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Jesseda
03-25-2008, 12:31 PM
address=Oklahoma River, west of Eastern (http://goo.gl/maps/yxNtM)
status=under construction (currently stalled)
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aiccwiki1.jpg
Information & Latest News

Links
Website (http://www.theamericanindiancenter.org/)
Gallery

soonerfever
03-25-2008, 12:53 PM
They are currently working on the site. Seems like I read that they were getting oil, gas, or water lines moved so that construction could begin. There is some foundation work as well. Go to American Indian Cultural Center Website (http://www.aiccm.com) to view pictures and for more information.

FritterGirl
03-25-2008, 01:03 PM
It seems like I read about two months ago that there was a funding issue. Apparently, some Federal monies earmarked for the project were now on hold and they were uncertain whether they could be recouped.

Here's an update on where that stands in congress from NewsOK.com: article 3219493 (http://www.newsok.com/article/keyword/3219493/)

FritterGirl
03-26-2008, 10:14 AM
Here's another article (http://newsok.com/article/3220955/1206543996)about the upgrade. They are now asking for $45 million from the state.

I certainly applaud their efforts, and know the Center will be a great addition to our local museum culture, but wonder with all of those successful casinos popping up on just about every other available parcel of land, if they couldn't ask for some casino profits to help fund this. Seems like it would be a great project to take on.

metro
03-26-2008, 10:19 AM
There are several other threads on this topic. Work is progressing rapidly if you haven't been by lately, I encourage you to do so. There are some funding shortages as projected and previously mentioned.

Pete
03-26-2008, 10:21 AM
I am the most positive guy around but I've said from Day 1 that this project was way too ambiguous in every way: time lines, purpose, direction, and funding.

Seems like they should have only started the phases where the money was certain, rather than digging a massive hole then going to the state and asking to be given $50 million.

Unless something radical changes in the way this whole project has been handled, I don't see it ever approaching what has been promised.

bornhere
03-26-2008, 01:58 PM
This same thing happened with the Cowboy Hall of Fame, although it's been mostly forgotten now. The building stood empty and unfinished for about six years before enough money was raised to complete it. But eventually it was completed.

Doug Loudenback
03-26-2008, 03:18 PM
Personally, I am confident that this Center will come into place and will be one of Okc's crowning jewels. Yes, federal funding is presently an issue, but I'm confident that will be solved. If one drives by the area, it is evident that much "physical" progress has been and is being made.

metro
03-26-2008, 03:53 PM
Same here Doug, I think this will come through in the end. If not, we can always count on you pitching in from your retirement fund!

Doug Loudenback
03-26-2008, 04:38 PM
Same here Doug, I think this will come through in the end. If not, we can always count on you pitching in from your retirement fund!
As well as yourself!

Jesseda
03-27-2008, 06:23 AM
I thought and still think it is a great idea to put a indian cultural center on the oklahoma river, I just wish we would have funding for things that will educate us.

betts
03-27-2008, 06:33 AM
I'll pitch in some as well. Perhaps they need a "pennies for the cultural center" drive of some such thing. That might shame someone in the state or federal government to help out.

metro
04-11-2008, 11:52 AM
You asked for an update, here goes:

http://okc.gov/AgendaPub/cache/2/h1k25x553onkyofwfd0gqqv4/17541004112008125031209.PDF

Looks like Mayor Cornett is going to Washington D.C. to hear a Congressional hearing on the matter.

mmonroe
04-24-2008, 10:14 AM
http://vision2025.info/includes/pages/downloads/uploads/05/file.pdf

Look at this PDF file for the Vision2025 drive by Tulsa, and look at number 32.

metro
04-24-2008, 10:25 AM
mmonroe, I assume you mean drivel instead of drive?

mmonroe
04-24-2008, 10:50 AM
rim shot included.

sgt. pepper
04-24-2008, 12:20 PM
Look at this PDF file for the Vision2025 drive by Tulsa, and look at number 32. Couldn't find page 32, but i know Tulsa has a planned Indian Culture Center to on the board. The thing is, there's is on a board, and ours comming up out of the ground.

Saberman
04-24-2008, 12:45 PM
If you look at the bottom right side of map: Dated May 22, 2003

They were trying to get get the center as well, but went to OKC.

mmonroe
04-24-2008, 05:33 PM
Thanks for the info Saberman.

@sgt. pepper, I said, NUMBER, lol.

sgt. pepper
04-25-2008, 07:20 AM
@sgt. pepper, I said, NUMBER, lol.

ha ha..DOH!

