The Story Behind the Construction of the $100 Million Discovery Park of America
Union City, TN (PRWEB) July 31, 2013 -- The $100 million Discovery Park of America (DPOA) museum encourages the public to “see beyond,” and that is exactly what Allen Searcy Builder-Contractor, Inc. (ASBC) had to do when the company signed on as the construction manager for the 50-acre educational complex in rural Union City, Tennessee.
With 70,000 square feet of exhibits, including a 120-foot observation tower, this was not a typical construction project for the Union City based construction company. ASBC has worked with architect Verner Johnson, Inc. and more than thirty subcontractors to make the vision of this world-class educational experience a reality.
“This is a one-of-a-kind museum,” said David Searcy, partner at ASBC. “We have truly enjoyed working on this project. It often required us to use our imagination and will inspire thousands of visitors to use theirs as well.”
The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation is Discovery Park’s principal benefactor. The Foundation chose ASBC which was founded in 1968 and specializes in institutional, educational, medical and religious facilities.
ASBC is in charge of coordinating construction across 29 buildings which comprise Discovery Park. Each required unique construction techniques to achieve the design objectives. On any given day, 100-150 people are working on the park site.
The main building, Discovery Center, has a distinct and futuristic design featuring white metal and glass with multiple roof levels with curving features. Discovery Center has ten exhibit galleries: children’s exploration, energy, enlightenment, military, Native Americans, natural history, regional history, science/space/technology and transportation.
“In every project we build, it is exciting to work with the owners to solve problems and create buildings that stand out,” said Marty Bell, project superintendent. “This is almost a once in a lifetime project because of the futuristic design elements combined with so many other styles and functions.”
One of the unique challenges for ASBC was creating structures that represent different time periods. The Settlement, located in the northwest part of Discovery Park, features buildings and landscapes representing a typical early 1800s small community. Mill Ridge depicts various types of commerce in the late 1880s with a gristmill, blacksmith shop and one-room schoolhouse. Freedom Square is modeled after a small town in the early 1900s and contains replicas of the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence and Liberty Bell. The depot is a replica of a train station from the 1880s.
Historic buildings, such as a 100-year-old chapel, had to be dismantled and transported to the park. Once in the park, the historic buildings were restored using authentic parts from the appropriate era. Lumber and parts from antique barns that were donated to DPOA were used to construct new historically accurate barns.
“Our crew, particularly our craftsmen really enjoyed restoring and recreating old buildings,” said Searcy.
The elaborate hardscapes that are a key feature of Discovery Park of America broadened the role of ASBC as the construction manager. Working in conjunction with landscape architects, ASBC built water feature, complete with gristmill and bridges, that north to south winding throughout the park. A hillside amphitheater for concerts and outdoor events was constructed among Japanese, European and American gardens.
The park is scheduled to open fall 2013. The park will showcase many historic, scientific and cultural exhibits, but it is also a showcase for the broad and creative capabilities of Allen Searcy Builder Contractor. To get the latest updates and view pictures of progress visit facebook.com/AllenSearcyBuilderContractor.
To lean more about Allen Searcy Builder-Contractor, Inc. visit http://www.allensearcy.com.
Summer Paris, Younger Associates, http://www.allensearcy.com, (731) 668-7367, [email protected]
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