McKinnon Building (1975)

Physical Education and Athletics

 

This building is constructed of reinforced concrete and structural steel with exterior walls of exposed aggregate pre-cast concrete. It was planned to meet the academic needs of Physical Education, while sewing the entire university as an athletic and recreation centre. High single-storey pre-cast sections enclose an L-shaped swimming pool (25 metres by 25 yards), a large gymnasium with seating for 2,200, an apparatus gymnasium and a dance studio. A two-storey
section includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, dressing rooms, shower rooms, squash courts, etc.

An extension was added in 1980, and in 1981 a solar heating system was installed on the roof.

 

Name

 

Archie McKinnon (1896–1984), was a legendary figure in Victoria athletics. Born in Glasgow, he came to Victoria in 1913, joining the YMCA staff that year. His full-time association with the "Y" continued until 1961 (including 35 years as physical education director). The recipient of many honours, Mr. McKinnon was coach of four Canadian Olympic teams: 1932 in Los Angeles, 1936 in Berlin, 1948 in London and 1952 in Helsinki.

 

Facts and Figures

 

Architect: Rhone & Iredale, [Vancouver]
Structural: Canadian Environmental Sciences, [Vancouver]
Mechanical: Reid, Crowther & Partners Ltd., [Vancouver]
Electrical: W. T. Haggert and Company Ltd., [Vancouver]
Contractor: Farmer Construction Ltd.
Contract: $2,565,312 (May 1, 1973); $2,684,540
Gross area: 90,855 sq. ft.
Cost per square foot: $29.55
Ceremonial sod-turning: June 2, 1973, by President Hugh E. Farquhar
Official opening: February 15, 1975, by Archie McKinnon, with Chancellor Robert T. Wallace

 

See UVic's maps and buildings description.