BDP
07-18-2008, 12:35 PM
Bond issues moves museum closer to reality | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/bond-issues-moves-museum-closer-to-reality/article/3271939/?tm=1216401392)

ourulz2000
07-21-2008, 08:37 PM
Why aren't more people excited about this project. It's going to be awesome! :bow:

CrimsonOberon
07-21-2008, 09:22 PM
Why aren't more people excited about this project. It's going to be awesome! :bow:

I am very excited about this project. Still, there are so many projects going on in this city right now, that it is hard to decide which one to devote your enthusiasm toward.

How is that for a change? How long ago was it that one project would be something to get excited about, let alone a city-wide transformation of such magnitude that newspapers from Canada have written articles about it?

What a great time to be an OKC resident.

I will be there (AICC) on the first day it is open.

mburlison
07-21-2008, 09:55 PM
"......I just wish we would have funding for things that will educate us......"

You mean the lottery and remington park didn't save us? (note: sarcasm switch is 'on') ;)

BG918
07-22-2008, 07:50 AM
I know Flintco is the construction manager and site work is progressing. Anyone know a timeframe for the project?

metro
07-22-2008, 08:52 AM
Why aren't more people excited about this project. It's going to be awesome! :bow:

Who said people aren't? Most of us on here are. There are like 18 threads about this same topic so many more people have commented in those other threads. I'm very excited about this project and wish it was already completed. I believe late 2010 is expected completion date if funding is completed in a timely manner.

ourulz2000
07-22-2008, 08:55 AM
The visitors center is going to be complete in late September. Everything else on the 300 acres will all be finished by 2012.

ourulz2000
07-22-2008, 08:58 AM
to see pics of the Visitor's center, go here: Visitor Center (http://aiccm.com/p/10527/Default.aspx)

http://i35.tinypic.com/2qcdrw3.jpg

Pete
07-22-2008, 10:12 AM
Wow, that photo shows the scale of this project when you look at the cars as a reference point.

Really nice vistas of downtown, the Capitol, HSC and the river as well.

AFCM
07-22-2008, 10:32 AM
For the longest time, it seemed as though everything was stalled, until I looked more closely and noticed the red brick, which just happens to look like dirt. Needless to say, I was relieved to see some progress.

betts
07-22-2008, 10:51 AM
Thanks for that aerial shot. When you drive by, nothing looks different because you're only looking at the side of the hill. I'm really excited about this project. I think it's great we're honoring our Native American citizens with this site, and it's going to be a great tourist attraction as well.

ourulz2000
07-22-2008, 11:27 AM
Here's a couple renderings.

http://i37.tinypic.com/jg5hd4.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2exy829.jpg

Saberman
07-22-2008, 11:31 AM
This is going to be a real great place to visit. The thing I think will make this a great place is the fact that the tribes are so involved in the design. People are going to come from around the world to see this exhibit.

ourulz2000
07-22-2008, 11:41 AM
I hate to compare Chicago to OKC, because you can't. But what makes Chicago so great is all the museums that are in or near downtown. Having something like this near downtown OKC makes it even a more attractive place to have vacation!

HOT ROD
07-22-2008, 11:59 AM
Agreed, Chicago is a true world class city (one of maybe 4 in this country) and is one of the best in the world.

Yet I too agree that this will make OKC move up a knotch and quite a bit, as OKC become more Chicago like with these museums and quality developments.

CuatrodeMayo
07-22-2008, 12:23 PM
Agreed, Chicago is a true world class city (one of maybe 4 in this country) and is one of the best in the world.

Yet I too agree that this will make OKC move up a knotch and quite a bit, as OKC become more Chicago like with these museums and quality developments.


One more Chicago thing I would like OKC to have:

( Maybe the new central park)
http://www.greenroofs.com/projects/millenium/millenium1.gif

Anyways, I notice in the site plan that the river bank is softened considerably...here's to hoping that stil happens.

jbrown84
07-22-2008, 04:39 PM
Great news. This will be right up there with the Memorial as a top place for visitors.

Oh GAWD the Smell!
07-22-2008, 11:58 PM
What's the big bowl about?

Saberman
07-23-2008, 12:04 AM
they are going to use it for pow wow's and ceremonies, like a giant theater. Also going to have displays, Indian village, etc.

Oh GAWD the Smell!
07-23-2008, 12:08 AM
Concerts by the river would kick 37 kinds of ass.

But I doubt that's where this is headed.

Be cool though.

ourulz2000
07-23-2008, 07:23 AM
You're correct, it's going to be a very large amphitheater.

ourulz2000
07-23-2008, 07:27 AM
I encourage people to watch this video on the AICCM. It's a year old, but shows some wonderful renderings! OklaTravelNet (http://www.oklatravelnet.com/#/Video/16154)

Here's an overall pic of the site. This actually does not show the the AICCM conference center being built to the east.
http://i34.tinypic.com/1056qog.jpg

ourulz2000
07-23-2008, 07:34 AM
http://a870.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/82/l_70d04b33ebab1d3023197492c48bcd15.jpg

http://a260.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_e088016f9579127687801c62f89e45b3.jpg

Luke
07-23-2008, 09:14 AM
This is gonna be very very cool.

sgt. pepper
07-23-2008, 09:24 AM
don't you think the American would look good on this site? looking toward downtown.

