The $2.4 million Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center met a major need on campus, as all athletic activities had been concentrated in the Clybourn Street gymnasium since the end of World War I. Designed primarily for individual and intramural sports and physical recreation, the new structure included six tennis courts; a swimming pool; handball, squash and basketball courts; an exercise room; and locker, shower, and sauna facilities. Construction began on April 15, 1974 and the building was completed on January 10, 1975, just 183 working days from start to finish. The building opened to the public on January 15, 1975.
Named For
Named for Evan P. Helfaer, a Milwaukee native whose $2 million gift made the building possible. From 1932-1957, Helfaer served as president of Lakeside Laboratories and guided the pharmaceutical firm to a position of international prominence. In total, Helfaer gave Marquette more than $4 million in support of projects such as the recreation center, a campus theater, and equipment for two floors in the chemistry building.
Scanned as RGB in transparency mode with Epson Expression 10000XL at 2400 DPI. Display image is jpeg generated from archival tiff file.
Copyright
This image is issued by Marquette University. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Department of Special Collections and University Archives. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please credit: Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Marquette University Libraries.