Established in 1820, the Phi Kappa Literary Society was the rival of the Demothenian Society. Constructed directly across from Demosthenain Hall and dedicated in 1836, Phi Kappa Hall's first floor served as the University's first real gymnasium in 1888. During the Civil War, the building was converted by Federal troops into the headquarters for the provost-marshal government. Subsequently, Dr. E. Merton Coulter utilized the first floor as an office and library, and the building housed the University store and co-op. Periodically, the upper hall is used as a meeting space.