The Yakima SunDome stands as one of Washington State’s most distinctive civic landmarks—a multipurpose arena designed to serve as a cultural, recreational, and community gathering place for the Yakima Valley. As part of the project’s architectural team, John Jessen played a key role in shaping the design of the facility, helping to realize a unique geometric structure that has become an enduring symbol of civic pride and regional identity.
The SunDome was conceived as a flexible, large-scale public venue capable of hosting an exceptionally wide range of events, including concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, community celebrations, academic ceremonies, trade shows, and county fairs. With its innovative structural form, the dome provides expansive, column-free interior space and exceptional adaptability—qualities that allow the building to continually evolve with the needs of the region.
Jessen contributed to the development of the SunDome’s architectural character, interior planning, and public-facing amenities. The design balances engineering ambition with human-centered considerations, creating an environment that feels both monumental and welcoming. Clear sightlines, intuitive circulation, and durable materials were chosen to support intensive public use, while the dome’s sculptural profile establishes a memorable presence on the Yakima fairgrounds.
More than an arena, the SunDome is a cultural anchor—a venue where residents come together for shared experiences that strengthen community connections. Jessen’s design involvement helped ensure the building could fulfill this civic mission, offering a flexible and enduring setting for the diverse cultural life of the Yakima Valley.
Today, the Yakima SunDome remains one of the region’s most recognizable public structures and continues to serve as a model for multipurpose civic architecture that is both inventive and deeply rooted in community purpose.
Project location: Yakima, WA
Project size: 56,000 SF
Work previously completed by John Jessen with Architect-of-Record Loofburrow Architects.