Historic Moran gym gets facelift

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD has performed renovation work to its gymnasium as the facility nears a century of existence.

The gym was constructed in 1935-37 by the Works Project Administration, one of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.

“It’s a special place,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said. “Some of the board members who graduated here talk about playing basketball in that gym 50 years ago. I’m told the floor is made out of pecan, and the building is solid rock.”

Work included replacing wood window sashes and metal coverings for lower windows.

“It was cheaper to replace all the metal than to it was to have it repainted,” Denson said. “In doing that, we were able to replace the rotted wood. The gym has had a pretty good facelift.”

In addition to creating a more fan-friendly atmosphere for events in the gym, Denson said the project would extend the life of the local landmark.

“That’s the only gym we have,” he said. “It’s almost 100 years old. I’m hoping what we do to it this year will make it last another 100 years.”

The alternative would be to raze the structure and erect a new one.

“We’ve got to take care of it if we want to keep it,” Denson said. “It’s all we’ve got. It’s been a while since those windows have been painted.”