So is it not opening until 2015 or just the complex won't be complete until 2015, that seems unclear. I would imagine they would want to open what they can in 2011 or 2012 and then open other aspects of the project as funding and deadlines are met.

The visitors center has been open for some time, my wife tells me.

Here are some recent aerials from AICCM's Facebook page:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs008.snc4/33763_439334199020_69018819020_5291665_1949028_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs732.snc4/65199_439660689020_69018819020_5299702_815212_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs256.snc4/40145_439660804020_69018819020_5299708_2086140_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs316.ash2/59665_439660824020_69018819020_5299709_1312968_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs374.ash2/65216_439660899020_69018819020_5299712_4457528_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs192.snc4/37919_439660944020_69018819020_5299715_2528783_n.j pg

Nice. I'm wondering, though, what Indian magic was done to make the Oklahoma River water blue. :bow:

The river always appears blue from a distance. Especially from such a great distance as those pictures which allows for greater refraction of light via the water to the eye and oila! Crystal blue water. It isn't until you're up close to the river that you see that it's not so blue.

I know it's not done yet but I am kind of underwhelmed with the whole thing.

Very Awesome shots. Thanks for sharing those

I know it's not done yet but I am kind of underwhelmed with the whole thing.
You might like a look through their website. Maybe you will like what you see there: general front page (http://www.aiccm.org/) and here's a descriptive video (http://www.aiccm.org/aiccm-overview-video)

Are they still making any progress on this project or have the funds run out yet?

Are they still making any progress on this project or have the funds run out yet?

still lots of work being done at the site and another building getting close to being finished

This is a really cool shot, I'm really looking forward to this opening

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs192.snc4/37919_439660944020_69018819020_5299715_2528783_n.j pg

yea, I think they resumed construction, I drive by it everyday, and noticed a couple new cranes...

That really is an awesome aerial pic! Very cool design!

At one time, rendering showed the the site being sculpted so that it interacts with the Oklahoma River. Like this:

http://www.aiccm.org/Websites/aiccm/Images/Renderings/sitelabeled.jpg

Is this still the plan?

Why is this taking so long to build? How many casinos have been built while this thing is under construction?

maybe if a casino is added to the plans it will be built faster

At one time, rendering showed the the site being sculpted so that it interacts with the Oklahoma River. Like this:

http://www.aiccm.org/Websites/aiccm/Images/Renderings/sitelabeled.jpg

Is this still the plan?

I sure hope so, I have not seen anything to indicate otherwise. As well done as this design is our river desperately needs some softening of the canal type lines that were struck by the army corps of engineers. That is not a slam on them rather a statement of how successful that project has now become, that we can now develop uses that were beyond anyones wildest imaginations. It would go a long way in making the river seem more like a river and less like infrastructure. I would consider it a tragedy if it did not happen.

This is a such an exciting, albeit a long-term project that will go far to help promoting OKC as well as giving American Indians a focal point for their culture in a position of high visibility. I do hope, particularly when looking at the original plan, that the Arts & Crafts Marketplace is completed as planned. As kitschy as it may sound, I think this will be very important to the long-term success of the center. Tourist are tourist afterall.

Does anyone know where the money for this thing is coming from? Everytime there is delay construction starts up again after federal funds are secured. Is the federal government building this for Indians or are Indians building this for Indians?

Found my answer:

Funds Raised to date: (Figures as of August 12, 2010)
State of Oklahoma $66.3M
Federal Government $14.5M
City of Oklahoma City $4.9M
Private, Tribal and Other Sources $4.2M
Total Funds Raised $89.9 Million (how the hell did that dirt mound cost $89.9 million when that land it sits on was free. Someone needs to call an auditor.)


I would really like to see a break down of that Private, Tribal and Other Sources catagory. In my opinion, the tribes better start kicking in a crap load of was is still needed.

http://www.ctrivervalley.com/images-pictures-photos-of/Aerial-Photos-Pictures-CT/Connecticut-Attractions/3200A-mohegan-sun-casino.jpg

http://www.mapseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/windowslivewriterseminolehardrock-13a47map32b6a3057e61.jpg

http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/photos/109227/pala-indian-casino-and-hotel-profile.jpg

http://www.bluecorncomics.com/pics/foxwoods.jpg

Does anyone know where the money for this thing is coming from? Everytime there is delay construction starts up again after federal funds are secured. Is the federal government building this for Indians or are Indians building this for Indians?

