Farmers Market Afton, Oklahoma
Town of Afton Oklahoma Municipal League OU Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture OU Division of Interior Design OU Institute for Quality Communities 1
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Contents Summary 2 Priorities 3 Site Photos 4 Client Meeting 6 Precedents 8 Proposals 9 Team 1 10 Team 2 14 Team 3 17 Team 4 20 Team 5 24 Next Steps 27 Collaborators 28
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Summary The Town of Afton seeks to create a Farmer’s Market at the Park through upgrades to an existing building. The proposed building, located at 121 South Main Street adjacent to a city park, is the former Afton City Hall and is owned by the Town of Afton. Afton is a community of just over 1,000 people along historic Route 66. With the nearest food source that accepts SNAP benefits located 3 miles from Afton, the town is recognized as a food desert by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Upgrading this historic building to serve as a Farmer’s Market, and more, offers an opportunity for advancing health and economic development for residents of Afton. Afton leaders applied for assistance from the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) in Spring 2020. IQC is an outreach program from the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. IQC collaborated with the Division of Interior Design. Interior Design faculty integrated the project in Afton into a studio course. The Oklahoma Municipal League provided a Quality Communities Grant to Afton to offset costs of OU assistance. 5 teams of OU Interior Design students developed design concepts for the existing structure in Afton. Each team explored interior design options, programming suggestions, and connections with the adjacent park. The presentation of 5 different design concepts allowed community members to compare choices and discover opportunities for the future of the farmer’s market. This book presents a summary of key findings, along with summaries of each of the 5 student proposals. The complete, detailed student proposals are available as appendices in report format and as slideshows.
Timeline May July August October November December January 2
Afton leaders submitted application IQC develops partnership with Interior Design faculty Interior Design faculty makes on-site visit to Afton Students meet with clients remotely via Zoom Students present preliminary design proposals via Zoom Students present final design proposals via Zoom ID faculty hosts project wrap-up meeting
Priorities Features that Promote Flexibility Afton team preferred features that promote easy, flexible usage of the space. Some included: open floor plans, sliding walls, folding or stacking furniture, rolling furniture and storage, etc.
Durable and Affordable Construction Afton team expressed interest in strategies to keep construction and maintenance costs down. For example, preservation of existing materials like cedar ceiling when in good condition, affordable and durable materials, natural lighting, energy efficient design, etc.
Maximizing Uses Afton team is interested in a facility that can host many types of programs. Just a few examples explored by student teams included: farmers market, pop-up health clinics, commercial kitchen to support home business owners, demonstration cooking courses, movie night, presentations, boy scout/ chamber meetings, public safety meetings, seminars, classes, banquets, craft courses, craft workshops expressing Cherokee heritage like basketmaking.
Connecting to Afton’s History and Culture Afton team wants to see connections to local context. Proposals explored connecting to Route 66 history, Cherokee heritage, the Hay Capital of the World, and railroad heritage. Some proposals indicated opportunities for local volunteers and artists to participate in building design. For example, local crafts repurposed as wall decor.
Connections to the Outdoor Space Due to the location adjacent to the city park, many teams explored ways to create indoor/outdoor spaces. These proposals explored the existing overhead door, new patio spaces, new walk-up windows, etc. 3
Site Photos
Top: Front of structure. Left: Detail of brick texture. Above: Rear of structure.
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Above: Cedar ceilings. Left: Views to park. Below: Adjacency to park.
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Client Meeting Students met with the clients for an interview to discuss the project and identify priorities. The conversation covered many themes that influence the students’ design proposals.
Close-Knit Small Town with Storied Past
Advocates and town leaders in Afton have many visions to improve conditions: They have been working on important initiatives like building a trail to connect the town to the newly developed businesses, adding Route 66 attractions, improving the public park at the heart of town, and adding a new Farmer’s Market.
Afton is a town of about 1,000 residents in northeastern Oklahoma. The town is located within the Cherokee Nation, which is an important component of the town’s history and future. Afton has a history as a railroad, hay farming, and mining community. Today, Afton has many residents who have lived in the area for their whole life or many generations. The town includes elderly residents and young families, and the local school system provides an anchor for the sense of community. Afton’s residents frequently gather for parades, festivals, rodeos, and other events.
Centrally-Located Building and Public Space
Afton also has the potential to attract and capture the attention of more visitors who are passing through the community. It is located along historic Route 66, a source of a steady stream of international tourists. It is also located near Grand Lake, a destination for many people who have lake houses especially from the Tulsa metro area.
A building which could be utilized as part of a Farmer’s Market facility has been identified in the heart of Afton. The building is centrally located within walkable distance of many homes in the city, and it is located in a public park so that activities can take place inside and outside of the structure.
Moving Towards Addressing Important Needs
The building is constructed with a uniquely patterned brick, has a cedar ceiling on the interior, windows for natural light, and an overhead door facing Main Street. The park has had recent improvements like a new playground, and local groups have also acquired equipment for programs like an outdoor movie night.
