Post by Jonel on Dec 5, 2002 18:55:21 GMT -5
Motown Center 'Calling Out Around the World' for Architects
Story Filed: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 10:58 AM EST
DETROIT, Dec 4, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- More than 50 architectural firms from around the world have been invited to participate in a competition to design the new Motown Center, Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, who is heading up the Motown Center project, announced today.
The Motown Center, a non-profit organization, will be located at the site of the former Motown Headquarters at the corner of Woodward Avenue and I-75. It will be a world class, high tech, interactive museum/attraction and is expected to occupy more than 100,000 square feet of space for exhibits, retail, dining and entertainment celebrating the music, history and significance of Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959.
Detroit's current monument to the success of Motown Records, the Motown Historical Museum, is located in the original home of Motown on West Grand Boulevard. It will remain at its current location where it will continue to give visitors an opportunity to experience the recording studios and facilities where the company gained international fame.
The architectural competition for the new Motown Center, according to Ms. Heidelberg-Yopp, was developed in keeping with one of Mr. Gordy's central principles that "competition breeds champions." "This gives us a way of hearing from a broad spectrum of the most outstanding minds in the field of architecture," she said in making the announcement.
Pointing out that participation of local architects is a criterion for selection, she said, "Though the ideas that this opportunity creates may be as close as Detroit or as far flung as the worldwide appeal of Motown music itself, we are committed to ensuring that minority-owned and local firms have an opportunity to participate."
The list of competitor firms was developed in conjunction with information provided by the National Organization of Minority Architects and the American Institute of Architects. The competition will begin with each of the firms submitting their qualifications to a review committee, which will invite as many as six to interview. Three to five firms will then be selected as finalists to develop preliminary design proposals. Design proposals are due in March.
"By early next year," Heidelberg-Yopp said, "we are looking forward to having the architectural firm we select busy creating the plans to turn this vision into a reality."
Berry Gordy and the Vivendi Universal Foundation have provided initial funding and a major campaign is being planned to seek additional funds from individuals, corporations, foundations and public sources to create a world- class Motown experience involving the Motown Center and the Motown Historical Museum.
Esther Gordy Edwards, founder and Chairman of the Motown Historical Museum, views the announcement as a significant step toward seeing a long time dream come true. "This dual Motown attraction," she said, "will allow visitors to experience both an authentic and inspirational journey into Motown's rich history at Motown Historical Museum, the place where it all began, as well as the added excitement and entertainment opportunities the Center's large space provides."
Ms. Heidelberg-Yopp said, "We have arrived at this significant point only because of the tireless efforts and dedication of Mrs. Edwards in keeping the Motown legacy alive, and we look forward to building on her vision and creating a world class attraction here in Detroit."
MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X68818743
SOURCE Motown Center
CONTACT: Bob Berg, +1-313-872-2202, for Motown Center
www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
KEYWORD: Michigan
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENT
MUS
LEI
CST
SUBJECT CODE: NPT
BLK
Copyright © 2002, PR Newswire, all rights reserved.
Story Filed: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 10:58 AM EST
DETROIT, Dec 4, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- More than 50 architectural firms from around the world have been invited to participate in a competition to design the new Motown Center, Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, who is heading up the Motown Center project, announced today.
The Motown Center, a non-profit organization, will be located at the site of the former Motown Headquarters at the corner of Woodward Avenue and I-75. It will be a world class, high tech, interactive museum/attraction and is expected to occupy more than 100,000 square feet of space for exhibits, retail, dining and entertainment celebrating the music, history and significance of Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959.
Detroit's current monument to the success of Motown Records, the Motown Historical Museum, is located in the original home of Motown on West Grand Boulevard. It will remain at its current location where it will continue to give visitors an opportunity to experience the recording studios and facilities where the company gained international fame.
The architectural competition for the new Motown Center, according to Ms. Heidelberg-Yopp, was developed in keeping with one of Mr. Gordy's central principles that "competition breeds champions." "This gives us a way of hearing from a broad spectrum of the most outstanding minds in the field of architecture," she said in making the announcement.
Pointing out that participation of local architects is a criterion for selection, she said, "Though the ideas that this opportunity creates may be as close as Detroit or as far flung as the worldwide appeal of Motown music itself, we are committed to ensuring that minority-owned and local firms have an opportunity to participate."
The list of competitor firms was developed in conjunction with information provided by the National Organization of Minority Architects and the American Institute of Architects. The competition will begin with each of the firms submitting their qualifications to a review committee, which will invite as many as six to interview. Three to five firms will then be selected as finalists to develop preliminary design proposals. Design proposals are due in March.
"By early next year," Heidelberg-Yopp said, "we are looking forward to having the architectural firm we select busy creating the plans to turn this vision into a reality."
Berry Gordy and the Vivendi Universal Foundation have provided initial funding and a major campaign is being planned to seek additional funds from individuals, corporations, foundations and public sources to create a world- class Motown experience involving the Motown Center and the Motown Historical Museum.
Esther Gordy Edwards, founder and Chairman of the Motown Historical Museum, views the announcement as a significant step toward seeing a long time dream come true. "This dual Motown attraction," she said, "will allow visitors to experience both an authentic and inspirational journey into Motown's rich history at Motown Historical Museum, the place where it all began, as well as the added excitement and entertainment opportunities the Center's large space provides."
Ms. Heidelberg-Yopp said, "We have arrived at this significant point only because of the tireless efforts and dedication of Mrs. Edwards in keeping the Motown legacy alive, and we look forward to building on her vision and creating a world class attraction here in Detroit."
MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X68818743
SOURCE Motown Center
CONTACT: Bob Berg, +1-313-872-2202, for Motown Center
www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
KEYWORD: Michigan
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENT
MUS
LEI
CST
SUBJECT CODE: NPT
BLK
Copyright © 2002, PR Newswire, all rights reserved.
