The Rupp Pavilion was commissioned  by J. Kenneth Donahue (second director of the Ringling) . It was designed by William Rupp.of the Sarasota School.of Architecture.  The building style was Sarasota Modern.  It was featured in the 1961 issue of Architectural Forum.

     Rupp Pavilion was built by.the maintenance crew for a cost of $15,000  In 1961, it became the first food concession at the Ringling. It was operated by Howard Johnson

   The building had a formal centralized plan. The central.skylight allowed the.building to be used as a time piece.There are projecting scuppers to create a fountain in the rain.Inexpensive materials were used–concrete, terrazzo floors, concrete blocks laid in a diagonal pattern.  Drapery at the ceiling level recalls the big top.  There are Saarinen designed tulip tables and chairs