Client
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries
Location
Harrison, AR
Project Size
20,000 sf
Completion Date
Summer 2023
Markets
Non-Profit, Higher Education
Services
Architecture, MEP engineering, Interior design, Construction Administration
LAN was retained by Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, a Christian non-profit organization, to provide architecture, interior design, construction administration, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the design of its new “On Eagles’ Wings” Native American Leadership Center in Harrison, Arkansas. LAN has a long history with Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, having previously provided design services for the non-profit’s Arkansas Headquarters in 1999.
On Eagles’ Wings Leadership Center is a 9-month, gap year, post-high school program offering a college experience designed for Native American youth. The architectural design has a rustic aesthetic that incorporates natural materials and timber framing throughout the common areas of the 20,000 sf building. The structure was designed to take full advantage of the beautiful views of the Pilot Knob Mountain range to the west while welcoming the rising sun to the east throughout the dining hall.
The floor plan is designed to foster community and offer opportunities for students to develop life skills. It is centered around a two-story stone hearth, creating a warm and central space for gathering and dining. Attached to the facility are two dormitories, connected by a covered walkway, that offers housing for up to 40 students. A series of classrooms, a chapel, a computer lab, a fitness center, a cafe, and other necessary support spaces like administrative offices and meeting spaces round out the facility’s primary indoor spaces. Outdoor spaces along the backyard were designed for open-air dining, events, and gardening, and a fire pit provides the perfect place for social gatherings.
On Eagles’ Wings is the Native American division of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. For over 25 years, they have served as a leading youth ministry in the United States and Canada for Indigenous youth. The new facility offers the community a live-in college model where they are taught skills to overcome a variety of life issues.
On Eagles’ Wings Leadership Center offers on-site living accommodations for students within two dormitory wings, one for men and one for women. Each wing has seven bedrooms, a lounge, and a laundry room. Six of the rooms were designed to fit up to two people each, and one room was designed for the Resident Advisor for each wing. Each wing also includes one room that is handicap accessible.
The wings were designed to encourage socialization and are easily accessible from the main building through a connected covered walkway. The exterior of the wings was designed to complement the main building. Keeping potential expansions to the wings in mind, LAN’s design allows for additional rooms to be built should the need arise.
The On Eagles’ Wings Chapel showcases a well-balanced blend of functionality and aesthetics. The design prioritized natural lighting, with strategically placed windows along the walls behind the stage. Pendant lights gracefully hang from the ceiling, and wall sconce lighting is mounted along the wall columns, adding a touch of elegance and a calm and inviting ambiance for religious and teaching services.
The chapel is also set up to broadcast services and includes a sound booth in the rear that houses the needed audiovisual equipment to capture services for remote and local audiences.
The Communal Space in the On Eagles’ Wings Leadership Center was carefully crafted to foster community and student interaction. Its spacious layout was designed around the two-story cobblestone fireplace and hearth where students gather, socialize, and share meals. The space comfortably accommodates large groups, and its rustic aesthetic, featuring timber beams and columns, large skylights, and natural stone all contribute to bringing the outdoors in and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Movable furniture ensures versatility, enabling the space to transform seamlessly into an event or catering area as needed, making it a multifunctional and adaptable space.
The On Eagles’ Wings Leadership Center includes a 1950s-style Café that sits adjacent to the main dining space. It was designed as a heartfelt tribute to the executive director and president’s late wife, who always loved the aesthetic of classic diners from that era. The space includes black and white checkered flooring, flush white countertops, cherry-red booths, and stools that evoke that classic diner look. This space serves as a hangout spot where students can enjoy food and each other’s company.
The Leadership Center includes an outdoor Patio Area designed for dining, BBQs, concerts, gatherings, and more. The expansive layout allows for flexibility in event planning, accommodating both large and intimate gatherings. The outdoor environment and patio space provide the opportunity for students to find a quiet, reflective, space throughout their daily lives. A large grassy area meant for growing produce and enjoying physical activities helps students embrace nature, as does the firepit, where everyone can gather and enjoy the beautiful views. Additionally, a smaller patio also resides next to the café with another small fire pit.
Client
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries
Location
Harrison, AR
Project Size
20,000 sf
Completion Date
Summer 2023
Markets
Non-Profit, Higher Education
Services
Architecture, MEP engineering, Interior design, Construction Administration
LAN Associates is a full-service engineering, planning, architecture, and surveying firm founded in 1965. We take pride in our ability to address the distinct needs of our large and varying client base.