Found my answer:

Funds Raised to date: (Figures as of August 12, 2010)
State of Oklahoma $66.3M
Federal Government $14.5M
City of Oklahoma City $4.9M
Private, Tribal and Other Sources $4.2M
Total Funds Raised $89.9 Million (how the hell did that dirt mound cost $89.9 million when that land it sits on was free. Someone needs to call an auditor.)


I would really like to see a break down of that Private, Tribal and Other Sources catagory. In my opinion, the tribes better start kicking in a crap load of was is still needed.



There are 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma. I'd bet more are indifferent to this than support it. The genesis of this project didn't start with a majority group of native peoples deciding they needed a big conglomerate center. If one place covers the cultures of all of Oklahoma's Indians, why would tourists go to the outliers? The Comanche in Lawton, and the Cherokee in Tahlequah, and the Chickasaw (in their beautiful new facility) in Sulphur are a prominent trio that come to mind.

I think that tribes would be more happy to have you visit their centers, and you spend your own money in their gift shops and casinos. Perhaps the tribes with nothing to lose are supporting this vocally? *shrug*

At one time, rendering showed the the site being sculpted so that it interacts with the Oklahoma River.
Is this still the plan?

I'm not sure why it wouldn't be, they did spend quite a bit of time building up and sodding the proposed banks... Surely they wouldn't do all of that work for nothing.

There are 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma. I'd bet more are indifferent to this than support it. The genesis of this project didn't start with a majority group of native peoples deciding they needed a big conglomerate center. If one place covers the cultures of all of Oklahoma's Indians, why would tourists go to the outliers? The Comanche in Lawton, and the Cherokee in Tahlequah, and the Chickasaw (in their beautiful new facility) in Sulphur are a prominent trio that come to mind.

I think that tribes would be more happy to have you visit their centers, and you spend your own money in their gift shops and casinos. Perhaps the tribes with nothing to lose are supporting this vocally? *shrug*

That is what I think as well. This seems like a big waste of money to me. If the State wanted to create a tourist destination I can think of a lot better ways to spend $150 million.

Imagine this... 3000 years in the future... all that is left of OKC is this massive earthwork mound... seriously... that pile of dirt has the potential to last longer than just about anything built in OKC... that being the case... I hope it's cosmically aligned with SOMETHING! lol

construction was halted due to financing issues, but now construction has resumed, as I have seen several new cranes at the construction site this week, as this will be a national tourist attraction, I wouldn't be surpised if a hotel/restaurant/gas station pops up next to it, a nice hotel next to it would be a great view along the river...

if the funding stops and work stops at least okc has one of the largest man made sledding hills in the country

The strange thing about that huge mound is that it effectively blocks out the view of the skyline (and the river for that matter) from the museum and a good chunk of that property.

And it will also block the view of the structures from the river itself.

Imagine this... 3000 years in the future... all that is left of OKC is this massive earthwork mound... seriously... that pile of dirt has the potential to last longer than just about anything built in OKC... that being the case... I hope it's cosmically aligned with SOMETHING! lol

Wouldn't you like to see some future version of a show on the Discovery Channel trying to explain what life was like for the mound dwellers that lived around this site in circa 2000. They will probably surmise that the mound was built up as either an alter to the great sun god or so we could see enemies coming in the distance.

Wouldn't you like to see some future version of a show on the Discovery Channel trying to explain what life was like for the mound dwellers that lived around this site in circa 2000. They will probably surmise that the mound was built up as either an alter to the great sun god or so we could see enemies coming in the distance.

Yeah! Lol! Kinda Like "Motel of the Mysteries" A great short and humorous read that makes you think.

I can't wait until this is finished! I would love to see and experience everything there, especially since I'm Choctaw, Navajo, and Cherokee. I really try to learn from all three of my cultures.

Will this center portray Native Americans from across the nation? Or just those that have a presence in Oklahoma?

The strange thing about that huge mound is that it effectively blocks out the view of the skyline (and the river for that matter) from the museum and a good chunk of that property.

And it will also block the view of the structures from the river itself.

