The Laurel County Fairgrounds is a project aimed at transforming an aging and disjointed regional facility into a modern and multifunctional space. The proposal will enhance the fairgrounds’ capacity to accommodate a diverse range of activities, catering to the needs of the local community and visitors alike. The renovation will feature several key elements, including a covered 50,000 square foot horse arena, a 20,000 square foot enclosed event space, recreation fields, food truck hookups, a stage for music events, a new vehicular entry, and a new parking lot capable of accommodating 500-800 cars.
The centerpiece of the renovation project will be a state-of-the-art, covered horse arena. The design proposal utilizes a prefabricated steel building structure. This structure is clad in wood siding treated with black pine tar, a form that recalls traditional tobacco barns of the region, complete with slatted screens and green walls. These elements modulate the sizable facade and help transition from full building enclosure to a simple structural roof.
The renovated fairgrounds will also boast a versatile enclosed event space. A hub for a wide range of local and regional events, such as trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and community gatherings, the space will be equipped with modern amenities. Architecturally, the exterior is expressed in an exaggerated form of a traditional board and batten system, a further nod to the history and regional vernacular. Attached to the expansive roof is a series of rainwater harvesting cisterns, providing water for the facility landscape and gardens.
