Jacob Cornsilk Community Center

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Jacob Cornsilk Complex Community Building is located in rural Snowbird, NC near Robbinsville. This new construction project nestled on the side of a mountain and along a native trout stream created several logistical challenges. The building was named after a WWII POW (Jacob Cornsilk) and elements of that memorial are part of the new design today, along with some of the original tongue and groove wood ceiling that has been reclaimed and used in the new design. The project is constructed of a 47,545 SF, steel frame, concrete slab on joist, and metal decking. The 2-story facility houses several key community programs which are vital to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in the Snowbird Community including the following; gymnasium with complete locker rooms, fitness center, clinic space, dental clinic, police station, transit department, library, and office administration staff.

This project was a true “COVID project" - designed in the lock down of 2020. The design team dedicated themselves to virtual charrettes and collaboration sessions to deliver this project without sacrificing standards of client service.