June 23, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - Millhiser Gym, one of the oldest and grandest buildings on the University of Richmond campus still in use today, is prepping for a facelift that will restore its historic past while transforming the venue into a state-of-the-art men's and women's basketball practice facility and a centerpiece for University and athletic department hospitality events.

The widely-renown sports architectural firm, HKS, Inc., based in Dallas, with a local office in Richmond, has agreed to assist with the design of the restoration project. Expectations are for plans to be finalized by early August, 2008. Fundraising for the project is already underway.

"Restoring historic Millhiser Gym and making it a quality basketball practice facility has been an objective for some time. I am very excited that this unique project will combine a state-of-the art practice facility with the great character of historic Millhiser Gym. This is another significant step forward in the commitment to our basketball programs", said University of Richmond Athletic Director Jim Miller.

Millhiser Gym was built with funds donated by Clarence and Regina Millhiser in memory of their son, Roger, a Richmond College student. Dr. Claire M. Rosenbaum, University Trustee Emeritus, is a member of the Millhiser family.

When the Roger Millhiser Memorial Gymnasium opened in 1921, University literature referred to it as "one of the finest athletic plants of any college of its size in the country." It served as the home for Spider men's basketball games from 1922-1947. Legendary Hall of Famers Frank Dobson (1922-1933) and Mac Pitt (1933-1947) patrolled the sidelines during that era. In 1934-35, Pitt's team used the homecourt advantage at Millhiser Gym en route to a 20-0 record, the lone undefeated men's basketball team in school history.

"The restoration of historic Millhiser Gymnasium will significantly enhance what Richmond Basketball can offer our student-athletes" said men's coach Chris Mooney. "Adding a practice facility elevates our program to a unique level of schools who offer premier facilities."

Women's coach Michael Shafer also sees benefits beyond the practice facility. "I am extremely excited about the restoration of Millhiser Gym," said Shafer. "Our administration continues to show, a tremendous commitment for both basketball programs.

"I am even more excited about the opportunity that a building like Millhiser presents. We will have one of the more distinct practice facilities in America. I know our players will enjoy practicing in such an historic gym."

Even with a long list of sports-venue projects at both the professional and collegiate level, HKS Vice President Steven Terrill finds the Millhiser endeavor especially intriguing. "We are looking forward to working with the University in restoring this historic facility to its original grandeur," said Terrill. "With its central location, this great old basketball court, when restored, will serve as a unique basketball training facility and hospitality location. At a fraction of the cost of a new facility, Millhiser Gymnasium will have a unique character branded to the University of Richmond campus."

Among its varied projects in the HKS portfolio are the new homes for the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts of the NFL as well as American Airlines Center, home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL's Dallas Stars. Its renovations include Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox and site of the 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. At the college level, HKS has assisted with training facilities at SMU, LSU, and the Naval Academy.

Plans for Millhiser Gymnasium's restoration will likely include a new floor, basketball goals, heating and air conditioning, sound system, enhanced lighting and windows, and the installation of an automated floor covering device to be used for hospitality events.