BUT...

Back before they put the gates up I went out there on a couple different Sundays and climbed to the top of the peak... the view from there is amazing! You not only get a good view of the skyline... it includes the OUHSC skyline... seriously... it's THE postcard view of OKC... and a nice reward for the trek to the top... I hope you can go at night!

I wonder if they'll even let people climb up there, though. I don't think that is the purpose, as it's all grass and steep.

The view of the skyline is fantastic without that mound... If anything it just blocks the natural view from most angles and especially from the museum which is angled directly toward downtown.

I know there are cultural reasons for the configuration but they are contrived at best. They went out of their way to construct something that greatly compromises the best feature of the property.

I know someone that works on this project for Flintco, the general contractor (joint-ventured with Manhattan). He said the timetable for construction is based on funding. While the museum should open in the next 2-3 years, the entire project may not be finished for another 10 years.

I wonder if they'll even let people climb up there, though. I don't think that is the purpose, as it's all grass and steep.

The view of the skyline is fantastic without that mound... If anything it just blocks the natural view from most angles and especially from the museum which is angled directly toward downtown.

I know there are cultural reasons for the configuration but they are contrived at best. They went out of their way to construct something that greatly compromises the best feature of the property.
It's call the Promontory Peak...you can walk to the top... on the peak as it spirals up.

From the website:

This great 80-foot-high ramping circle of earth spans 1,000 feet in diameter and offers a dramatic contemporary tribute to a sophisticated and ancient cultural legacy. More than half a mile long, the walk represents the often arduous journeys of triumph, as well as of tragedy, made by many Indian people over their long histories. The pinnacle point provides a perfect place for introspection about self, freedom, natural democracy and man's role in preserving nature's many forms of diversity (including the diversity of cultures.)

As I life long Okie, I will never understand why so many are so quick to turn something / anything that has such huge potental into something negitive. I, for one can't wait for this to open to he public, myself and my family will be there on opening day.

As I life long Okie, I will never understand why so many are so quick to turn something / anything that has such huge potental into something negitive. I, for one can't wait for this to open to he public, myself and my family will be there on opening day.

I'm just a little concerned that the federal, state, and local government has spent $84 million on something the people it was built for seem to be indifferent about (judging by their almost $0 amount of financial contribution to the project).

That's good news Platemaker!

Thanks for the info.

One thing about this area that needs to be done is...get rid of the sex shop right in front of Old Paris flea market. And probably clean up the truck stops on Eastern/Reno.

And there is a bit of truth to the statement that Tribes would rather have you visit their museum than come to this. I know the Kiowa would like for people to come to Anadarko to visit their Kiowa Indian City USA Cultural Center and spend a few dollars. But I do not think any tribes oppose this project.

I'm just a little concerned that the federal, state, and local government has spent $84 million on something the people it was built for seem to be indifferent about (judging by their almost $0 amount of financial contribution to the project).

That is like saying art museums are for the artists whose work hangs there. I don't think it is FOR native Americans, it is perhaps to educate and share with US who are not. We will benefit most from native Americans sharing their incredible heritage with us in an inspirational way.

That is like saying art museums are for the artists whose work hangs there. I don't think it is FOR native Americans, it is perhaps to educate and share with US who are not. We will benefit most from native Americans sharing their incredible heritage with us in an inspirational way.

So why don't the Indians foot a larger portion of the bill? Who is going to own this when it is done? The artist don't own the Oklahoma City Museum of Art or the National Cowboy Hall of fame. Is the government going to spend $140 million and then just hand the keys over to someone? Even the Thunder and Bass Pro pay rent and don't own the buildings.

[QUOTE=Kerry;396420] Who is going to own this when it is done? QUOTE]

http://www.aiccm.org/mission-vision--foundation-statements

[QUOTE=Kerry;396420] Who is going to own this when it is done? QUOTE]

http://www.aiccm.org/mission-vision--foundation-statements

Okay, so it is a state agency. That makes me feel a little better. I was afriad they were giving away all this money to some non-profit who didn't appear to be raising any money of their own.

It is the state as of now. Who knows who will own it once it is done, assuming it gets done given the financially strapped status of the state.
I do wonder about the level of commitment for the completion of this project.
We have very different leadership now and over time even the D's were willing to sell off the state lodges.

