The Physical Education Complex was completed in 1971 and is another of the impressive structures designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. Funding of the construction was largely from a federal grant plus a federal loan, and these resulted in an International Style tripartite construction. The style here has been modified by the use of warm brick tones and low elevations, the result being a large structure that fits naturally and attractively into its surroundings.

The entire construction consists of a rectangular building on the east side joined to two asymmetrical modules on the west. The rectangle is the John Pfitsch Field House, named for the much-respected Grinnell athletic director; it houses two large gymnasia, weight room and four racquetball courts in the center, four combination basketball/tennis courts and a running track. The Complex is used heavily for physical education, athletic training, and recreational activities by the campus community, and townspeople have access under a low-cost program conducted in conjunction with the city's Parks and Recreation Department.