2009 MERIT AWARD, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, ALASKA
The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center brings key visitor and native organizations together into one facility: The Alaska Public Lands Information Center, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Tanana Chiefs Conference Native Corporation with Doyon Ltd. Native Corporation. Each partner in this facility has a specific mission and serves specific constituents and all had a common need for more space. This unique blend of public, private, non-profit, and corporate partnering represents a wide spectrum of interests addressing Alaska's natural and cultural resources, as well as serve to enhance local and regional economic development.
All of the partners recognized the synergy of merging services in a common facility with tools to inspire visitors and residents to explore Fairbanks and Interior Alaska. Key spaces in this new facility are visitor information services, interpretive exhibits; Tanana Chiefs Cultural Center, including artisan workshops, offices and classrooms; gathering hall theatre and multipurpose space; administration offices and public services space.