Swift Eagle James G. Johnson Activity Center: People of the Willow

This new 94,163 square-foot activity center will be the heart of the West Segment - Mandaree community, and the anchor of the Mandaree Wellness Campus. This project is currently under construction.

The structure is designed to emulate an earth lodge with its circular form, and includes a Pendleton inspired skylight. Further inspiration was taken from Eagle’s Nest Butte, known to the MHA Nation as “The White Lodge that Stands”, and a landmark that has historically been a way-finding tool for the MHA people. The center not only takes materiality references from Eagle Nest, but the axis of the building is also oriented towards the Butte, symbolically pointing residents “home”. The interior design is themed around the four seasons, with colors and materials in each quadrant representing the circle of life. 

The activity center includes an aquatics center, fitness center, community room, commercial kitchen, golf simulators, gymnasium, and food court. To honor the heritage and military involvement of the Mandaree people of MHA Nation, the activity center was also designed with an observation deck. This deck orients the Eagles nest, while the walls that flank it tell the story of the fallen Native Americans who fought for this country to protect the land.