Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Erma Lowe Hall

Originally the Gymnasium

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, September 21, 2024

1. Erma Lowe Hall Marker

Inscription. Erma Lowe Hall was constructed in 1921, not for dance but instead as a gymnasium. It was the center of all TCU physical education activities until 1973, when a new physical education facility, the Cyrus K. and Ann Rickel Building (later the Rickel Academic Wing), opened. Lowe Hall, a multilevel structure, was designed by architects Van Slyke & Woodruff, a firm that fashioned other early campus facilities. The basement contained offices and classrooms. On the entry level was an indoor pool - then a rarity - along with men's and women's locker rooms. The third level comprised two handball courts. The top floor was used as a weight room. Horned Frog football history took place there: in a central office on the gym's main floor, the legendary football coach "Dutch" Meyer laid plans for the "Fightin Frogs" of the 1930s and 1940s.

In the early 1970s, the expanding fine arts program needed space to grow. After physical education and athletics moved to new quarters, the gym's pool, basketball courts and weight room were transformed into dance studios and the facility became the Ballet Building. In its new home, the ballet program

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attained international recognition, thanks to world-class performers and teachers such as David Preston, Fernando Schaffenburg and Fernando Bujones.

Dance at TCU continued its ascendance, and the Ballet Building no longer met its needs. In 2011, the Ballet Building was totally renovated for the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance. It was named in honor of Erma Lowe, an avid university supporter who served as a TCU Trustee and Honorary Trustee for more than two decades. At the time of the renovation, Mrs. Lowe's daughter, Mary Ralph Lowe, was an active member of the TCU Board of Trustees.

Erected by Texas Christian University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.

Location. 32° 42.474′ N, 97° 21.675′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is on South University Drive north of Bellaire Drive North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3032 S University Dr, Fort Worth TX 76129, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, September 21, 2024

2. Erma Lowe Hall Marker

the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dave C. Reed Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alice E. Carlson Elementary School (approx. 0.3 miles away); University United Methodist Church (approx. half a mile away); Thomas G. & Marjorie Shaw House (approx. ¾ mile away); Texas Log Cabins (approx. 0.8 miles away); Westbrook Estate (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fort Worth Zoological Park (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rogers-O'Daniel House (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2024, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2024, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.