HEART OF OKLAHOMA FACILITY ASSESSMENT

HEART OF OKLAHOMA FACILITY ASSESSMENTSHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

02. 15. 2018

HEART OF OKLAHOMA FACILITY ASSESSMENT SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 02.15.2018

Overview.

The Heart of Oklahoma Expo campus provides very diverse entertainment and event opportunities to the City of Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, and a large surrounding region that stretches across Oklahoma and the Midwest.

Populous was engaged to prepare the following report identifying opportunities for facility repair, upgrades, renovation, and expansion to assist the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Board of Directors and Administration to address deferred maintenance issues and venue enhancements that will help the venue remain competitive within their existing markets, accommodate growth, and continue to provide amazing entertainment and event opportunities for Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, and beyond.

Populous approached this task by identifying a menu of individual projects throughout the Arena and Barn facilities and campus that can be prioritized and undertaken together or individually according to considerations such as budget, revenue generation opportunity, existing event schedules, etc.

The list of improvement opportunities identified are as follows:

01. Arena C Concession Improvements

02. Arena G Concession and Lounge

03. Barn E Extension

04. Entry Facade Improvements

05. West Facade Improvements

06. New Maintenance Facility and Yard

07. Barn E Restroom and Show Office Improvements

08. Insulation Replacement

09. Expo Floor Replacement

10. 40’ Curb Cut

Populous recommends the following prioritization considerations when determining the order in which projects should be undertaken:

01. Accessibility and code compliance:Populous recommends that first priority be given to projects that will keep the buildings and campus current with code compliance and accessible for all event spectators and participants. Providing a safe and functional environment in this regard will enhance the user experience and is critical for risk management. Accessibility and code compliance are important considerations throughout the implementation of all renovation and new construction projects identified in the report.

02. Critical Deferred Maintenance:Many of the projects indicated in the report consider the renovation or replacement of areas with deferred maintenance issues however a distinction must be made between Critical and non-critical deferred maintenance. Populous recommends high priority be given to projects that repair critical deferred maintenance issues that threaten the functional and structural integrity of buildings and the site. Repairing and addressing roof leaks and deficiencies in critical infrastructure is a significant priority and best practices should be employed to implement long term repair and replacement solutions. For example, if long term solutions are not prioritized and implemented for building leaks the integrity of investments such as new ceilings and lighting could be compromised by water damage. Roof leaks are probably the most critical deferred maintenance issue encountered in the buildings.

03. Critical User Amenities:Critical user amenities are those functional/foundational amenities that must be offered in order to retain, grow, and attract event business to the facility. Providing enough stalls and arena space to accommodate an equestrian event would be considered critical in contrast to aesthetic updates. The new stall barn extension is probably the most critical of the user amenities identified in terms of retaining existing events.

04. Spectator and Exhibitor Experience:Spectator and Exhibitor experience is the next priority after critical user amenities are implemented. The priority of these projects should be ranked in coordination with your users and potential user groups. These are projects such as the suite addition, show office renovation, concession upgrades, etc. Providing a good user experience with comfortable spaces that accommodate social activities and opportunities to connect expo vendors with exhibitors are important considerations as show exhibitors basically live in the barns and around the campus for several days at a time. Aesthetics and a clean modern environment are also very important to the guest experience and as exhibitors visit modern event venues in places like the Oklahoma State Fair Park, Tulsa Expo Square, or the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha they have new and growing standards for the aesthetic of event venues. Projects that contribute to creating a cohesive architectural style throughout the venue offer an opportunity to create very unique and appealing spaces that exhibitors and spectators remember.


