Ohio State University
Drake Performance and Event Center
The Drake, Drake
Drake Center shown here on the West Campus of the Ohio State University
Former namesDrake Union
General information
Completed1971
DemolishedNovember 2023
Design and construction
Architect(s)Todd Tibbals

The Drake Performance and Event Center was located at Ohio State University. Formerly known as the Drake Union, it was originally constructed as a student activity center before becoming home to the Department of Theater. The center was located on the west campus of Ohio State between Morrill Tower and Lincoln Tower off the east banks of the Olentangy River.

Background

With the construction of residence halls on west campus, Ohio State students living there found the walking distance to travel to the Ohio Union long, especially in the winter. The Board of Trustees approved the construction of a second union in 1969.[1] Designed by architect Todd Tibbals, the union was officially named after Edward S. Drake, a former manager at the Ohio Union for 33 years, in 1971 and officially opened in 1972 at a cost of $4.5 million.[1] Following the construction, there were plans to build additional structures surrounding Drake Union, but those plans were cancelled.[2][3] Although it would appear Drake Union would rival the existing Ohio Union as Ohio State's second union, both unions worked together as community centers for students and visitors.[2]

Uses

Drake Center housed the Department of Theater at Ohio State.[3] The center offered Buckeye TV and houses The Ohio State University's on-campus marina. The center once housed Archie's Alley, which included bowling alleys, pool tables, and a bar, but closed in 1999 due to low patronage.[4]

Demolition

In 2023, the Department of Theater moved to a new building on the corner of West 18th Avenue and College Road.[5] Following the move to the new building, the Drake Union was demolished in November to make room for a new green space and riverfront commons along the Olentangy River.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Herrick Archives Number 296: Drake Union". Archived from the original on 2005-05-27. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  2. 1 2 Union to celebrate 25th b-day, Shelly Rashid, The Lantern, May 7, 1997, Retrieved October 14, 2007
  3. 1 2 Drake Performance and Event Center Archived May 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ Some students sad as little-known bowling alley closes, Ponce Brown, The Lantern, March 10, 1999, Retrieved March 07, 2017
  5. ↑ "Arts District". College of Arts and Sciences. 2018-10-02. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  6. ↑ "Framework 2.0" (PDF). Ohio State University. p. 47. Retrieved 2021-03-29.

39°59′57″N 83°01′24″W / 39.999303°N 83.023195°W / 39.999303; -83.023195


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