Bill Wallace Early Childhood Center

Chickasha Public Schools

We seek to design buildings that inspire creativity and create a sense of place.  Bill Wallace, the building’s namesake, was a family man, celebrated children’s author, imaginative storyteller, and educator.  Many of his stories are set in the “Old West” and have animals as the main characters.  As a result, the building is presented as an abstracted Chisholm Trail, complete with various “destinations.” The dining area is the chuck wagon, the media center is a trading post, and the gym is the corral.  Each classroom commons area is a “town” along the trail, named by author Wallace before his passing.  This school reflects and embraces the community it serves.

“Outstanding Project” winner, Learning by Design, 2013