Carson Museum Designs in Works
19-Jan-2009Carson Museum Designs in Works
By Tom Roeder The Gazette
Backers of a proposed military museum at Fort Carson hope to get an idea by next month of what the 25,000-square-foot structure could look like.
The Mountain Post Historical Center Board has raised nearly $500,000 for the museum, which would showcase Fort Carson’s history.
The group sat down Wednesday with the architects, contractors and designers who are to come up with concepts for the project, which could cost more than $8 million.
The group’s chairman, Lou Mellini, said showing people what the building would look like is key to raising the millions that will be needed for construction.
“We think once we have the right design, we are going to succeed,” Mellini said.
The idea for the museum gained momentum last year. Early fund-raising efforts have shown promise, sparked by a $100,000 pledge in cash and services from The Gazette.
Fort Carson’s historic treasures are in a small building on the post that draws about 7,000 visitors a year.
The new museum would be just outside Fort Carson’s main gate on Colorado Highway 115, allowing the public to come without passing through tight security.
Backers envision a museum with eye-catching architecture that would rival the famous chapel at the Air Force Academy.
They hope to open it in three years.
“Fort Carson needs a venue that reflects its 63-year history in our community,” said Terry Sullivan, who heads the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Sullivan and others see the museum as a potential tourist draw that could also serve as a centerpiece of military reunions.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0240 or troeder@gazette.com
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