War Memorial Gymnasium

Location:

6081 University Blvd.

Date:

Original construction: 1949-50
Outdoor swimming pool: 1954 (see Empire Pool)

Architect:

1949-50: Ned Pratt of Sharp & Thompson, Berwick, Pratt, and Frederic Lasserre
1954: Sharp & Thompson, Berwick, Pratt

Cost:

$746,207

Sources of funds:

Students, private donations, and $200,000 from B.C. government.

Demolition:

Empire Pool closed in 2014 due to mechanical issues and was removed in 2016. The new MacInnis Family Field and UBC Central now sit on the site.

Architectural features:

Reinforced concrete walls, steel Pratt-type trusses over main gymnasium, reinforced concrete beams and slabs over the hall. Reinforced concrete stairs cantilevered from the building.

Notes:

Won a Massey Silver Medal for architectural design.
One of the first large International Style buildings in the region.

Sources:

Thompson, Berwick, Pratt; Senate fonds; Ceremonies Office; Heritage Vancouver; Scout Magazine.

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