teton county 4-h building

Photographer: Heidi Long

teton county 4-h building

 

Located at the south end of Miller Park in downtown Jackson, Wyoming, the Teton County 4-H Building & Bus Stop transforms an existing community facility into a vibrant, flexible civic destination that supports youth education, public transportation, and community engagement. Through a thoughtful remodel and addition, the project modernizes the original 4-H building while respecting the western architectural character of downtown Jackson and meeting the needs of a growing community—all within a modest budget.

The renovation reimagines the existing 4-H facility as a highly adaptable community resource. Flexible classrooms can be combined into a large multi-purpose gathering space, allowing the building to accommodate educational programs, 4-H activities, workshops, community meetings, and special events. Supporting spaces, including a commercial kitchen, storage areas, administrative offices, and service facilities, enhance the building's functionality and allow it to serve a wide range of public uses throughout the year.

A new, light-filled lobby extends across the front of the building, creating an inviting public entrance while serving as informal gathering and breakout space for visitors. The lobby also establishes a seamless connection between the renovated 4-H facility and the adjacent public bus stop, improving circulation and strengthening the relationship between the building and the surrounding civic campus.

Designed as an integral part of the project, the new Teton County Bus Stop enhances public transit accessibility while providing year-round comfort for commuters and visitors. The transit facility includes a covered exterior loggia for weather protection, an enclosed waiting area, and public restrooms that remain accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A secure lock-off system separates the bus stop from the 4-H building, allowing both facilities to operate independently without compromising security or daily programming.

Accessibility was a primary focus throughout the renovation. Comprehensive ADA upgrades were incorporated across the entire project, ensuring that classrooms, gathering spaces, restrooms, entrances, and circulation paths provide safe, comfortable, and equitable access for all users.

The building's architecture reflects the timeless western character of Jackson while utilizing durable, low-maintenance materials suited to Wyoming's climate. The addition blends seamlessly with the existing structure, creating a cohesive civic landmark that complements the surrounding downtown context while extending the life and usefulness of the original building.

Constructed in two carefully planned phases, the project allowed the facility to remain functional throughout much of the construction process while minimizing disruption to ongoing community programs and public transportation services.

The Teton County 4-H Building & Bus Stop demonstrates Ward Blake Architects' commitment to designing thoughtful civic architecture that maximizes public investment through adaptive reuse, flexible planning, and community-focused design. By combining educational spaces, transit infrastructure, and universally accessible public amenities within a unified architectural solution, the project creates a lasting asset that continues to serve residents and visitors while strengthening the civic fabric of downtown Jackson.

 

Location

Jackson, Wyoming

Project Size

5,398 sq. ft.