January - March 2010
The structural steel for the Hall of the People began to arrive at the AICCM construction site on February 15, 2010. The first delivery included the tallest column at 90' in length, weighing 32,000 lbs. (See the VIDEO of the arrival of the steel.) On March 15, 2010, the tallest column was the first to be set in place. The Hall of the People is the central gathering space of the AICCM and is evocative of the traditional architectural structures in Native communities. (See the VIDEO of the first column being erected.)
April - June
June 2010 was a time of celebration for The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. Construction progress advanced toward completion the architectural spaces of the North and South Galleries, East Wing, Hall of the People and the East Entry, revealed through the exceptional skilled workmanship that has graced the project since construction began.
July - September
With the completion of the North and South Gallery and East Wing metal roofs and walls, The American Indian Center has literally "raised the roof". The Hall of People steel and painting reached 98% completion. The Central Plant equipment was installed, piped, and energized, providing the Visitor Center with permanent power, while Multi Purpose Theatre grade beams and structural steel were being fabricated.
East Gate Wall Completion, July
The East Gate entrance offers a contemplative walk through two dramatic inclining stone walls rising to 40’. The intricate Mesquabuck stone possesses several subtle and compelling attributes. The East Gate walls align precisely with the sunrise of the March (Vernal) and September (Autumnal) Equinoxes, with the sun rising directly in the center of the gate on these astronomically significant days.The Mesquabuck stone, characterized by its visible red and white strata, carries the name of the Potawatomi chief Mes’k wah-buk, whose name signifies the red color of the sky at sunrise and sunset. The stones are a tribute to those who were indigenous to the geographic region now known as Oklahoma while also honoring the ancestors who made the courageous journey from their tribal homelands from throughout North America to what was then known as “Indian Territory.” The varying sizes of the stones symbolize the unique characteristics of these individuals and their distinct cultural traditions, as well as the diverse intergenerational relationships among these tribal peoples.
October - December
Construction progressed at year marked 94% completion of the structural steel and 88% of the total building footprint was enclosed. Work continued on the 7,800 square feet Multi-Purpose Performance Facility. Pier installation was complete with the steel erection began before New Year's day.