Designing the large complex of the Washakie Center and three high-rise student dormitories for the University of Wyoming (UW) kick-started the firm’s long relationship with the university and its central architect, JT Banner. Because of Laramie’s inclement climate, this extensive project, dedicated in 1967, features underground tunnels connecting the dormitories with the food hall and activity spaces. The Washakie Center featured an encapsulation of the clean lines espoused by the converts of the Bauhaus yet alluded to the area’s geologic surroundings. This included a cantilever outward from its limestone foundation. Jeep was also instrumental in design phases for the school’s uber-modern War Memorial Stadium (site of concerts by some of the world’s top bands, like Pearl Jam), the Fine Arts and Law buildings, and the infamous “Dome of Doom” Arena-Auditorium where UW has hosted major sporting events and a consequential speech by then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. The arena brought into play Jeep’s interest in the earth shelter movement but on a large scale. The floor inside was the firm’s first foray into suspended surfaces. Being a musician, he insisted that outstanding acoustics guide every design consideration, whether it was a cavernous concert hall, expansive lobby area or intimate classroom. Excellent sound was of critical importance driving many of his design features. Following the dissolution of his partnership with Corbett, Jeep partnered with Ken Richardson, Walt Bensman and Mike Quinn. Of note, during the 1980s, Kurt Dubbe, now a noted Jackson architect, joined the firm for three years. That diverse group of architects was responsible for a growing list of clients and projects. During those years, Jeep and Charlotte also continued their friendship and professional relationship with Francie Corbett, who, in 1976, took the reins of the interior design company Contract Design. Along with the Dehnerts’ support, Francie built one of Wyoming’s most important interior design shops. Her aesthetics fit with Jeep and Charlotte’s, so there was a great deal of collaboration whenever the opportunity arose. The Crystal Springs Hotel in Teton Village was one such project. Located next to the Base Station of the Jackson Hole tram, the hotel offered a ski equipment shop, restaurant and ensuite rooms that provided immediate access to the lower slopes. Crystal Springs’ design was a blend of European alpine and a kind of svelte Western roughrider. The Dehnerts and Corbetts sold the property in the 1980s. The office of Dehnert/ Richardson/Bensman/Quinn (DRBQ) was responsible for projects that continued to realize Dehnert’s long advocacy for sustainability. While the Corbett/Dehnert office had years before launched this vision in the design of the Jackson Hole Visitors Center, DRBQ pushed the ideology further into the “mainstream.” The Visitors Center, located on the boundary of the National Elk Refuge, featured a softly angled sod roof inspired by the West’s early Scandinavian settlers. But it was Jeep’s design for Douglas High School in Converse County that was remarkable for its courageous delving into sustainable design, even by today’s standards. The modular concrete building was the first high school in the nation to be powered by an extensive solar array. The school’s exterior design presented angles appropriate to efficient solar collection and, at the same time, reflected the school’s location nestled amongst windswept rock outcroppings. The school district’s electric costs immediately proved the technology right for Wyoming’s climate and abundant sunlight. Additionally, the firm’s new office building in Lander was designed with one full side wall being a large solar array. Jeep’s approach also incorporated, for the first time in school design in Wyoming, aspects of bermed earth that contributed to gains in insulation and drainage. During this period, Jeep and his team received design awards from the American Association of School Administrators for the Douglas High School, Middle School and East Elementary School. The firm’s West and North Elementary Schools in Lander also received commendations. It’s notable that the West Elementary School is a modern ideal of earth berming and has proven Jeep’s strong belief in the importance and relevance of thoughtful environmental design. Wyoming’s rest stops along the state’s major highways are great examples of his influence on design. Roof lines reflecting 41
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