AFCM
07-23-2008, 09:42 AM
don't you think the American would look good on this site? looking toward downtown.

I was thinking the same thing; I just didn't want to be ostracized for saying it. That would be cool.

CuatrodeMayo
07-23-2008, 09:47 AM
Or not.

sgt. pepper
07-23-2008, 10:35 AM
we would be stealing it from tulsa:)
it will never happen of course, not even in tulsa. do you think something like that would be to overpowering cuatrodw, or you just don't like the statue?

bombermwc
07-23-2008, 10:51 AM
Maybe a half-sized version of a native american...but not that crappy bird on the arm thing.

CuatrodeMayo
07-23-2008, 12:20 PM
I don't like the statue or the idea of having a giant person of anysort.

Interestingly enough, it's Tulsa location is smack in the middle of indian nations...and none of them are supporting it.

That should tell you something...even the indians think it is too gaudy =)

AFCM
07-23-2008, 12:23 PM
It can be done tastefully.

CuatrodeMayo
07-23-2008, 01:52 PM
I doubt it.

jbrown84
07-23-2008, 02:03 PM
don't you think the American would look good on this site? looking toward downtown.

No it just doesn't fit. The design of this museum is very reverent to their culture and the statue to me would stick out as not quite fitting in with the design.

metro
08-27-2008, 07:40 AM
Oklahoma leaders gather for landform dedication
By Pamela Grady - 8/26/2008
OKC Business

Oklahoma business leaders and tribal leaders gathered today at the Hall of the People to celebrate Oklahoma’s newest earthen architectural landform, the Central Promontory Mound located at the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum’s future site at Interstates 35 and 40, east of downtown Oklahoma City.

“It will become a center of cultural revival of native culture of this state and of this region,” Enoch Kelly Haney, principal chief of Seminole Nation of Oklahoma said. “It’s a place where we can show our culture and share our culture.”

Approximately, 42,000 truckloads of soil were used to build the 1.7-billion-lb.structural earth form. The circular earthwork feature measures 1,000 feet in diameter and ramps up to a 90-foot Promontory Peak that serves as a marker for the Summer Solstice sunset, therefore offering a view of the surrounding region.

The result is a culmination of efforts among Centennial Builders, Cardinal Engineering Inc., Sherwood Construction Col Inc. and Dr. Jim Laguros and Dr. Jerry Miller from the University of Oklahoma.

“This is another benchmark for us-the completion stage of the mound,” The Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “The next stage-something that everybody’s going to be able to see from the highway-is the steel and the shell of the building where people will say, ‘Yes, there is a building!’”


Anoatubby also said while a lot of activity has taken place on the site during the last couple of years, “it wasn’t something people could see: Everything (is) under the ground. This whole concept of the cultural center is something that’s significant to the tribes and to Oklahoma...it’s a story of success, a story of recovery of the many challenges that we’ve had. It’s not only good for the tribes, but for the other people in the state.”

http://www.okcbusiness.com/images/photos/AICCM-Mound-Dedication-08-2.jpg
Felix Gouge, sings "Duck Dance," while standing next to George Tiger who gave a prayer during a mound dedication at the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum construction site. Photo/Mark Hancock

Luke
08-27-2008, 07:48 AM
Glad to see this project moving along.

This will be a huge international draw.

betts
08-27-2008, 10:06 AM
Glad to see this project moving along.

This will be a huge international draw.

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.

dances with cameras
08-27-2008, 01:04 PM
It's cool that there's something finished that passersby can actually see. Watch yesterday's mound festivities here.

News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | The dirt on the new Indian Cultural Center (http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=8905049)

Luke
08-27-2008, 01:48 PM
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.

Funny... I drove by this morning and thought the same thing.

I'd hate for a big storm to create ditches all down the sides of it.

Dekoung
08-27-2008, 08:26 PM
The American is IMO a horrendously ugly conception that I hesitate to even call art. I lived in Tulsa before moving to Norman and I was fearful that it might actually get built.

Some Tulsa Native Americans were always trying to get people interested in a cultural center there but there was never any enthusiasm from money sources.

Have you all been to the Museum of the American Indian in DC? It is fabulous.

mecarr
08-27-2008, 10:14 PM
Have you all been to the Museum of the American Indian in DC? It is fabulous.

Seriously? That's my least favorite museum in DC. My wife and Mom thinks so as well. It's also one of the worst looking ones too.