FRANKLIN, Ind. – Franklin College will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for the renovation and restoration of the Elwood Fitness Center at 1:30 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 10.
The event will take place on the east side of the facility, located on Grizzly Drive. Building renderings will be on display at the groundbreaking.
In February 2024, Franklin College received a naming gift commitment from Amber (Robbins) and John Elwood of Columbus to support the restoration and renovation of the Franklin College Fitness Center. The updated facility will be renamed the Elwood Fitness Center.
Amber Robbins Elwood graduated from Franklin College in 1999. John Elwood serves as CEO at Elwood Staffing, based in Columbus.
The Fitness Center was constructed in the early 1900s and expanded in the 1920s to accommodate the larger crowds. The 19,425-square-foot facility is currently used for limited practice activities. It is not air-conditioned and includes a synthetic playing court (not collegiate length) and one batting cage. The lower level of the building once housed an indoor pool and the entire physical education and athletic department, but is now only used for storage.
The planned renovation will preserve and improve the exterior of the historic building while retaining its architectural integrity. The interior space will be transformed into a modern, functional space for students to pursue fitness, recreational, and athletic activities. The gymnasium will be restored primarily for recreational use.
The lower level of the building will be renovated to provide an office, locker room, and support service areas for the football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s lacrosse teams that compete in Faught Stadium across the street.
