One of the best-known contracting firms in the state at the
time, W. R. Dunkin and Son of Huntington, constructed the
Coliseum in 1927 and 1928. Their total bid for the structure
that stands at 121 North River Boulevard, including plumbing,
lighting, and heating, totaled about $125,000. They were famed
in Indiana for building the Hotel LaFontaine in Huntington,
Greenfield High School, and Kendallville gym, among others.
Robert Frost, Indianapolis, widely known in the mid-west, was
the architect for the project. Other notables were E.E. Day,
superintendent of Marion Community Schools, as well as Willard
Elkins, Hugh Wilkinson, and Dr. Charles Priest, all members of
the school board. ("Dunkin and Son of Huntington Build New Gym").
The original structure of the Coliseum measures 209 feet by 162
feet ("Dedication of New Coliseum Set for January 6"). The
hardwood floor in the center of the Coliseum measures 78 feet
by 50 feet (Miller 11). The floor is surrounded on three sides
by about 5,500 seats. Eleven rows of permanent bench-style seats
are arranged around the upper concourse. Temporary pullout
bleachers are located on the floor level. All seats are
sectionalized and numbered ("Dedication of New Coliseum Set for January 6").
 Around
the perimeter of the floor level is a 12-foot wide running
track. The track measures 13 laps to the mile and features a
50-yard straightaway. On the north end of the floor level is a
large, elevated, 35 feet by 60 feet stage. Also on the north end
is the Charles G. Barley Memorial Organ ("Campaign for Gymnasium to Get Under Way").
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