It is the state as of now. Who knows who will own it once it is done, assuming it gets done given the financially strapped status of the state.
I do wonder about the level of commitment for the completion of this project.
We have very different leadership now and over time even the D's were willing to sell off the state lodges.

Well I hope they finish it, otherwise they spent $85 million building a dirt mound (still would like to know where all that money went because they don't seem to have much to show for it).

They are pretty close to finishing construction of the cultural center & museum piece. There is lots more planned but the museum is the first big hurdle and it looks like that will be finished in the next year or two.

From that point, other things like Arts Marketplace, hotel, and parks and trails could follow in their own time.

It may never reach the full vision -- at least anytime soon -- but the museum itself is almost certain to be completed and is the most important part.

I do hope support will continue, even improve.

all great cities need a world class attraction, and this is OKC's.

Here are a couple of great new videos on the center:

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Thanks for posting those videos Pete. Interesting stuff...

They seem to be making progress there and I hope they can get the museum open in the near future. From that point, hopefully they will get even more support to finish everything else.

I will give them credit for doing everything thus far in a professional manner. Their website, videos and PR have all been very well executed. Seems like they have some sharp people in leadership positions.


Like they said in the intro of one of those videos, the American Indian aspect of our culture is completely unique to Oklahoma. We need to celebrate that more!

Like they said in the intro of one of those videos, the American Indian aspect of our culture is completely unique to Oklahoma. We need to celebrate that more!

Agreed. This is something we have that's unique. I got chills watching that first video.

All the money the tribes have to build multi-million dollar casinos everywhere, but they still can't come together to secure funding for their museum, I think this is sad:

http://newsok.com/20-years-later-leader-still-works-to-get-indian-museum-completed/article/3559581

they even have where you can make a donation via PayPal on their website now, this is getting really bad...

They have been playing a very dangerous game all along: keep building and going forward and hoping the funding will come from somewhere.

Seems they've been getting bits and pieces, just enough to keep some construction going most the time. At least now they have enough in place that it's an easier sell in terms of fundraising.

Still, four years is a long time and that sounds like the optimistic version of their timeline.

2015 is the date of completion for their full masterplan, which includes mid-rise hotel and conference center, retail, and green space. But the funding is only for museum, and they are about 50% done with the museum, IF they get funding this year, it shouldn't take that long to complete just the museum.

Masterplan:

http://www.aiccm.org/commercial-development

That is an old timeline. Here is what was said in the article today:


The Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1994 to oversee the project, wants to raise about $80 million through a combination of bonds and donations.

If the money becomes available this year — the Legislature would have to approve the sale of bonds — the cultural center and museum could open in 2015, said Anoatubby, the chairman of the authority.

“That completes the building and gets all the exhibits open and we’re open for business,” he said.

All the money the tribes have to build multi-million dollar casinos everywhere, but they still can't come together to secure funding for their museum, I think this is sad:

http://newsok.com/20-years-later-leader-still-works-to-get-indian-museum-completed/article/3559581

they even have where you can make a donation via PayPal on their website now, this is getting really bad...

I hope this gets built fully

From newsok.com:

Oklahoma Senate panel OKs $40M for Indian museum
Published: May 12, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Senate panel has approved a $40 million bond issue to help complete the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City, which several members say is a waste of taxpayer money.

A bill authorizing the Capitol Improvement Authority was approved in a Senate committee Thursday on a 14-6 vote.

The bill provides that three separate series of bond issues will not be authorized until the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority has in place matching funds from private donors and other sources.

Republican Sen. Dan Newberry of Tulsa complained the state already has spent close to $90 million on the project over the last decade and is paying close to $6 million annually in debt service for a “hole in the ground.”

http://newsok.com/feed/oklahoma-senate-panel-oks-40m-for-indian-museum/article/3567341?custom_click=pod_headline_news

This is great news, hopefully they can get the matching donations.

This museum will be the most sophisticated, world-class museum in the state. It is disheartening to see opposition to it, especially from some of the tribes themselves.

Newberry doesn't like it because it's not in Tulsa. Oh well.

+1.

Exposed!!!

The Senator needs to look at the pics of the site or drive by on his legislative lunch hour, it is hardly a "hole in the ground"