CJC Architects is currently providing full architectural services for the design and construction of a new barracks building and dining facility on the historic campus of Thunderbird Youth Academy in Pryor, Oklahoma. This effort represents the continued transformation of the site—once home to the historic Whitaker State Home—into a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for the cadets of this state-operated military academy.
The new 12,500 square-foot dining facility and 4,200 square-foot barracks are being designed with a strong emphasis on durability, security, and adaptability, recognizing the unique needs of a residential facility serving at-risk and at-risk youth. All materials have been carefully selected to ensure long-term performance, ease of maintenance, and resistance to abuse or damage—without compromising a sense of dignity or belonging for the cadets who live and train on campus.
The barracks are designed to support both individual discipline and group cohesion, with clear sightlines, staff supervision points, and separation of living, hygiene, and personal space areas. The dining hall will serve as both a daily-use space and a flexible gathering area, supporting academy functions and fostering community-building among cadets and staff.
Design considerations include high-durability interior finishes, energy-efficient mechanical systems, and optimized acoustics to ensure a calm, manageable environment during meals and events. CJC’s experience with secure environments and juvenile facilities informs every aspect of the project—from space planning and circulation to code compliance and life safety.
Our team continues to coordinate closely with academy leadership and state agencies to deliver a facility that meets operational needs, supports rehabilitation and growth, and reflects the Academy’s mission of transforming lives through structure and support.