Agreed. I can hardly wait to take visitors there. Are they going to plant grass on the mound, or just let it fill in naturally, I wonder? I wonder if erosion will be an issue until the vegetation fills in.

I was wondering how much fun it's going to be to MOW it!

I was wondering how much fun it's going to be to MOW it!

Haha! What they should do is seed it with native grasses that don't need to be mowed. Or buy a goat.

I have a Goat. It's a spiteful and angry beast that eats ponies.










/it's a car

A mountain goat on the side of that thing would certainly add effect.

I drove up to the AICC Sunday when there were no workers. Let me tell you... this thing is MASSIVE!!! You have to be next to it to really appreciate the shear volume of earth that had to be moved to create this. I'm talking in 10,000 years it will still be recognizable!

Anyway... I hiked to the top an the view there is simply amazing! It will definitely be THE postcard view of OKC. It merges the downtown skyline, OUHSC skyline, OCU, the Classen, NW skyline... and even a glimpse of Lake Hefner.

Amazing.... but I wouldn't suggest going to the top... a group of guys from the 'flooring design group' showed up as I was sneaking out... actually confused me as part of thir group for a minute... and I then made a break for it. A bit risky.

Agreed. I can hardly wait to take visitors there. Are they going to plant grass on the mound, or just let it fill in naturally, I wonder? I wonder if erosion will be an issue until the vegetation fills in.

The whole thing is actually terraced all the way up (like Machu Picchu I guess). There is also a metal mesh that is embedded from the inside out to keep it from eroding. Grass appears to have already been planted on it as well.

I heard a piece on KGOU about this Monday I think. The state legislature passed a bill on the last day of the current session to ok the sale of bonds to finish the funding of this project but with the current bond market at the moment it may take a while for the bonds to be sold. ( I think that is what the piece said ). Anyway there may be another delay in funding on the project and they may be looking to the private sector to fill in the gap until the bonds are sold. I believe this was on National Native News and was described as a museum that will focus on all of the American tribes not just those in Oklahoma and I was led to believe that they may be looking at the national tribes as funding.

The visitors center was launched today.

The build-out of the museum appears to be a long time coming, based on funding. The overall vision for the center, including the commercial buildout, waterfront development and the extended trails may need to be part of a 10-year or 20-year vision plan.

The promontory mound will be seeded in. I suspect once its seeded that people will be able to go up there. With patience, it will be a wonder place. It just might take a little longer than we think. The AICCM staff is doing their best.

I don't think it really needs to be 20 years out. Maybe 5-8.

So the visitor's center is not the same thing as the museum?

I don't think it really needs to be 20 years out. Maybe 5-8.

So the visitor's center is not the same thing as the museum?

Fraid not. I was there this morning. The Visitor's Center is simply a map kiosk, a future gift shop, small conference room and bathrooms.

Is it technically open then?

Is it technically open then?

Well, I'm not sure. I just re-read the press release:

The next step in the process is the buildout of the "Discovery Center."

As for the Visitor Center, it says: "The Visitor Center will serve as a special reception location for visitors to the AICCM construction site, and a place to share project information until Opening Day."

So, maybe it's open, maybe it ain't? I don't know.

The AICCM is really not a museum even though it is, more of a focus on the culture and continuing education of native american activities to visitors. I did an interview with the director of the AICCM for UCO. I'd post it here, but not sure if that would break the intended use of the interview.

Updates on this?

I drove by it yesterday - looks like its just sitting there, what's the progress over the past few months?

Looks like it is eroding away. I don't think they know what they are doing.

I think they are waiting on funding.

Hadn't seen this before and wanted to make sure people saw it...

10 minute video on the Center:

OklaTravelNet (http://www.oklatravelnet.com/#/Video/21613)

The state approved funding back in May 2008 for the next phase. They maybe waiting for more money for the final one or two phases.

I think they're in D.C. Begging for stimulous money.

The state also just passed a small amount of money in the last week or so, $100K something I believe.

If you go to their website: aiccm.org



2009 Construction
January - May

* Bid Documents for the Gallery building shell & Hall of People steel prepared
* Open Phase 2 bids January 29, 2009
* Award contracts to complete exterior building structures for gallery, east wing & erect steel for the hall of the people
* Perform quality control reviews on all Phase 2 building components (submittals and shop drawings)
* Complete phase 1 promontory topsoil & native grass seeding


So looks like they may have the money, but are receiving bids or they are getting bids to pursue a new budget with the state. I think it will be built, but the recession isn't helping things.

I saw that update as well but I wonder if they have actually put things out to bid and are still on track.

With the resources on this site, it seems we would have heard if there was an active construction RFP of this size.

I have AN UPDATE!

