Francis Tuttle Technology Center Completed in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Francis Tuttle Technology Center, one of the premier career training schools in the state of Oklahoma, has recently seen the completion of the Francis Tuttle Industrial Technology Building on its Reno campus.

 As outlying communities continue to grow, the demand for access to affordable education and training follows. Francis Tuttle’s desire to continue their reach and expand class offerings resulted in a new building on their existing Reno campus. Designed by Bockus Payne, an interdisciplinary architecture and design firm, the 27,325-square-foot academic building consists of one story dedicated to core classes and student support areas that articulate a proud industrial presence while providing innovative solutions necessary to inform 21st-century students.

Francis Tuttle Industrial Technology Building

Image courtesy of Bockus Payne

The Bockus Payne team designed a facility that not only supports the needs of the diverse student population but that is also reflective of Francis Tuttle’s expanded trade offerings. It was important to reference the types of classes offered within the design intent — Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Construction Trades. The building itself is identifiable with industrial technology but connects with existing themes from the original Francis Tuttle look. The introduction of Corten steel at entry will continue to patina over time, a nod to the welding module. At night, the name glows through cut outs within the steel structure, providing an added layer of detail and identity. The building is built off-axis to address views of the existing Reno building and provide a more dramatic appearance. Landscaping was carefully selected to complement — it’s simplistic and Oklahoma centered.

Indoors, students are greeted by a reception and spacious lounge area which also doubles as a safe room / shelter. Linear lighting runs throughout, providing added interest and a playful edge to the industrious building. Three large bays fill the remainder of the space; each with windows to view trades from the main public corridor. The interiors of each are neutral and durable, reflective of the school’s past, but contrast with bold pops of striking color that fill the ceilings to assist with wayfinding. Each bay contains a formal classroom, office, stair to mezzanine as well as expansive square footage dedicated to high-tech equipment for hands-on learning. The building design embodies the goals identified by the owner and supports the trades taught to develop a thriving incoming workforce.

Featured

  • Greenheck Receives Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

    Air movement, control, conditioning, and distribution equipment solutions provider Greenheck recently announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, according to a news release. The HVAC Systems contract will allow Greenheck the opportunity to expand opportunities in government procurement and other public agencies in North America.

  • Minnesota District Completes Major Renovations, Expansions to High School

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced that it has completed the renovation and expansion of White Bear Lake Area High School, according to a news release. The school’s final addition, a new 845-seat Performing Arts Center, was finished in November.

  • All Surfaces Hires New Commercial Business Development Specification Manager

    Flooring solutions provider All Surfaces recently announced that it has hired industry veteran Mechelle Bliss as its new Commercial Business Development Specification Manager, according to a news release. In her new role, she’ll be responsible for expanding the organization’s hold in various commercial markets, as well as strengthening relationships with existing clients.

  • UTEP Celebrates Construction Milestone for New Academic Building

    The University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas, recently held a “topping out” ceremony for its new learning complex, Texas Western Hall, according to university news. The construction milestone marks the placement of the last beam of a structure in progress.