SITE PLAN EXISTINGBARN A

BARN B

ARENA C

BARN D

EAST CONCESSION

ARENA G

BARN E

BARN F

WEST CONCESSION

S. SHOP

SHOP

CONFERENCE CENTER

TICKET OFFICE

GRANDSTAND

RV OFFICE

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

01

02

03

04

05

06

0708

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

15


SITE AERIAL EXISTING


SITE PLAN PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTSARENA C - CONCESSION

ARENA G - CONCESSION & LOUNGE

BARN E EXTENSION

ENTRY FACADE IMPROVEMENTS

WEST FACADE IMPROVEMENTS

NEW MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND YARD

BARN E - RESTROOM AND SHOW OFFICE RENOVATION

INSULATION REPLACEMENT

EXPO FLOOR REPLACEMENT

40’ CURB CUT EASIER TRAILER ACCESS

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

01

02

03

04

05

06

08

09

10

07

08

10

08

09

09


SITE AERIAL PROPOSED


BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS


01. ARENA C CONCESSIONThe concession, office, entry, and restrooms located adjacent to the east side of Arena C require renovation to improve the event experience for users and guests. The restrooms, offices, and entry will benefit from a general renovation to modernize the finishes and lighting. The restroom renovation would be similar to the renovation recently completed at the Arena G restrooms.

The most significant renovation and alteration is focused on the concession dining area. Populous has proposed a design concept to open up the walls adjacent to the arena seating with glass store front windows and doors creating visibility from the spectator bleachers and circulation directly into the concession dining area. The facade of the dining area that faces the spectator seating is upgraded with simple branding elements and signage. In contrast to the existing solid metal doors and no windows we believe the proposed design concept will drive higher revenue from concession by making the concession stand more visible and appealing to spectators. New flooring tile or laminate wood is recommended to further brand and modernize the dining area. In addition to the dining area renovations we have proposed a fenced outdoor trash and service area along the north side of the concession dining. The screened service area will provide close trash service access for the concession workers, clean up the appearance of the east facade, and provide a low cost opportunity to help develop a portion of the new architectural identity concept for the facility.

In addition to the proposed interior renovations the Arena C Concession building may benefit from the addition of a new sloped metal roof. The height of the arena eave will limit the amount of possible slope. Preliminary 3D model studies indicate the most likely option is to frame structure on top of the existing flat roof with a central ridge running east/west and roof sloping to the north/south. Such a modification may benefit the building by reducing water leaks from the flat roof however sealing the connection between the new roof and the east arena wall will be critical and it may be challenging to relocate the mechanical equipment and concession vents that currently sit on the flat roof. Populous recommends exploring a full replacement of the flat roof as an alternative option as modern flat roof systems may be just as durable as a metal roof with a valley connection at the arena side wall. Each option has weak and strong points.

Populous also recommends that a screen wall be constructed around the open sides of the arena seating to help prevent guests from striking their head on the overhanging bleacher structure and as a branding or sponsorship opportunity. The addition of a branded screen material will also positively impact the appearance of the circulation space around the bleachers and in front of the concessions.


ARENA C CONCESSION PLAN

DINING

CONCESSIONWOMEN

MEN

NEW STOREFRONT

DN

NEW ENTRY CANOPY14’-0” A.F.F.

30’-0” X 30’-0”900 sq.ft.

RAMP

ARENA C


ARENA C CONCESSION ENTRY

EXISTING NEW PROPOSAL NEW ENTRY DOORS AND WINDOWS TO EAST CONCESSION


ARENA C SPONSOR SCREENING

EXISTING NEW PROPOSAL SPONSOR SCREENING


02. ARENA G CONCESSION AND LOUNGEImprovements to the Arena G Concession and Office area target a more flexible and functional organization and use for the existing concession dining and office area. The proposed design concept relocates the dining entry to open into Arena G, removes the existing office, and creates a larger flexible show office/lounge space that is accessible from the entry corridor. Similar to the concession renovation proposed for Arena C we have proposed to open up large views into the dining area from the spectator circulation in the arena with storefront glass windows and doors. The facade over the new entry doors and windows will be branded with simple awnings and signage to clearly identify the concession dining area. New flooring tile or laminate wood is recommended to further brand and modernize the dining area. In addition to the dining area renovations we have proposed a fenced outdoor trash and service area along the north side of the concession dining. The screened service area will provide close trash service access for the concession workers, clean up the appearance of the east facade, and provide a low cost opportunity to help develop a portion of the new architectural identity concept for the facility.

