Franklin College begins $9.5M renovation of Elwood Fitness Center

Franklin College’s Elwood Fitness Center is getting a historic makeover, restoring a symbol of physical culture on campus.

The fitness center began its new chapter with a ceremony on Friday, kicking off a $9.5 million renovation project for the facility. Alumni and trustees contributed $7 million to make the project possible.

As college administrators and donors behind this project picked up their shovels, the ceremony marked the beginning of the public phase of the project.

The center has been a buzzing hub for campus athletes, student life, and the home of the Franklin Wonder Five basketball team in the 1920s. The facility is being renovated inside to create modern multi-functional areas for students while keeping the building’s historic facade intact.

The renovation is expected to be completed in early 2027.

“Today, we celebrate both our history and our future as we break ground on the restoration and renovation of one of the most iconic landmarks on our campus —the Elwood Fitness Center,” Franklin College President Kerry Prather said at the ceremony. “This groundbreaking marks the official beginning of a $9.5 million project that will restore, re-imagine and revitalize a facility that has been part of Franklin’s story for more than a century.

There will be spaces for personal fitness activities, recreational and intramural sports and athletic offices, locker rooms and support services for the football, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse teams.

Prather continued, “For generations, this building has been a gathering place for competition, camaraderie and community. Soon, it will once again serve as a vibrant hub of activity, supporting recreation, wellness and athletic excellence for our students. I have said often that this is the most unique project underway on any college campus and it is something for all of us to be very proud to celebrate.”

The fitness center was constructed in the early 1900s and expanded in the 1920s when the Franklin Wonder Five became widely known throughout the state. They won the national championship in 1923.

In 2020, a state historical marker was installed outside the facility — one of only a handful in Johnson County —commemorating the team’s legacy. Now the basketball court at the center will be named in their honor.

“The Elwood Fitness Center stands as a living monument to their legacy, story of teamwork, determination and pride that inspires us still today,” Prather said. “It is fitting that the renovated facility will once again bear their name on its court.”

In January, a portion of campus, including the Elwood Fitness Center, was designated as a National Register Historic District by the National Park Service. The 19,425-square-foot building historically housed a pool, athletic offices and the entire physical education department until the opening of Spurlock Center in 1975.

“This building isn’t just a part of our city, it is a big part of the history of our city and that means a lot in the city of Franklin,” said Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett.

Four families have played a role in launching the project through generous donations, all with deep roots in Franklin College or the city itself.

Franklin College Trustee Amber Elwood and her husband, John, were the lead donors, with their gift renaming the facility the Elwood Fitness Center. Elwood, of Columbus, said this project is personal for her and something her parents, who passed away within 20 months of each other, would be proud of her helping make a reality.

“Franklin gave me so much,” said Elwood, a 1999 graduate. “…Franklin opened many doors for me, and it shaped who I am today. Supporting this project is just one small way that I can give back to the college that gave me so much.”

Roger and Jan Johnson of Scottsdale, Arizona, provided a gift naming the basketball floor on the main level the “Wonder Five Court.”

“Franklin has always been my home,” Roger said. “I think it’s gonna be great for all the students and future students here.”

Trustee Jim Napolitan and his wife, Sandra, provided funding to name the lower level of the facility the Drs. James and Sandra Napolitan Athletic Complex.

Napolitan spoke on the “physical culture” movement in the early 1900s and how that same movement inspired what can be seen on one side of the historic building.

“As we dedicate ourselves to the task of restoring this building, let’s keep in mind that the Greek ideal of mind, body and balance,” he said. “Let us restore this temple of physical culture and do it with Grizzly enthusiasm.”

Jerry Petro and his wife Faye, of Franklin, provided a donation naming the Jerry and Faye Petro Aerobic Fitness Area on the lower level.

“One of the things that this university and this gym did for me is put my feet firmly on the ground to take on the challenge of the world,” Petro said. “It’s a small little thing we’ve done and I can’t measure up to these people that are going to come before me, but I’m going to do my little part the best I can.”

The community was invited inside the facility one last time before its makeover. Renderings of the future facility were on display for students, staff and the community to envision the space.

Members of the Franklin women’s lacrosse team are excited to have their own locker room, something they do not currently have.

“We would use this gym as a meeting place,” said Abby Moore. “We would come in here before games and give each other pep talks.”

Women’s lacrosse coach Todd Burris said he’s looking forward to the team having its own space and to his own new office. He’s looking forward to being closer to other coaches to increase collaboration opportunities.

This project would not have been possible without a collective effort of support from those involved, Prather said.

“I hope everyone here is motivated to remain engaged, to share the story of this facility and this project far and wide, and to take pride in what your support is making possible,” he said. “Every gesture of advocacy, every act of philanthropy and every word of encouragement continues the legacy of excellence symbolized by this building.”