Fieldhouse has gone through two major renovations in its history. In 1983 most of the windows were infilled with brick. In 2017, a tornado caused significant damage and threatened its future. Insurance funds, however, allowed for extensive repairs to be made and the facility reopened in 2019 with a new floor and lobby area.[3] The Muncie Fieldhouse continues to be home to the Muncie Central Bearcats and hosts school events every year.

[1] Neddenriep, Kyle. “Muncie: ‘It was as much a community building as it was a sports venue.” IndyStar. March 2, 2021. Accessed August 2, 2023. https://www.indystar.com/in-depth/sports/high-school/2021/03/02/big-indiana-gyms-muncie-fieldhouse-high-school-basketball-history/6821794002/.

[2] Society of Architectural Historians, “Muncie Fieldhouse,” Accessed June 15, 2023. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/IN-01-035-0072.

[3] Cannelongo, Phil. “Emergency repairs approved for tornado damaged Muncie Fieldhouse,” WTHR. August 16, 2018, Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/emergency-repairs-approved-tornado-damaged-muncie-fieldhouse/531-54ef9568-5147-4b59-9263-8a8169e77f5f.