The Cherokee Nation purchased the Cherokee Country Fairgrounds in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with the intent to develop a centralized campus combining their Career Services Training Programs to better serve their tribal citizens and the community at large.

This multi-phased project first starts with site demolition to remove the rodeo arena, ancillary elements, and the surrounding structures and buildings. Phase 1 includes the renovation of two existing buildings and site development. The renovated buildings will consist of space for the Building Trades, Lineman and Fiber Training Programs. Phase 2 will see the development of a new single-story, 31,000 SF Business Training Center. The Center will house the Nation’s Career Services Administration Offices, Business Technology Program, Surgical/Medical Technology Program, Adult Education Learning Center, and Testing Center. Shared spaces will include a conference center, classrooms, computer labs and a breakroom. Building support spaces will include restrooms, mechanical/electrical/data rooms, janitorial and storage rooms.

The interior of the Business Training Center will be designed to deliver a sophisticated and calming aesthetic to enhance the educational experience. The interior will blend visuals found in nature to allow occupants to feel at ease. The inclusion of color, geometric shapes and native American art will add interest and energy to the space.

The exterior design of the new Business Training Center will use a mixture of materials and colors which are consistent with the building materials on the Cherokee project under construction directly south across Highway 62.