The current configuration of the dining space is accessed through a long wide space adjacent to a rather makeshift office. This space is not needed for dining and creates a long awkward entry to the concession sales. Shifting the dining access to the arena wall allows the opportunity to remove the existing office and expand the office space into a large multi-use room that may serve as a show office, lounge, or other event function. The proposed new space will feature a glass store front type wall and doors off of the entry foyer and windows or storefront facing into Arena G. The floor plan will be flexible to allow for a variety of different configurations from lounge furniture to show office equipment.

A new concrete walkway is proposed along the east wall of Arena G to create a continuous walkway between the entry doors, new suite addition entry, and renovated concessions/show office spaces.


OFFICE

CONCESSIONDININGSHOW

OFFICE/LOUNGE

EXISTING

PROPOSED

ARENA G CONCESSION AND LOUNGE PLAN

LOBBY

SCREENEDSERVICEENCLOSURE

CONCESSIONDININGLOBBY

ARENA G

ARENA G

(24’-0” X 30’-0”)

(65’-0” X 30’-0”)


ARENA G CONCESSION AND LOUNGE ENTRY

EXISTING NEW PROPOSAL


03. BARN E EXTENSIONEquestrian event growth at the Heart of OK is limited by the number of indoor stalls available. The location and structural orientation of Barn E offer a natural growth opportunity for a stall barn extension. The proposed concept provides the maximum length of possible extension without incurring very significant utility and road modifications at the north side of the barn. The building shell is 140’ long and 200’ wide with a clear span structure that allows portable stalls to be setup in the extension wing or flexible open space for alternate uses. The barn extension concept will accommodate 156 stalls using a 10x10 stall grid. Electrical connection will be provided for the stalls via a drop grid of overhead electric that may also be used to accommodate expo events. Populous recommends asphalt flooring for the barn. Overhead doors along the east and west façades provide access for loading and unloading and capture natural airflow. The north façade has 5 overhead doors for air flow however a retaining wall will be required at the base of the north wall which will prohibit load-in/out. Expansion of the barn into this area of the site will require removal of the existing maintenance facilities as detailed under a separate heading in this report.

A critical surface drainage path along the north side of the proposed expansion will require some site modification and may be addressed by either paving the road with a slope to direct storm water along the surface or an underground drain pipe can be added. Extension of the existing 30” diameter underground storm pipe at the road crossing may be required to widen the road crossing where the circulation on the west side of the barn intersects the road to the north.


BARN E EXTENSION PLAN

BARN EBARN F

10’X10’ O.H. DOOR(TYP.)10’X10’ O.H. DOOR (TYP.)

10’X10’ O.H. DOOR (TYP.)

STALLS: 156 (10”-0” x 10’-0”)TOTAL SQUARE FEET: 28,700 sq.ft. (140’-0” x 205’-0”)

140’

-0”

205’-0”

10’X10’ O.H. DOOR(TYP.)


BARN E EXTENSION



04. ENTRY FACADE IMPROVEMENTSPopulous has proposed several projects around the exterior perimeter of the barn and arena venue that have similar architectural treatments in an effort to create a cohesive architectural style and identity throughout the event complex. The suite addition to Arena G sets the tone which is then carried through to the covered return lane structure along the west side of the facility, the trash enclosures at the concession areas, and the interior awning treatments at the renovated concession stands in Arenas C and G. We propose to further carry the architectural theme around the east side of the facility with a new entry element over the drive in front of the East Concession building. The simple entry element utilizes square steel structure with slats and creates a tall entry element for guests arriving and parking in the car parking lot east of the event complex. The entry element is tall enough to provide 14 feet of clear space for tall rigs to drive under and integrates with the landscape and special paving that already exist in this space. New screens are proposed for the HVAC units and duct work along the east side of Barn B that continue this new architectural style in a rhythm across the east facade. The HVAC screens feature slat construction for air flow with square steel columns at the corners. The slat panels would be designed to swing open for access to the equipment.







