Completed in 1920, the industrial university and recreational institution was developed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for the welfare of its employees. The building included an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1686, the largest stage and theater in Akron in its time, and one of the largest in Ohio. The gymnasium was comparable to a college indoor athletic stadium. There were bowling alleys, target and rifle ranges, bath rooms and lavatories Goodyear university, and a cafeteria capable of accommodating 8,000 daily. Dormitory rooms were available for both men and women, in addition to recreational rooms and the library. There were three entrances, two on East Market and one through the gymnasium.

Wide corridors bisected the main floor longitudinally, separating the 12 store rooms and the auditorium and gymnasium. The auditorium was well appointed. Its main floor and suspended balcony seated 1,686. The stage was 40 feet (12 m) across, with double apertures, so as to permit its use by both the main auditorium and gymnasium. The gymnasium had a seating capacity of 5,000 people. An indirect lighting system was used throughout the auditorium with the exception of hanging candle fixtures which case a glow upon mural panels arranged on the side wall. A French Renaissance decoration scheme was used. The large gymnasium with gallery had a floor space of 172 by 100 feet (52 m × 30 m), large enough to permit five basketball games simultaneously.

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