| Success in Sight: A World-Class Learning Center Emerges |
The long-awaited Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center is advancing toward completion. Slated to open Aug. 20, 2011, the world-class facility will serve as a national center for education, policy, and research in collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum, universities, and other site preservation organizations.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center (ILC) will be comprised of 11,000-square feet of exhibit and administrative space. The ILC itself is symbolic of the spirit of collaboration between the former Heart Mountain internees and the people
of Wyoming. Other features planned within the ILC are two replicated barracks, computer room, a reflection room, and a commemorative garden. Engraved Brick pavers will bear the names of donors who want to pay tribute to individuals and families as part of the ILC's entry area.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center (ILC) will be comprised of 11,000-square feet of exhibit and administrative space. The ILC itself is symbolic of the spirit of collaboration between the former Heart Mountain internees and the people
of Wyoming. Other features planned within the ILC are two replicated barracks, computer room, a reflection room, and a commemorative garden. Engraved Brick pavers will bear the names of donors who want to pay tribute to individuals and families as part of the ILC's entry area.
Visible from Highway 14A, the Interpretive Learning Center exterior
construction nears completion in this recent photo.
—Photo by BACON SAKATANI
construction nears completion in this recent photo.
—Photo by BACON SAKATANI
As the excitement builds for the Grand Opening of the ILC, we thought we would share with you some preliminary design plans of the interior space. The Programming Committee, co-chaired by Eric Muller and Carolyn Takeshita, is working with Split Rock Studios, an exhibit design team from Minnesota.
A centerpiece of the ILC will be the Mineta/Simpson Friendship Hall, a theater/multipurpose area named in honor of former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and retired U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, who met as Boy Scouts from opposite sides of the barbed wire fence surrounding the Heart Mountain compound. Their friendship has spanned more than six decades.
Help us reach the finish line so that we can open this world-class facility as scheduled! Click here to learn about remaining naming opportunities at the Center, how you can add your name or the name of a loved one to a commemorative brick, or become a member.
Architect Allen Rapacz explains the ILC design to recent visitors.
—PHOTO BY KEVIN YUILLE
Schutz Foss Architects
Allen Rapacz, president of Schutz Foss Architects, P.C. is the chief architect for the Interpretive Learning Center. Based on a drawing created by founding HMWF board member Patricia Wolfe, the Center complex consists of three sections, each reminiscent of the style, color and texture of the original World War II barracks. Schutz Foss utilized contemporary building materials and exterior wall treatments that are durable and long-lasting.
Based in Billings, MT, the firm has been involved in the design of several notable projects in the areas of education, medical, government, criminal justice and other municipal facilities.
Allen Rapacz, president of Schutz Foss Architects, P.C. is the chief architect for the Interpretive Learning Center. Based on a drawing created by founding HMWF board member Patricia Wolfe, the Center complex consists of three sections, each reminiscent of the style, color and texture of the original World War II barracks. Schutz Foss utilized contemporary building materials and exterior wall treatments that are durable and long-lasting.
Based in Billings, MT, the firm has been involved in the design of several notable projects in the areas of education, medical, government, criminal justice and other municipal facilities.
| Shown here are the architect's conceptions of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center and the Reflection Room. |
HEART MOUNTAIN WYOMING FOUNDATION
The Center
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