“The MAC cannot currently meet all the students needs,” Gross said.

Dean of the Faculty William C. Kirby announced in his annual letter last month that some renovations to the MAC would begin this summer. These renovations, while falling short of the $30 million necessary to completely redo the MAC, are likely to add additional cardiovascular and weight-training equipment similar to those in the new QRAC.

Gross said he would be happy if the new gym equipment attracted river residents to the Quad.

“If we get people from the river that’s great,” Gross said.

The QRAC project is meant to supplement the upcoming House gym renovations in the Quad, Gross said.

“The house gyms couldn’t fit all this equipment in them” Gross said.

Earlier this year, Harvard allocated $20,000 to each House for gym renovations.

The $75,000 for the QRAC renovations came out of Gross’ discretionary funds, although he said he consulted the Athletic Department on the choice of specific machines and equipment.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony lasted nearly an hour and was attended by approximately thirty students as well as several Quad House Masters.

Whitmire said she thought the QRAC facilities were now equivalent to what River residents enjoy.

“I’m happy to see you put the endowment where your mouth is,” Whitmire told Gross during the ceremony.

—Staff writer Joshua P. Rogers can be reached at jprogers@fas.harvard.edu.