Afton does not have a grocery store, leaving residents to drive more than 15 miles to neighboring communities for food. Even though there is a Dollar General and other new development in town, it is about 3 miles away 6
from where most residents live, including many residents without access to vehicles.
Other volunteer and educational efforts that tie into the future Farmer’s Market include a community garden which has been developed by Josh at the Assembly of God Church, and agriculture education courses at the local school district.
Bringing People Together For Food and More Several programming considerations were discussed for the project. Certainly, the Farmer’s Market should provide a place where people can buy and sell produce and foods. However, local residents envision a flexible space that can accommodate a variety of programs and events year round, even when produce is out of season. This could include food/craft educational workshops, children’s events, community events, health clinics or resources, and private events like weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, etc. These program needs might suggest a need for public restrooms, a kitchen that meets criteria to be approved as a commercial/catering kitchen by the local health department, volunteer work areas, storage space for event furnishings, etc.
the diverse needs of a small community, an investment of this kind should be flexible enough to meet many different needs. The space should be able to accommodate many different types of activities and programs. The location in the park also allows exploration of indoor/outdoor spaces. The outdoor spaces are a well-known component of many farmer’s market and can extend the area for flexible programming. Indoor and outdoor spaces should be well connected as part of the same experience for visitors.
Reflecting Afton’s Personality The building should find ways to celebrate Afton’s history and personality, as a way to build community and also as a way to capture the attention of Route 66 travelers.
Budget-Conscious, Indoor/Outdoor, Flexible/Multi-Purpose Design Several design priorities were also discussed. Design concepts should keep in mind a budgetconscious approach for this small and scrappy community! Perhaps volunteers, found materials, and donations can play a role in making ideas work within a budget. Energy efficient solutions like solar panels, LED lighting, natural light, etc. are also of interest. Could also consider how activities and events in the building could generate revenues (Fee for booth space, fee for event rentals, etc?) With the location on the edge of a park and 7
Precedents Students provided research on the following precedents from around the world, to identify lessons and best practices for facilities. See project binders for descriptions of what lessons and features were incorporated from the following markets and community facilities.
Team 1 Farmers Public Market Conscious Community Coop Portland Farmers Market
Oklahoma City Edmond Portland, Oregon
Team 2 Mother Road Market Samaritan Community Center Carol’s Marketplace Solera Supermarket Assembled Market Fresh Mart
Tulsa Rogers, Arkansas Ellisville, Mississippi Cologne, Germany Changsha, China
Team 3 Pike Place Market Saint Paul Farmers’ Market Nashville Farmers’ Market Aspen Saturday Market Dallas Farmers Market
Seattle, Washington St. Paul, Minnesota Nashville, Tennessee Aspen, Colorado Dallas, Texas
Team 4 Visual precedents.
Team 5 Sprouts Farmers Market Ottawa County Farmer’s Market Edmond Farmers Market Ravens Roost Community Center Pike Place Market
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Multiple Locations Miami, Oklahoma Edmond Anchorage, Alaska Seattle, Washington
Proposals The following sections present very short summaries of the work produced by student teams. For a complete description of all student work, refer to the additional files provided in electronic format for each team:
.mp4 File The .mp4 file in the electronic files is a 20-30 minute video of the team’s final presentation and the discussion among community members, faculty, and students. These are useful to refer back to’ verbal description of proposals and community feedback.
Boards PDF The boards PDF in the electronic files includes the presentation format slides students prepared. These are especially useful to refer back to floor plans, renderings, and materials used.
Project Binder/Notebook PDF Each team prepared a Project Binder or Notebook that compiles all of the detailed research and design work they completed. The total volume of work includes about 600 pages of compiled research. Refer to project binders for each team for the following details and more:
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Detailed analysis and discussion Food insecurity and food research findings Code analysis Precedent studies of similar facilities Schematic phase presentations Documentation of meetings and feedback Finishes, Fixtures, & Equipment sheets
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Team One Designers
Concept Statement
Sabrina Tran Savy Pollock Paxton Little Olivia Aasheim Lisa Rutledge
Afton, Oklahoma is characterized by a tight-knit and engaging community. The rich history associated with Route 66 and the location within the Cherokee Nation provides a foundation and connection for the town. Contrasting colors, textures, and patterns found in the materials and color scheme are reflective of this unique background and will be used to create a unifying space for all who may occupy it. Refer to Project Binder for additional research, diagrams, and details.
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Team Two Designers
Concept Statement
Abby Bilsbury Yawen Wei Ann Sanders Emily Musso Campbell Homen
Inspired by the history of Afton the outreach center will incorporate elements that are representative of the town’s historic Frisco Train station while also creating a new fresh environment for the community to enjoy. The space will conjure interest with the use of different materials mirroring the old Frisco station. Utilizing natural hues found in brick such as browns and creams. Patterns will be drawn from the repetitive patterns of the materials used in the space. The lighting will be energy conscious by incorporating as much natural light as possible and utilizing Oklahoma sunshine for solar power to run the building. Interior lighting will be incorporated to enhance the spaces ability to adapt to the town’s evening events as well as activities that require ambient and task lighting to make the space functional and versatile. The overall space will revive the memories of the town’s historic monument of the Frisco Depot as well as establish a newness that will invite people in, creating a seamless blend of two eras. Refer to Project Binder for additional research, diagrams, and details.
