After decades of disrepair, the Grady County Fairgrounds needed a significant renovation for three buildings, two of which were designed in the historic Art Deco style. An important issue that Cavin Design Group encountered was cohesively connecting the buildings in a cost efficient solution. Consideration for historic detail and preservation of existing materials were also essential in maintaining the essence of the building’s original architecture.

CDG evaluated the existing conditions and developed a dramatic new design that was highly flexible and aesthetically appealing. For each building, materials such as split faced block were color matched to the natural sandstone of the existing building. Glass block was repaired, in accordance to the style of the WPA era designed fairgrounds. While new window colors were selected to accent the existing brick and exterior details. To create a unified association between the buildings, CDG designed a metal canopy that connected the three existing buildings. This provided protection from various weather conditions and accommodated occupants transferring equipment in and out of the buildings. In the interior renovation the floor plan provided spacious areas for a wide variety of differing groups such as the local OSU Extension Office, assorted Vocational Agriculture Education functions, antique car clubs, and trade shows.

This renovation was a refreshing change in contrast to the existing condition of the fairgrounds. The preservation of the facades gave the buildings a revitalized appearance while the interior spaces were modified to be more suitable for community use and interaction.

Client:

Peggy Mahan Grady County Extension Service Agricultural / 4-H Youth Development Chickasha, Oklahoma 405 / 224-2216

Project Completed: 2001