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A design-build renovation of existing building + expansion of program areas for the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma.
Blue Star Integrative Studio is honored have worked with the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma on the design for the expansion and renovation of the almost 5,000 square-foot Hope & Recovery Center in White Eagle, Oklahoma. This residential treatment facility serves those seeking to win their battles with substance abuse, and it provides much-needed support to those within a historically underserved community. Blue Star worked side by side with Tribal leaders and program directors to deeply listen, design, and responsively represent Ponca culture and colors throughout the facility. The project involved the renovation of existing sleeping quarters (6 men / 6 women), including allowances for ADA accessible restrooms. The expansion and reconfiguration included a new lounge area, counseling room, administrative and program offices, and a larger, more functional area kitchen and dining space. The scope of work included as-built drawings, code analysis and ADA review, structural analysis, full interior remodel and plan redesign, MEP upgrades, fire suppression design, and minor civil improvements. Blue Star Integrative Studio was selected as a part of a design-build team led by Jim Butler Construction to deliver the design and coordination project located on the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma’s main campus in White Eagle, OK. The Owner desired to reconfigure the ground floor area to provide more dignified and targeted care to those who come to this facility to recover, heal, and return to their lives and families. Another goal was to allow an option for an additional wing of rooms in the future, which was accommodated through demolition and reconfiguration of existing floor spaces and MEP systems. The design-build team worked closely with the Owner to ensure that existing floor plans and programmatic expectations were met while resolving technical and regulatory issues to stakeholder standards and provided a safe, welcoming center for the end users. Lastly, the Design-Build Team engaged a well-known Native American artist, Jeremy Fields, to design and install a powerful mural of a Fancy Dancer to promote inspiration and healing in the main lounge space of this restorative facility. |
Project Details:
Start Date: 2020 Completion Date: 2021 Size – 7,200 SF Cost - $1.3 million Services Provided:
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HEar FROM The Project's STAKEHOLDERS
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"I've had relatives die from substance abuse. We couldn't save them, but my hope is that this center will save other Tribal members that face these problems and addictions."
In this video, you'll hear from Daniel L. Sherron, MBA, the Health Services Director for the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. Daniel's life has been personally impacted by the challenges of substance abuse, and he has worked tirelessly to support others who face addiction. It is an honor for us to work alongside Daniel to help our Native brothers and sisters in the fight against substance abuse. |
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"This kind of facility fits right in. The name is very appropriate. A place like this will help people get back on the good road that our ancestors laid before us."
In this video, you will hear from Oliver Littlecook, Chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. The Chairman oversaw the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center and reminded us all about the greater purpose for the center in sustaining the culture of the Ponca Tribe as our ancestors would have wanted. |
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"This drum was a gift given to the Ponca People by our Creator. The prayer, the songs, and the healing power that come from the drum has a lot to do with the healing process. It goes right along with what's happening here at the Ponca Hope + Recovery Center."
Brothers and Native Drum Artists Robert and Bruce Collins attended the Ponca Hope & Recovery Center ribbon cutting and performed a number of songs to support and honor the healing capabilities of the center. Integrating the culture of the Ponca Tribe was critical through design and construction, so it was also integral to include at the grand opening. |
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"You change your mind, you change your environment. You change your environment, and you change your world. This place is a new hope."
In this video, you'll hear from Brenton L. Carney, MSM, Project Manager for the Ponca Hope & Recovery Center. We were honored to work closely with Brenton, someone who feels strongly that the center is truly what the name suggests: A new hope for those struggling with addiction. |
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"It's in your DNA -- you can get back to that really good feeling. Whether it's through the drum or dancing...there is that embedded memory of feeling good about yourself."
In this video, Scott Moore y Medina, President of Blue Star Integrative Studio, shares the designer's perspective at the ribbon-cutting for the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma's Hope & Recovery Center. In this clip, Scott talks about the resilience of the Ponca People and why art (including the design by muralist Jeremy Fields of Thrive Unlmtd.) that reflects the culture is so important in the healing and recovery process. |
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"I think this is going to be so important. I'm very pleased with how it's turned out. I think it's going to be a real plus for this Tribe and for a lot of Tribes in the area." In this clip, Jim Butler (Kaw Nation), President of Jim Butler Construction Co., Inc., shares why he was honored to work on the Ponca Hope & Recovery Center Design-Build Team with Blue Star, and what the facility will mean for the area. |
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To design the Ponca Hope & Recovery Center in a culturally-responsive way, we sought out and worked alongside artist, activist, and educator Jeremy Fields (Pawnee | Apsáalooke | Chickasaw), who created an incredible mural inspired by his own past and the community's history. We invite you to watch this video to learn more about the mural, hear his perspective, and gain an increased appreciation for the value of culturally-inspired art in healing environments.
As you watch the film, enjoy the sounds of the Medicine Tail Singers, friends of Blue Star Integrative Studio. |
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