05. WEST FACADE IMPROVEMENTSWe recommend the addition of a covered cattle lane and a second overhead door along the west side of Arena G. The covered cattle lane should be a minimum of 25 feet wide and is recommended to be 360’ long covering from the overhead door at stall wing F south to the proposed new overhead door at Arena G. The proposed cover will provide space for a cattle lane to move or house cattle and livestock. Primarily the cover is intended as a return lane for equestrian cattle events in Arena G however it will provide multi-use covered space for a variety of events. The proposed additional overhead door will increase the flexibility and potential airflow for events at Arena G. Increased accessibility to the space will benefit loading and unloading during events, increase cattle moving options when combined with the covered return lane, and improve pedestrian and equestrian circulation. We recommend the minimum clear height under the cover to be 14 feet. In addition to the operational advantages the cover element provides an opportunity to continue the development of an architectural identity for the venue.







06. NEW MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND YARDExpansion of stabling to the north of Arena E and Stall Barn F will require removal of the existing Maintenance sheds. Relocating the maintenance facility provides opportunity for new modern facilities and to locate the maintenance operations safely away from vehicular, pedestrian, and equestrian/livestock circulation around the barns and arenas. The proposed new facility is located near the outdoor arena at the east edge of the campus. The proposed location offers easy and direct road access to all buildings on the site and is safely out of the way of event activities and future venue expansion areas.

The maintenance building is proposed as a 80’x100’ metal building with multiple equipment/storage bays, a shop area, and a maintenance office. A large fenced service yard surrounds the maintenance building to provide adequate outdoor storage and service areas and proper circulation space for vehicles. The fence around the yard would be constructed to screen views of the yard and maintenance building.


EXISTING NEW PROPOSALMAINTENANCE BUILDING (80’-0” X 100’-0”)MAINTENANCE YARD (175’-0” X 300’-0”)

NEW MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND YARD


NEW MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND YARDEXAMPLE SHOPEXISTING SHOPS

EXISTING SHOPS EXAMPLE SHOP


07. BARN E RESTROOM AND SHOW OFFICE RENOVATIONA restroom and show office are located at the west end of the crossover between Arenas C and E directly adjacent to Arena E. The show office is currently used on a regular basis for equestrian event producers. The restrooms have been abandoned due to significant maintenance and accessibility issues. Populous has developed a renovation option (01) and a replacement option (02) for the show office. The renovation option includes a new floor, wall, and casework finishes. The restrooms should be gutted and a complete replacement of the floor, fixtures, and interior finishes undertaken. The existing restroom layout is not within code compliance for accessibility so Populous has developed a renovation design concept with reorganized fixture locations that will achieve code compliance. Given the abandoned state of the existing restrooms and worn condition of the show office Populous recommends a complete replacement instead of a major renovation. A complete replacement will allow greater flexibility in the new plan and an opportunity to upgrade the facilities to a modern standard. The proposed replacement concept substantially enlarges the restrooms, adds shower facilities, and provides a large meeting room space adjacent to the show office. Direct connectivity to Arena G for both the show office and the restrooms is a substantial improvement and access to the show office and meeting room is also available from the connector. A secure storage closet is provided in the show office for award storage and a kitchenette space.


BARN E RESTROOM AND SHOW OFFICE RENOVATION EXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING SHOW OFFICEEXISTING RESTROOM

EXISTING RESTROOM EXISTING SHOW OFFICE


BARN E RESTROOM AND SHOW OFFICE RENOVATION PLAN OPTION 01

SHOW OFFICE

OFFICE STORAGE

AREA OF RENOVATION

CONNECTOR CORRIDOR

24’ -

0” W

. OVE

RHEA

D D

OO

R

24’ -

0” W

. OVE

RHEA

D D

OO

R

12’ - 0” W. OVERHEAD DOOR

BEN

CH

BEN

CH

1/8” = 1’-0”


BARN E RESTROOM AND SHOW OFFICE RENOVATION PLAN OPTION 02

1/8” = 1’-0”