Source: Oklahoma Historical Society's Dr. Bob Blackburn

My class was at OHS today, they lost power, and he stopped by to say hello to us as he walked out another group. My professor got him to talk about the building of the history center, and in passing he talked about AICCM. He said they need $20 million now to finish building (something), and another $60 million to finish the complete infrastructure. So, they're $80 million away from finishing. Big ouch in this economy! To my knowledge the capital campaign has not been formerly launched, so they are heavily relying on state and federally funding (most of it state). Blackburn said it can be done though, OHS got the last part of their funds in 2002 - pretty bad year for the state in terms of funding.

whats sad is that we dont have enough money to build this nice indian ( im sorry since i am indian I mean native american anyways lol metro likes to poke at me all the time) museum, but th city has enough money to hire people to think about a new convention center.

Native American

whats sad is that we dont have enough money to build this nice indian museum, but th city has enough money to hire people to think about a new convention center.

Holy crap! Did we pay 80 million dollars for the convention center study!? Rip off.

BTW, I don't think the city is building the museum.

Holy crap! Did we pay 80 million dollars for the convention center study!? Rip off.

BTW, I don't think the city is building the museum.

Actually, the city donated the land for the AICCM. The state government has put up most of the funds, the federal government promised some limited help but those funds hadn't come through last I heard.

If the indians (native Americans) would use some of their casino money, they would have the funds by days end.

sorry metro, even though i am part indian or native american, its doesnt bother me one way or another same with many of my indian-native american friends lol but metro you seem to always creep up on post something negative after me about my recent posts like you have to have the last word? whats up, did i do something to you recently or is this just you?

It's a lot more complicated than just the "City handing over money." This is a public-private partnership and also in conjunction with the Smithsonian. Tribes have donated money to the project already, this is a project in the close to $200K, and they've raised about half. Since each tribe owns their own casino's, what is the benefit of donating to a museum that features all native american tribes instead of helping the people of their own nation? On top of that, the City can't really afford to donate a large chunk of money during a recession when revenues are down. This won't bring in NEAR the sales tax a new convention center will. This is definitely a worthwhile project, but the city has to act on priorities, especially when this isn't a municipal project.

sorry metro, even though i am part indian or native american, its doesnt bother me one way or another same with many of my indian-native american friends lol but metro you seem to always creep up on post something negative after me about my recent posts like you have to have the last word? whats up, did i do something to you recently or is this just you?

metro knows all, sees all. At least he seems to think so...

Metro's right.

The only package out to bid right now is bid package 8.2 Timbers and I think it's a rebid.

So, there is some bidding going on, albeit very slowly. My sources say the next major phase should bid in the summer. Of course that is 2 month old information, so who knows.....

Metro - going back to partnerships....on an unrelated story. Do you feel the city should be contributing to complete the Land Run Monument? We haven't seen any progress there in a while.

I'm not metro, but to bombermwc's question, the city, and the state, and the BT Association ought to all commit to assuring the the Land Run monument will be finished, and finished soon.

metro knows all, sees all. At least he seems to think so...

Is it really necessary to attack him. Give it up if you don't agree, choose to say nothing.

I am so tired of hearing someone bash someone else all because that person is providing conversation on a FORUM.

Metro - going back to partnerships....on an unrelated story. Do you feel the city should be contributing to complete the Land Run Monument? We haven't seen any progress there in a while.

If I'm not mistaken, this is the City's project anyway, so the City is the major, if not only, contributor already. The project has turned out to be more expensive than planned, so they are searching for additional funding. The sculptor/casting company are working hard. A report was given to Council some time last year...

Capital Campaign (http://www.aiccm.com/p/10519/Default.aspx)

They have a list of the major donors, they also are about $75M away from having full funding.

For the record, the city did not pay anything close to $80 million for the convention center study. I'll ask and find out the cost, but likely it was in the low six figures or less.

Capital Campaign (http://www.aiccm.com/p/10519/Default.aspx)

They have a list of the major donors, they also are about $75M away from having full funding.


Notice all the donors are state or city related, where are the donations from the tribes?

For the record, the city did not pay anything close to $80 million for the convention center study. I'll ask and find out the cost, but likely it was in the low six figures or less.

You'd better check with the chamber of commerce, not the city. pretty sure it was a chamber-funded study.

You can't seriously believe a study cost $80 Million. Maybe $80 thousand. Let's get real.

You can't seriously believe a study cost $80 Million. Maybe $80 thousand. Let's get real.

No, I don't think anyone seriously thinks that. I think the initial mention of $80 Million for the study was sarcasm.

No one seems to be talking about this, but the museum construction is coming along. You can see it well from I-40. Apparently they found funding.

You can't seriously believe a study cost $80 Million. Maybe $80 thousand. Let's get real.

LOL...I don't know. If the Government is involved.....:Smiley112

-Chris-

No one seems to be talking about this, but the museum construction is coming along. You can see it well from I-40. Apparently they found funding.

I hadn't noticed, but I will look the next time I drive by. I am happy it is finally covered with vegetation. I didn't really want to have the "world's largest anthill" distinction for our city. This, when completed, will be a great thing to have, obviously for our Native American residents, but also for ourselves and visitors.

