John Deutsch University Centre

Gymnasium (Jackson Hall) is a 3 storey rusticated limestone building with a flat roof. The main facade is divided into three sections by pilasters which rise from the edges of the wide stone stairway to the string course above the second storey. The main entranceway has double doors with a fanlight above and is flanked by short pilasters to the springing of the arch. The north and south faces of the building also have three sections divided by pilasters and contain three windows pet storey, the first storey ones having round heads. Alterations include the removal of the original gabled roof and attendant architectural detail and their replacement with a flat-roofed third storey. The limestone used in the third storey is of a different colour to the local limestone of the original building and is not compatible. Jackson Hall was built in 1906 to designs by two Queen’s Engineering professors, Kirkpatrick and Macphail. It was built to house the gymnasium and other recreation facilities on campus and was known as the “Old Gym” for many years. From 1930, the building housed the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a Department of Hydraulics laboratory. The new third storey was added in 1959. The building currently (1997) houses the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering and shops for the University trades staff. Jackson Hall was named in honour of Arthur Jackson, professor of Engineering Drawing. John Deutsch Centre: The surviving portions of the original facade, specifically the rusticated limestone cladding, arched window and door openings, blank stone arches, stone pilasters, and the main entrance with fanlight, flanking pilasters and stone stairway, are essential elements.
A project aimed with the revitalization of this multi-component facility included the demolition and replacement of the 1974 addition, interior renovations to the existing heritage structure, and full renovation of residences including lounges and study spaces. The final product sees the new addition as more supportive of the new uses and patterns of movement in this area of campus. The new addition has blended seamlessly into the area in its massing, siting and scale. It was awarded by the Frontenac Heritage Foundation in 2025 for heritage conservation. More information is provided in our awards section.