CONNECTOR CORRIDOR

24’ -

0” W

. OVE

RHEA

D D

OO

R

24’ -

0” W

. OVE

RHEA

D D

OO

R

12’ - 0” W. OVERHEAD DOOR

SHOW OFFICE

MEETING

STORAGE

STORAGE


08. ROOF & INSULATION REPLACEMENTLeaking metal roofs are the primary cause of the damaged insulation in the metal buildings. Prior to replacing insulation Populous recommends the metal roofs on the existing buildings be replaced with a metal standing seam concealed fastener roofing system. The existing roof panels are an exposed fastener r-panel system which is prone to significant leaks as the rubber gaskets of the exposed metal screws fail over time. A standing seam roofing system will have no exposed fasteners and is installed with no penetrations through the roof.

If a new metal panel roof is installed prior to insulation replacement there are two options. A rigid insulation panel may be installed between the top of the roof structure and the bottom of the new metal roof panels. The rigid insulation should have an aluminum clad bottom to prevent damage from birds or other projectiles and washing from the underside. The downside to ridged board insulation is the insulation r-value of the product will not be as high as that of a batt insulation system. The ridged board system should therefore only be considered for areas that are not climate controlled. An additional drawback to the board insulation is that the roof structure is left exposed allowing birds to nest in the rafters.

Populous recommends using a retrofit insulation system such as Simple Saver or Opti-Liner for insulation replacement at the barn and arena metal buildings after roof leak repairs are made. Replacing the failed insulation in the metal buildings will reduce heat gain from the metal roof panels and will significantly reduce noise in the buildings during rain storms. Improving the comfort, visual appeal of the space, and general exhibitor experience is the primary motivation for recommending this upgrade.

The Simple Saver and Opti-Liner retrofit insulation systems are designed to be installed on existing pre-engineered metal building structures. The system uses a very durable fabric liner held in place by a grid of galvanized painted metal straps. The liner fabric will not rip and sag like traditional plastic lined metal building insulation and is durable enough to keep birds or other pests from tearing and nesting in the insulation.

Typically these insulation systems use a batt insulation that is pulled through the structure above the liner while the liner is partially installed. In many situations the existing structure is designed with bracing that inhibits the installer’s ability to pull the batt insulation above the liner so a blow-in insulation is used in place of the batts. This system is not recommended if exposed fastener metal roofing is used as leaks from the fasteners over time will cause similar insulation damage to that in the current facility.


INSULATION REPLACEMENT

ARENA G

BARN B

SIMPLE SAVER INSULATION EXAMPLE

RIGID INSULATION EXAMPLE


09. EXPO FLOOR REPLACEMENTFloor repair or replacement is required for the Expo and Stalling areas in Buildings B and D. The existing floors have broken and uneven pavement that is not in compliance with accessibility standards and detracts from the appearance and user experience of the space. Given the extent of areas requiring attention Populous recommends replacement of the slab as opposed to spot repairs. Spot repairs will be extensive and the final result will likely not be aesthetically adequate when compared to modern expo standards. Concrete is recommended for formal exhibit hall space such as Building B. Flexible exhibit or livestock housing space such as Building D might be better served with a carefully installed asphalt flooring. Asphalt is the flooring of choice for a commercial multi-use exhibit space that will be used primarily for equestrian or livestock stalling. Asphalt is durable for scraping and cleaning, easy to repair, and exerts less stress on the joints of horses and livestock. Asphalt must be carefully installed to ensure an even flat surface. Smooth concrete as typically seen in exhibit buildings does not provide adequate footing for equine and livestock stalling/handling. Overlay footing material such as rubber mats or dirt will be required to properly accommodate animal circulation and housing on a smooth concrete floor so this option should be selected for a multi-use building when exposition events will be the majority of events in the space.

ASPHALT

CONCRETE


EXPO FLOOR EXISTING CONDITIONSBARN B

BARN B

BARN D

BARN D

Documents

HEART OF OKLAHOMA FACILITY ASSESSMENT