By Hannah Ellington, Staff Writer
Ever since July 15, 1960, the Wright Brothers Memorial Visitor Center has not had any significant changes, causing it to be in desperate need of ways to preserve and restore its architectural features. Finally, reconstruction is underway, which will include a building rehabilitation and an exhibit project that will continue until the summer of 2018.
The renewal of the visitor center will provide a way to upgrade the building’s mechanical and electrical systems to be up to date with modern technology and building codes. A separate exhibit project will take place after the rehabilitation project is finished to freshen up the exhibit space. After all is said and done, the project in its entirety will cost about $7.3 million.
“The rehabilitation of the Visitor Center will include a new roof, HVAC units, electrical, plumbing, flooring and restrooms,” said David Hallac, superintendent of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. “The rehab will also include many environmentally friendly upgrades like a geothermal injection well system and new energy-efficient windows.”
The renovation project started in November. So far, the majority of the work has been in the removal of structural items. This part of the project will be done by the end of this year, whereas the exhibit project, which is currently only in the design phase, will not be finished until summer of 2018.
However, don’t you worry — a temporary visitor center will be open to those who wish to enjoy the park and will be located just south of the permanent one. It will consist of an information desk where you can speak to a National Park Service Ranger, limited exhibit panels to learn more about the Wright brothers’ story, and a book store.
According to the National Park Service, due to the smaller size of the temporary facility, plan to spend your time while visiting the park primarily outdoors, so dress accordingly.
“There will continue to be an admission fee to Wright Brothers National Memorial during both the rehabilitation project and exhibit project. There is still plenty to see and do on the grounds of the park,” Hallac said, “including visits to the First Flight Boulder and flight line marking the location where the Wrights first flew, the 1903 bronze sculpture of the first flight featuring a life-sized model of the Wright Flyer, and the monument on top of Big Kill Devil Hill.”
Sophomore Hannah Ellington can be reached at ellingtonha1214@daretolearn.org.
