RAPID RESPONSE SOLUTION

BWA Architects provided full architectural and design services for the Chickasaw Nation Emergency Operations Facility, a purpose-built complex developed in response to the urgent operational needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This 40,357 square foot conversion of a former K-mart retail facility was designed to support rapid deployment of critical care, community support, and other emergency services while maintaining long-term adaptability for future operations. Developed with a highly-accelerated schedule, this project moved from concept through construction completion in less than six (6) months and was delivered prior to the mandated deadline of implementing the first stages of the 2021 COVID-19 vaccine deployment. This accelerated design and construction schedule included demolishing the existing structure down to the pre-engineered building frame, demolishing and reconstructing an existing 4-acre parking lot to accommodate multiple vehicle staging and delivery lanes, and required hand-in-hand daily coordination with the construction management team to design and procure long lead items (during a pandemic) early on in the design phase.

Two (2) subsequent projects beyond the initial first phase brought this project to completion and serves as the command center for the Chickasaw Nations Emergency Operations including a 30 person mission control room, multiple office and administration areas, a safe-room structure, and warehousing / staging spaces.