The redevelopment of the Wgema [pronounced Ga-mah] or “Chief” Campus by the Forest County Potawatomi Community exemplifies a deep commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, reflecting their seven-generational decision-making values. 

This project repurposes early 20th-century Germanic collegiate buildings into modern office and educational spaces, merging historical rehabilitation with contemporary sustainability practices. Key to the renovation was obtaining a Federal Department of Energy (DOE) grant, which supported the integration of advanced sustainable building systems.

The master plan included restoring historic buildings which resulted in exceeding the DOE grant requirements by first renovating the former Wunder Hall dormitory to become Bgemagen [Bug-mah-gen] – the “War Club”, creating office spaces for Potawatomi Business Development, then restoring the “Havenwood House” to become the home of Hands in Harmony, a non-profit offering free music lessons (and pianos) to area youth. The former Albrecht Hall and Library, now Wgechda [Getch-duh] or “Warrior” Building, were redeveloped to connect utilizing a modern glass curtain wall entry vestibule, allowing for the historic detailing to be exposed, and a multi-stop elevator, which allows for ease of access between the buildings. Wgechda offers executive offices and a Native American cultural center, receiving LEED Certification.

“This is a well considered campus-wide intervention…they didn’t alter that much [from when the Native American tribe deeded it], but they brought back the native landscape. It was an extremely subtle touch, but speaks volumes about the project’s values.” 

Corey Squire, AIA (2024 Design Awards Juror)

In addition to preserving and adapting historic structures, the project addressed the need for modern infrastructure by creating a recessed parking structure to maintain visual coherence with the surrounding historic district. The Wgemas building was repurposed into a campus dining room, catering kitchen, and offices for Native American non-profits, supporting local entrepreneurship and providing meals for tribal elders. The fifth and final renovation of Tthigwe [Chig-gwe] or “Thunderbird”, transformed the 1930s gymnasium to provide a new tribal health and wellness facility and gymnasium for the expanding charter school on the campus, underscoring the campus’s role in enhancing community health and education; Tthigwe will undergo LEED O&M Certification in 2025. Through thoughtful design and community engagement, the Wgema Campus revitalization honors the Potawatomi’s cultural values while preserving iconic historic buildings and fostering environmental stewardship and community resilience.