About Us

History

25 years ago on February 3, 1983 Demolition was halted on the Howard Avenue Armory because someone
expressed interest in the building.

The Building II Rec. Hall & Athletic Club was originally opened as The Building II Rec. Hall on
April 1st, 1983. It was converted from an old National Guard Armory completed in 2 phases.  The First section completed in 1922.  And the Second phase in 1931.  It began as a hobby for the Bennett Family.  It rapidly grew to be a labor of love.  

The Name The Building II came about in an interesting way.  There is actually a Building I.  
The Building was a "term of endearment" that the Bennetts and their friends used for the Building I. 
When the Bennetts acquired the old armory, it needed a name.  So, since there was already a Building I,
why not call the newest version The Building II.  The Building I still exists and is used as a warehouse.

It officially opened as The Building II Rec. Hall and Athletic Club in November of 1990. Since then The
Building has undergone many changes and upgrades.
It has seen many area basketball players and athletes come and go.

Carl and Ann, along with their children Mark, Mike and Carleen still provide a place for the
residents of Altoona and the surrounding area to get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Building II is centrally located in the downtown section of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The Building
offers a wide variety of fitness and conditioning equipment, friendly atmosphere, and a qualified staff.

Mailing Address

1000 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-8014

Directions from the 17th Street Exit

From 17th Street turn Right on 6th Avenue. Continue on 6th Avenue to 7th Street. Turn Left on 7th
Street, stay in the right lane. Continue on 7th Street and over the 7th Street Bridge. Follow the signs
for the Altoona Hospital and Howard Avenue. Turn Left at the traffic light in front of the hospital.
From there you will see a big red brick building with a yellow awning. That is The Building II.

Hours of Operation

Summer Hours

Winter Hours

Copyright© 1999- 2008 - The Building II Rec. Hall and Athletic Club Inc. - All Rights Reserved