McCormack Construction partnered with the Pendleton Roundup on a ground-up retail facility designed to serve visitors attending the nation’s largest outdoor rodeo. The $4.1 million project was completed in 2020 under the direction of General Manager Erika Patton and represents a strategic investment in commercial infrastructure supporting Pendleton’s signature event. The Pendleton Roundup has been voted the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year for 10 years running, drawing over 100,000 spectators annually and serving as a critical driver of the local economy.
The project involved construction of a 12,200-square-foot single-story retail facility with administration space, tenant improvement shell space, and a drive-through located at 1114 SW Court Street. McCormack served as design-build lead, delivering a modern retail environment designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide year-round sales opportunities for Roundup merchandise and western goods. The facility supports the organization’s operations while creating a destination shopping experience for rodeo attendees and local residents alike.
Key challenges included navigating the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic with emerging supply chain disruptions, managing budget concerns while meeting the owner’s operational requirements, and addressing unexpected site conditions discovered during construction. The building footprint revealed subgrade issues from past structures, requiring remediation before construction could proceed. These unforeseen conditions threatened both the budget and timeline during an already uncertain period marked by pandemic-related material shortages and price volatility.
To address these challenges, McCormack implemented early procurement strategies for materials and equipment to prevent schedule delays caused by supply chain disruptions. The team conducted value engineering throughout the entire project to control costs while maintaining design intent and functionality. Early site exploration identified and abated hazardous materials discovered on site, preventing future complications. McCormack worked closely with the owner and design team to ensure the design aligned with operational needs while staying within budget parameters, making strategic adjustments to accommodate unforeseen conditions and market volatility.
The Pendleton Roundup Retail Store was completed on time and under budget, establishing a strong relationship that positions the Pendleton Roundup as a return client. For McCormack Construction, this project demonstrates resilience and adaptability in delivering commercial facilities during unprecedented challenges while supporting one of eastern Oregon’s most iconic cultural institutions.