From their website:

May - December 2009

* Gallery Building and East Wing Structural Steel Erection
* Issue contracts for partial mechanical, electrical, and sprinkler work
* Installation of structural wood beams and roof deck (GB & EW)
* Installation of metal roof and wall systems
* Installation of exterior stud wall systems
* Completion of promontory seeding of native grasses


Also:

Capital Campaign Goal: 177.5 Million

Funds Raised to date: (Figures as of March 17, 2009)
State of Oklahoma $66.3M
Federal Government $7.5M
City of Oklahoma City $4.9M
Private, Tribal and Other Sources $4.2M
Total Funds Raised $82.9M

As a genealogist, I can assure you that most of us (families that have been here for 5 or 6 generations) are much more Native American than we sometimes are aware. Glad to see this project coming along... if it is ;).

Anybody know about the hotel and convention space that they said will be here?

Drove by about an hour or so ago coming back North on I-35 from Dallas. Looks like they erected a big "bandshell" type structure that looms higher than the dirt mound. They must have done this in the last 2-3 days as it was not there a few days ago. It appears like a significant change to the area. If someone can get pics it would be worth a drive over there to shoot the progress.

They had 3 of them up last Monday and the rest of them were up by Thursday night.. I can't wait to see the museum finished!

anybody get pictures of how this is coming along?

Not sure if this was posted but here's a week-ago article in the Edmond Sun:

1st column goes up on American Indian museum Local News The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1029325293/1st-column-goes-up-on-American-Indian-museum)

they're still saying 5 years to finish.

Here's the article (I paste it because often these links are later broken and it's one of the few articles that have these specifics):

March 16, 2010
1st column goes up on American Indian museum
Local architect’s Hall of People design begins assembly

Rachel Sheets
Special to The Sun

OKLA. CITY — The first of 10 steel columns at the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum’s Hall of the People was erected and set in place Monday morning.

The Hall of the People will be the most visible architectural feature on the 300-acre museum site southeast of the I-35/I-40 interchange. The facility will be used for meetings, events and galleries.

Edmond architects Hornbeek Blatt and California architects Johnson Fain have spent years designing the museum, which is meant to reflect the values of the American Indians. Hornbeek Blatt has been a part of the project since it began almost 14 years ago.

“This is one of those projects that comes along once in a lifetime,” principal Anthony Blatt said. “To be able to work on it is really an honor.”

The museum, which is being funded by the State of Oklahoma, reflects all Native American tribes that were forced to relocate from their homelands to Indian Territory in the 1830s, said David Hornbeek, principal of Hornbeek Blatt Architects.

Within the next few weeks, 10 columns, 10 arching trusses and one arching rainbow truss will be assembled on the site to form the Hall of People. The 10 columns and trusses represent the estimated 10 miles Native Americans traveled daily to Indian Territory during the forced removal.

After much research and talking with native communities, the architects included many symbolic designs to help tell the American Indian origin and legacy that is part of Oklahoma history.

Hornbeek is devoted and passionate about the museum, on which he has spent more time than any project yet.

“I’ve become radical about getting this story out, because there are things to be learned from the American Indians and our state history,” he said.

The Hall of People will be enclosed in glass representing a lens and a prism to clearly see the multiple differences among the tribes of Oklahoma.

“When you enter into it and look through the glass, we hope that you will refocus your thoughts on Native Americans and see things differently,” Hornbeek said.

The Hall of the People will also be a connector to galleries, an exhibit hall and a library.

Hornbeek Blatt estimates that the museum will be completed in five years.

“When it is completed, I believe it will be the single most important institution that will attract visitors to the state,” Hornbeek said.


http://www.edmondsun.com/archive/x1029325266/g00025800000000000021362066444fe51ca3912755a97e52f 845681f8c.jpg

http://www.edmondsun.com/archive/x1029325268/g00025800000000000038776b65b1d219d16bfc79a5090ad57 0e2338e5b.jpg

Here's a video also from early last week from News 9. They say 2014 completion on the video.

News9.com Videos - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/Global/category.asp?C=116601&clipId=4625652&autostart=true)

This is an older photo but shows the awesome skyline and river view from the center.

The large archway they are now erecting will bridge the gap in the main structure under construction:

http://www.aiccm.org/ResizeImage.aspx?h=338&w=393&img=%2fWebsites%2faiccm%2fPhotoGallery%2f659179%2f AICCM+Mound+n+Dwntwn+homepage.jpg

And here's a short video of them delivering and placing the steel columns:

L_HMA6xXvWw

I'm glad this thread has been brought back to life......and thanks to those of you who posted pics and updates. This will be an awesome addition to OKC when its completed. Theres a great video link on the AICCM website going into detail about the museum.

website: American Indian Cultural Center & Museum | Home (http://www.aiccm.org/)

video: OklaVision (http://www.oklavision.tv/#/home/VideoModule/25993)

Hey, Pete, it's too bad that the water in the Oklahoma River will never look as good as it does in that graphic there. The sky too.... :(

Where is the entrance to the center going to be, off of Eastern?