Culver Stockton College Gymnasium, Canton, Missouri
Charles Field House, or the gymnasium, at Culver-Stockton College was destroyed by a tornado in May
of 2003. PSBA was hired to oversee the reconstruction of this gymnasium. The tornado literally lifted the
gymnasium structure and ripped the anchor bolts out of the concrete foundation. The gymnasium was
approximately 120’ x 200’ (24,000 square feet). Other areas of the building suffered damage as a result
of the tornado; these areas consisted of 22,000 square feet of usable space.
The gymnasium was reconstructed using a pre-engineered steel building and the eave height of the
building was raised to accommodate NCAA basketball events. The entire floor surface consisted of a
wood floating floor which better met the coaches’ and athlete’s needs. The lighting level was brought up
to higher standards and the heating and ventilation systems were significantly improved. This was a fast
tract project and this building was operational in seven months from the date of the tornado. Close
cooperation between the Architect, the Contractor and the College allowed this project to be
successfully completed.
