The Lead Off
- A Pulaski County nonprofit is working to preserve the historic Medaryville gymnasium built in the 1950s.
- The building, which closed to regular use in 2024, is in need of roof and window repairs as fundraising efforts continue.
- Organizers are pursuing a feasibility study and state registry listing as part of long-term restoration plans.
PULASKI COUNTY, IND. (WOWO) A group in Pulaski County is working to preserve the historic Medaryville gymnasium, a former school sports venue dating back to the 1950s, as efforts continue to restore the building and return it to community use.
The gym, located off U.S. 421 in Medaryville, remained standing after the local school closed in 1968 and later served as a community gathering space for decades.
Historic gym’s legacy in the community
Built in the 1950s, the Medaryville gymnasium was once a central hub for school athletics and local events. After the school’s closure in 1968, the structure continued to serve the community in various capacities, including as a meeting site for the American Legion.
In 2024, the building was closed, leaving its future uncertain.
Todd Zeiger with Indiana Landmarks said the preservation of school gyms is common across the state due to their cultural significance.
“Hoosiers love their gyms to the extent that they’ll, that they tear down the schools that were in front of them, but they keep the gyms,” Zeiger said.
Community-led preservation effort
A nonprofit group, Friends of the Medaryville Gymnasium, has formed to lead restoration efforts. Members have been cleaning and assessing the structure while developing plans for its future use.
Morgan Federer, president of the organization, said the group formed after seeing the building deteriorate over time.
“Looking over here at this building and seeing it kind of go downhill over the years and knowing that there is opportunity and a lot of possibility here. And we’d love to see it alive again,” Federer said.
Craig Stevens, vice president of the group, said the gym holds personal and community significance.
“Well, when I was five years old my dad brought me here for my first basketball game and he played here and that was the beginning of my love for basketball,” Stevens said.
Funding needs and restoration plans
Organizers say the next phase of the project focuses on fundraising for roof and window repairs, which are needed to stabilize the building.
Federer said initial fundraising has begun but additional support is required to move forward with larger restoration work.
“We’ve done some fundraising, but we definitely could use money to help patch that roof and help until we can get the bigger picture going and the bigger project going,” Federer said.
Despite years of wear, the gym still retains original features including bleachers, flooring, windows, and portions of the roof.
Feasibility study and historic designation efforts
The group is also working with an Indianapolis-based company to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate long-term restoration options.
In addition, organizers are pursuing efforts to list the building in the Indiana state registry as part of broader preservation goals.
Supporters say the goal is to eventually restore the gym as a community space similar to its original use.
Roy McIlvain, who attended the former school, said he hopes to see the building restored during his lifetime.
“Well, I just like to see it come back to life before I don’t,” McIlvain said.
The Takeaway
Community effort aims to preserve historic Hoosier gym
A Pulaski County nonprofit is leading efforts to restore the Medaryville gymnasium, a 1950s-era building with deep local ties to school athletics and community events.
Restoration depends on fundraising and structural repairs
Organizers say roof and window repairs are the immediate priority as they work to secure funding needed to stabilize the building.
Feasibility study and historic listing part of long-term plan
The group is pursuing a feasibility study and state registry listing as it explores options to preserve and potentially reopen the gym as a community hub.
