Poteau Work Center

The Poteau Work Center is located east of Waldron (Scott County) along Highway 80. The work center building was constructed circa 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 20, 1993.

The building was constructed by members of the 1707^th Company of the Arkansas CCC District, which was stationed at the Waldron Camp located fourteen miles to the east. It was built as the repair and maintenance shop for the Poteau Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest. The building, along with the residence in the same location, was built as the headquarters for the district, which extends westward into Oklahoma. It is significant for its association with the CCC and their work throughout America during the Depression.

The work center building is a two-story, rectangular structure with wood framing. The structure is topped with a shingled, gabled roof, which is oriented east to west. The main entrance to the building is a single door located on the northern façade of the building and offset to the west. A garage door is centered within the northern façade. Six one-over-one double-hung windows are arranged in two sets of three and are located to the east of the garage door. One set of two double-hung windows is located west of the entrance. The western elevation of the building features a rectangular brick chimney offset to the north. Four one-over-one double-hung windows are located on the first story, while a single double-hung window is located on the second story. The eastern elevation features five one-over-one double-hung windows on the first story and one double-hung window on the second story. The southern elevation of the building is identical to the northern elevation, with the exception of a set of three double-hung windows located between the garage door and entry.

The work center building continues to serve as a utility building for the Poteau District.

For additional information:
“Poteau Work Center.” National Register of Historic Places registration form. On file at Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Little Rock, Arkansas. Online at http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/National-Register-Listings/PDF/SC0017.nr.pdf (accessed June 13, 2018).

“Poteau Work Center Residence No. 2 (Destroyed).” National Register of Historic Places registration form. On file at Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Little Rock, Arkansas. Online at http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/National-Register-Listings/PDF/SC0019.nr.pdf (accessed June 13, 2018).

Ty Richardson
Richardson Preservation Consulting