History of the Omro Area Community Center

The Omro Area Community Center is located in the historic High School Gym Annex on State Hwy 116. In 1995 this building was renovated by the City of Omro since Tim Burns was renovating the adjacent high school complex into senior apartments. At the time these building were renovated, the Gym Annex and school buildings were listed as one of the states ten most endangered historic buildings by the Wisconsin Trust. The building was split into two floors, the old gym now houses the Omro Area Community Center. The ticket booth in the entry foyer is the only remaining piece of the original interior.

The continued growth of the high school's student body following World War I overtaxed the available gymnasium facilities in the top floor of the Webster building and forced the school board to rent the now-vanished American Legion Hall building for athletic contests, plays, and parties. Finally, in 1933, interest on money not spent for the construction of the Webster building and bonds sold by the Village were combined, Madison architect Edward Tough was hired, and with W.P.A. assistance the new Lannon stone-clad gymnasium/auditorium building known as the "Annex" was completed in 1934. Most of the interior of the new building was given over to the gymnasium/auditorium, which had a raised stage across one end.  (Information retrieved from Future Omro Historic Walking Tour Guide). ​