Tahlequah Public Schools, Multipurpose Center

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Firm

Boynton Williams & Associates

Client

Tahlequah Public Schools

Area

62,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,000,000

Completion Date

03/2007

The new multipurpose building at Tahlequah Public Schools was designed in response to an antiquated and crowded site on the landlocked campus. Numerous makeshift facilities were replaced with a single multipurpose building on a modest budget. The building was meant to serve the school as well as the nearby Northeastern Oklahoma University and the community.

The school has a broad, well-supported athletic program and needed more basketball and wrestling event seating, as well as practice spaces. "Multipurpose use" was the catch phrase driving the design. Retractable bleachers were used for a portion of the 1,800-seat capacity, enabling flexibility on the NCAA-size court floor for basketball cross courts and wrestling tournaments.

A warming kitchen was placed adjacent to the lobby, providing cafeteria space and concessions/lobby space for the high school and gym. Locker rooms accommodate all sports programs as well as physical-education classes. Training room facilities include whirlpools, equipment and access for all school sports. A hospitality room off the lobby has a view of the basketball court. Video coverage of events is broadcast at the concessions area.

All finishes were chosen for ease of maintenance and minimization of life costs while providing a first-class facility.