Butler University was honored in 2015 by Indiana Landmarks which awarded the Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration to the Midtown Anchor for its renovation of Hinkle Fieldhouse, a National Historic Landmark. Butler completed the $36.5 million project in fall, 2014. According to Indiana Landmarks Executive Vice President Tina Connor, the Hinkle restoration was chosen, in part, because of the RATIO Architects design team’s attention to detail in restoring the iconic structure built in 1928. “They followed Director of Athletics Barry Collier’s mantra: ‘keep Hinkle, Hinkle’ and the variation, ‘make Hinkle more Hinkle,’” she said.
Connor added that the project also followed the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s restoration standards in refurbishing steel-sash windows and masonry and in the interior renovation. Removing offices and storage closets that had been added under the bleachers allowed the concourses to assume the original configuration. The project also transformed an unused, connected natatorium into three levels for locker rooms, strength training, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, an academic center, and athletic department offices. Butler will receive the award April 25 at Indiana Landmarks’ annual Rescue Party. indianalandmarks.org
