The Standard in Family Destination Resorts

There’s a new can’t-miss resort in Oklahoma City! ADCI has had the pleasure of working with the Chickasaw Nation to create OKANA, an iconic 11 story, 404-room resort. The name OKANA comes from the Chickasaw word for water (oka) and friend (inkana) to highlight the tribe’s deep connection to water and their welcoming sprit. The name fits directly into the mission of creating a destination for visitors of all backgrounds. The resort is located along the Oklahoma River, near the Boathouse District, and beside the First Americans Museum. Guest rooms on one side of the resort provide views of the Oklahoma River and downtown OKC, while the other overlooks the outdoor waterpark lagoon. The Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce, Dan Boren, stated, “This project will serve as a vital pedestrian connection to OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, The First Americans Museum, and OKC’s vibrant downtown area.”

In 2020 ADCI began the journey of bringing Chickasaw Nation’s vision to life. Team ADCI described the design process as being given the freedom to create a resort like nothing else, giving them an exciting challenge to build a unique guest experience. ADCI Senior Architect, Ryan McKichan talked about the design years lived in the virtual world, “One of the most rewarding aspects of architecture is the transition from walking through a computer model to standing in the completed physical space. In this case, the way it came to life exceeded my expectations!” OKANA has come to life with an impressive indoor water park, outdoor lagoon, family entertainment center, conference center, and spa.

The resort has been described as an island oasis in the middle of OKC due to the elevated views of the 4.5-acre outdoor waterpark lagoon with its sandy beaches. The 100,000 square foot indoor waterpark is a one-of-a-kind feature that integrates into the elevated pathway throughout the resort. As guests make their way through the grand entrance on the elevated mezzanine where they will be greeted by a panoramic view of the entire park from the inside, as well as stunning views of the outdoor lagoon. Looking up, guests can see through the 150-foot-long skylight that covers most of the space and even lets in UV rays allowing you to tan at any time of year.  You won’t want to miss the water slides, zipping through the water coaster, catching waves in the wave pool, floating along the lazy river, or surfing the wave simulator! Whether you are seeking a thrill, or just want to chill, there is something for everyone!

Another focal point of the resort is the Family Entertainment Center. The guest path to the FEC is through a pedestrian bridge adorned with bright hand painted murals and is preceded by a meandering path with retail and restaurants on one side and full height windows overlooking the lagoon on the other side. ADCI’s Director of Interior Design, Dustin Struckmeyer says, “You cannot help but feel like celebrating when you are walking through the space.” Guests will enjoy lots of games and prizes in the Okanarama arcade, two story laser tag, an escape room, and neon mirror maze.

While at the resort guests can enjoy a well-appointed range of onsite dining options. Jack Rabbit, a gastropub, was designed into a two-story glass rotunda and offers one of the best views. From the chic Jack Rabbit bar, you can see the OKC skyline in the distance with the Oklahoma River in the foreground while sipping a cocktail. The dining doesn’t stop there, you can head to Chido to savor the bold flavors of Mexican street food and premium tequilas while overlooking the Lagoon. For action packed dining check out Smokehouse Social a golf simulator restaurant. Guests can also enjoy three quick service restaurants, a candy store, and a swim up bar!

When asking Team ADCI about things that made this project unique, it was clear that interior design and art play a big role. All the artwork throughout the project was carefully curated by ADCI’s interior design team to represent indigenous artists who represent the Chickasaw Nation as well as other nations in the area. “We worked exclusively with Exhibit C, a gallery specializing in indigenous representation to select and commission murals, other 2D art pieces, and some sculptures. It’s unlike any project in both the scale of the pieces and the representation of indigenous artists,” Struckmeyer stated. The attention to detail and cultural ties throughout the resort is showcased in the design of the headboards within the resort rooms. The textile on the headboards is from Mahota Textiles and represents the Chickasaw Map of 1723. It reflects how the Chickasaw viewed their world and artistically shows waterways, trade routes, and relationships with other tribes. “We worked with Mahota Textiles to license the work, and then we collaborated with a commercial textile mill to develop the material for the upholstered headboards maintaining the integrity of the design and the colors of the original piece,” explained Struckmeyer.

OKANA had a massive economic impact on the region with over $400 million in overall investment and development. The resort design truly offers so many wow moments from your check-in at the incredible lobby, the smile that grows when you open your guestroom door, and as you proceed through the signature “O” into the indoor waterpark. There is something memorable for all who visit! It highlights the culture of Chickasaw Nation and provides best-in-class guest experience for those who stay. ADCI is proud of the relationship we developed with Chickasaw Nation and the trust gained to allow us to design something special.