The American Revolution Center News

Lower Providence Township Grants Preliminary Approval to The American Revolution Center(R) Land Development Plans

WAYNE, Pa., June 24 PRNewswire — The American Revolution Center took another step forward last night when the Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors granted preliminary approval to the Center's land development plan.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080624/NYTU109)

The preliminary approval enables the Center to refine its plans and studies in accordance with the land development ordinances. The Center is building the Nation's first museum dedicated to interpreting, honoring and celebrating the complete story of the American Revolution and its ongoing relevance.

Craig Dininny, Chairman of the Lower Providence Township Supervisors, said, "I am pleased that this land, which was at risk of becoming another residential development or even more intense municipal use, will instead be a resource for our children and grandchildren, teaching them about the history and heritage that we share as Americans."

The vote by the Supervisors followed unanimous votes earlier this year by the Township's Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board in favor of building the museum on 78 acres of privately-owned land in Lower Providence. The Center continues to receive strong support from key federal and state elected officials, regional business leaders and residents.

"Recent national studies illustrate the growing historical illiteracy we face in our country. Lower Providence Township has again demonstrated its commitment to enriching its community by finding a home for this much needed educational resource," said Thomas M. Daly, The American Revolution Center President and CEO.

The museum will showcase the Center's vast and distinguished collection of artifacts, manuscripts and objects from the period of the American Revolution. The museum and education center will provide visitors on all levels with an understanding of the historical importance of the surrounding area and serve as a trailhead to other American Revolution sites in the region. The highly respected and honored design team includes Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Balmori Associates, landscape architect and Ralph Appelbaum and Associates, distinguished for its work with the Clinton Library and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, is the exhibit design firm.

In addition to the design team, the Center established a Board of Scholars, which oversees the intellectual development of the exhibitions to ensure that the story of the American Revolution is told in an accurate manner.

The Center's land development plan illustrates an integrated ecosystem, with trees planted as part of the terraced parking areas and rain gardens gathering storm water. 75 percent of the Center's 78 acre site will be preserved as open space. As part of the environmentally sensitive and energy efficient plan, about 50% of the museum building will be built underground. A planned vegetated roof will reduce pollution and water runoff. The project will be LEED registered.

For more information, visit www.americanrevolutioncenter.org.

SOURCE The American Revolution Center

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