| Drake Union | |
|---|---|
| Ohio State University | |
Drake Union shown here on the West Campus of The Ohio State University |
|
| Nickname | Drake |
| Type | student activity center |
| Erected | 1971 |
| Architect | Todd Tibbals |
| Special features | bowling alley |
The Drake Union is a student activity center located at Ohio State University. The union is located on the west campus of Ohio State between Morrill Tower and Lincoln Towers off the east banks of the Olentangy River.
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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 dollars.[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]
Drake Union houses the Department of Theatre at Ohio State.[3] The union also offers a restaurant, Buckeye TV, and houses The Ohio State University's on-campus marina. The union once housed Archie's Alley, which included bowling alleys, pool tables, and a bar, but closed in 1999 due to low patronage.[4]