Wow. Look at the Leonard Center. This magnificent structure wasn’t built overnight. It’s the result of decades of generosity and vision.
The Leonard Center a $45 million 175000 square-foot complex opened in August 2008. It’s named to honor George P and Wilma Fox Leonard and their descendants. They were longtime Macalester supporters. Their contributions were truly unselfish. They profoundly bettered Macalester College.
The Leonards’ legacy extends far beyond the Leonard Center. The family supported numerous projects. These include the dance program the Athletic Department the DeWitt Wallace Library and even renovations to Wallace Hall. They established endowed scholarships for many students. A remarkable feat considering George’s own student scholarship was only $125 a year.
The Leonard Center itself is a marvel of design and engineering. The construction involved 950 tons of structural steel. Nearly 100000 exterior bricks were used. The building features a state-of-the-art natatorium. This pool holds 408000 gallons of water. It’s large enough for simultaneous swimming and diving practices. There’s also a 200-meter track and a performance gymnasium seating 1200. The building cleverly reused materials from the old athletic facility. Ninety-eight percent of the field house’s materials were reused or recycled.
Notice the details. The building isn’t just functional. It’s beautiful. The atrium and bathrooms feature Italian porcelain tile. The first floor boasts a four-color terrazzo. Even the scoreboards from the old building are proudly displayed. There are eighty of them. A unique feature is the seventy-three letter Ms incorporated into the railings and trusses.
But the most striking feature might be the fieldhouse flag mural. It showcases 128 flags from around the world and 33500 images representing the Macalester community. This breathtaking work of art took five weeks 24 hours a day to complete.
The Leonard Center isn’t just an athletic facility. It’s a testament to the power of philanthropy. It is a celebration of community. It’s a vibrant hub for students athletes and the entire Macalester College community. So let’s explore this amazing place. Let’s discover more stories within its walls.