In 2022, the Putnam County Commissioners identified a unique opportunity to make a lasting investment in their community using American Rescue Plan funding. Building on ongoing efforts to improve the County Fairgrounds, including the restoration of the century-old wooden grandstands, the Commissioners began working with the design team to reimagine a key site where two aging masonry buildings were slated for removal.

The result is a 16,000 square foot multiuse event center designed to meet a range of county needs while staying within a 5.5-million-dollar budget. Developed through close collaboration with the County Commissioners, Health Department, and Fair Board, the facility is designed to be flexible, durable, and accessible to all.

Located on the Fairgrounds, the center includes a full commercial kitchen and shower facilities, enabling it to serve as an emergency disaster shelter in addition to an event venue. Large glazed overhead doors line both sides of the building, allowing it to transform into an open-air pavilion during fair week or function as a drive through vaccine clinic, expo space, or agricultural showcase.

The form of the building reflects the agricultural heritage of Putnam County, whilst the material selection aims to serve current and future generations, supporting public health, community events, family events, and the continued evolution of the County Fairgrounds as a shared civic space.