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Team Three Designers
Concept Statement
Merrick Beach Ava Olivo Gabby Lamanna Audrey Williams Gillian Stinson
Industrial / Inviting Nature / Connection / Community / Personal Power A train station concept was developed to convey a sense of place and community as the gathering spaces, events, and farmers market draw everyone to the area. With the train industry is important to the history of Afton, this concept brings this idea back an in a more relevant use can ensure this history isn’t forgotten through the Industrial materials will be used throughout the space to illicit the experience of being in a train station. This project will also be used as community involvement space, which will reflect the social hub aspect of a trains station with the goal of this design putting Afton farmers’s market as a place to be included on the list of iconic stop on Route 66. Refer to Project Binder for additional research, diagrams, and details.
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Team Four Designers
Concept Statement
Madison Bules Erika Longford Peyton Medlock Kaitlin Salisbury Christa Woods
Known as “the hay capital of the world”, the farmer’s market project, located in Afton will be inspired by the town’s rich history of hay due to the influence of Route 66 and large train center the city became The natural tan color of the hay with be juxtaposed against the industrial metals that are common in tools used in the hay harvesting process and train materials Overlapping pattern, the colors of the hay, and the linear texture will be used to create an experience that informs the users of the towns past but also works in conjunction with the purpose of drawing people into the farmer’s market In addition, elements that relate to the Cherokee heritage the industrial materials used on trains/harvesting tools, and the history of route 66 will be used to achieve an experience of education and integration into the current purpose of the building. Refer to Project Binder for additional research, diagrams, and details.
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Team Five Designers
Concept Statement
Kayleigh Brackin Shelby Pulliam Elisabeth Wahlgren Peyton Ward Erika Yost
Pulling from the popular vintage motels of Route 66, such as the Blue Swallows Motel, the design for the multifunctional community space will incorporate vibrant colors and industrial elements in a modern way. Utilizing these elements will draw visitors from all over while remaining true to the history of Afton. This will be specifically accomplished through the use of materials and lighting that effectively create an inviting space with lively colors and a modern industrialism. Refer to Project Binder for additional research, diagrams, and details.
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Next Steps A few next steps have been discussed by the OU and Afton team.
Community Support The Afton team can continue to build support among local residents and get even more feedback on the ideas prepared by students. Many people may want to volunteer and provide in-kind services, labor, or materials toward the ultimate goal of creating this facility.
Organizational Partnerships Afton team can continue to build local partnerships and support among the community. Existing relationships include Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Cherokee Nation, utility companies, and local schools and churches that could provide programming on the site. In the future, a establishing a community foundation could provide a channel for local residents to donate to local causes like the farmers market.
Funding and Grants Afton team can utilize the text, materials, and findings from this report in support of grants and funding opportunities. Afton’s rural location, challenges with food insecurity, and location along Route 66 make the community an attractive investment for many funding opportunities. Watch for grants and funding related to health, food, Route 66, and local utility and railroad companies.
Professional Design Services The design proposals in this report have contributed to a stronger understanding of priorities and preferences for the space. Additional technical work by licensed professionals will be required to turn renderings into reality. Some regional professionals may be interested in contributing on a pro bono basis.
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Collaborators Afton Community Members Cindy Todd, City Clerk Rebecca Collins, City Treasurer Loretta Cook, Community Member Brent Smith, City Attorney Shana Tatum, Mayor Jason Speer, Board Member Kristi Rozell, Office Staff Colt Collins, City Board Bill Jones, City Board
Afton Partners Randy Ewing, Oklahoma Municipal Management Services Pat Hecksher, TSET Healthy Living Program
Oklahoma Municipal League The Oklahoma Municipal League provided funding to support this project. For more information on OML, please visit their website oml.org. Mike Fina, Executive Director Nancee Morris, Director of Operations
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University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Mia Kile, Associate Professor, Interior Design Tracy Scott-Howard, Adjunct Professor, Interior Design Bryce Lowery, Associate Professor, Regional + City Planning Ron Frantz, Director of Small Town Studios, Institute for Quality Communities Shane Hampton, Executive Director, Institute for Quality Communities
Interior Design Students Abby Bilsbury Ann Sanders Audrey Williams Ava Olivo Campbell Homen Christa Woods Elisabeth Wahlgren Emily Musso Ericka Yost Erika Longford Gabby Lamanna Gillian Stinson Kaitlin Salisbury
Kayleigh Brackin Lisa Rutledge Madison Bules Merrick Beach Olivia Aasheim Paxton Little Peyton Medlock Peyton Ward Sabrina Tran Savy Pollock Shelby Pulliam Yawen Wei
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Report Prepared By: OU Institute for Quality Communities OU Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture 830 Van Vleet Oval Gould Hall 165 Norman, Oklahoma 73019 iqc.ou.edu 30
