Utah Housing Coalition Project of the Year Award Goes to Gentle Ironhawk Domestic Abuse Shelter

Veterans Nursing Home new multipurpose room/chapel dedicated with Honor
April 29, 2008

Eaton Architecture to Program new Science Center addition for Southern Utah University in Cedar City

Utah Housing Coalition Project of the Year Award Goes to Gentle Ironhawk Domestic Abuse Shelter
Blanding, Utah

The Gentle Ironhawk Domestic Abuse Shelter located in Blanding, Utah provides a place for abused women to stay when in despair and is now open 24/7. It includes living, dining, kitchen and laundry spaces for guests along with an intake/reception area, exam room and multipurpose meeting room. The architectural design was carefully considered and researched by local Salt Lake City Firm Eaton Architecture, to reflect symbolic and meaningful elements of the Navajo culture. Staff Member, Willis Nakai, a very spiritual Native American from the Navajo Reservation area noted that the building with its round soft lines, floor plan, and desert earth tones resembles the traditional Indian baby cradleboard. Many Navajos still use a traditional cradleboard to carry and keep their babies safe and protected. Although form and function is serendipitous with the symbolism of the building design, the project was a rough go to its completion. The first obstacle was funding. The second difficulty was the remote area of the location, which meant limited construction resources to begin building. Lastly, there was concern of the contrast created with this modern building amongst a rural small town community setting.

These obstacles were overcome beginning with the determination of Kris Paul. Her initiation and diligence to raise funds was driven by her passion to help the abused women from the nearby reservation and surrounding areas. The project wouldn't have been possible without several donations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Eccles Foundation, LDS Foundation and others. In addition, Kris was able to obtain a significant grant from the Olene Walker Trust Fund. When the Trust Fund Advisory Board saw the plans and the symbolic meaning of the design, they approved the project with an enthusiastic "Go for it!" and issued a grant of $460,000. The grant allowed the final necessary dollars to complete the establishment. The result: a beautiful and sensitive addition to the landscape that currently provides a supportive and secure environment for women of Southeastern Utah and the Navaho Nation.

Both, the Architect, Bob Eaton of Eaton Architecture and Contractor Brian Burk of Comtrol Construction, Inc. were appreciative for the opportunity to be a part of making the building a reality. As the Utah Housing Coalition Project of the Year Award was presented to Kris Paul, Willis Nakai and Bob Eaton for best design and best funded building construction.

Today Bob Eaton and his team are currently heading up two other Native American projects in Montezuma Creek and the 4 corners area. A new medical clinic to be built by the Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. in picturesque Monument Valley Clinic will provide medical, pharmaceutical and dental facilities in a very remote area of Utah. A new Wellness Center is planned in Montezuma Creek and will provide one central location for a Boys and Girls Club, Gymnasium and Outdoor Spiritual room (sweat bath) and will include social service facilities for families who need temporary assistance.

Monument Valley Health Clinic now open and offering improved healthcare facilities to South Eastern Utah
May 16, 2008

Utah Navajo Trust Fund and Utah Navajo Health Systems, Inc. had its Dedication and Flag ceremony for their new Monument Valley Health Clinic on May 16, 2008. Located 75 miles south of Blanding at 30 West Medical Drive, Monument Valley, Utah. UNHS is a nonprofit organization established to provide medical, behavioral health and dental services for approximately 9,000 Navajo and 3,000 Anglo people specifically in southeast Utah and the Four Corners Area.

"Our ongoing goal is to provide comprehensive quality, primary and preventive health care for the people residing in the remote area of San Juan County and the Navajo Nation. This new facility better supports our initiative to help the underserved", states Donna Singer, CEO of UNHS.

The clinic is divided into three parts - the larger part houses a medical treatment wing which includes an emergency room, treatment and operating areas, exam rooms, x-ray and imaging rooms, a lab, full service pharmacy, and behavioral health counseling offices.
The second part is a dedicated full service dental office with general specialized treatment areas.
The third portion includes specialty services for physical and occupational therapy, exercise, classrooms, counseling offices, a large conference room, administration offices and a drum shaped waiting room.

The architectural design was carefully considered and researched by local Salt Lake City Firm Eaton Architecture, to reflect symbolic and meaningful elements of the Navajo culture and the surrounding landscape.

Veterans Nursing Home new multipurpose room/chapel
Dedicated with Honor
April 29, 2008

This new million dollar addition to the Utah State Veteran's Nursing Home, located on 700 Foothill Drive, is a tribute to its occupants for their sacrifices made for our country and its freedom. This project is an overall collaborative effort, with its funding from multiple sources, the first, a prior state legislature grant-rider, a generous donation from the LDS Church, and a contribution from the Veterans Association. This addition progressed to completion despite an unprecedented escalation of construction costs in 2007.

Eaton Architecture's design configuration was inspired by the residents - the Vets, who are predominately from WWII and Korean Wars, our "greatest generations," who needed a place for worship, solace and social activities. It is extra space for holiday celebrations, cultural functions, intellectual opportunities, and enjoyment. A space that overall raises the quality of life for those living in the nursing home.

Inside the warmly decorated area one can find private sun lit sitting nooks adjacent to the larger gathering areas. Jeff Hanson, State Officer and Director stated during the dedication to all attending, "I appreciate this space very much. I feel a reverence inside of it." Vets in attendance smiled and enjoyed the opening ceremony

Eaton Architecture to Program new Science Center addition for Southern Utah University in Cedar City

Eaton Architecture has begun the programming on this newly awarded project from DFCM. The proposed 57,747 square foot building is expected to provide much needed classroom, laboratory, green house and office space to the Science Department to meet present and anticipated needs of the University. The building will be adjacent to the existing Science Center. Space allocation for the proposed 4 story Science Center will provide maximum flexibility conducive to learning environments for its four programs - Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Nursing. The facility is scheduled to be designed early 2008 with estimated construction completion date of July 2010.

Eaton Architecture's involvement is inspired by an ongoing commitment to grow the SUU campus for the enjoyment and benefit of the Cedar City community and the entire student body. Eaton's previous involvement includes design for the new Shakespearean Festival Theater (ongoing) as well as design and construction for the South Hall replacement building.

Eaton Architecture Inc. is a Utah-based architectural firm specializing in public, industrial, institutional, aviation, performance art, commercial and luxury residential building design.