Department of Tourism
For Immediate Release: March 30, 2001
Contact: Mary Stadick Smith, (605) 773-3301

LEWIS AND CLARK FACILITY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

The Lewis and Clark Information Center on I-90 near Chamberlain was a Merit Winner in the 2001 AON Build America Awards. Dubbed the construction industry’s "Oscars," the national competition recognizes excellence in building.

Sioux Falls Construction Company recently accepted the award in Nashville, Tenn., during a meeting of the Associated General Contractors of America. The project was chosen from 79 entries nationwide.

The Lewis and Clark Information Center is operated by the South Dakota Department of Transportation and staffed by the Department of Tourism during the peak season.

Criteria for selection included innovation in construction techniques or materials, excellence in project management, contribution to the community, and sensitivity to the environment and surroundings.

With extraordinary features such as a 30-foot glass wall overlooking the Missouri River and a 55-foot keelboat replica, the facility at Chamberlain captures the spirit of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Even the building’s exterior features 11-foot stainless steel panels that depict Lewis and Clark’s adventures in the state.

The facility is heated and cooled by an environmentally friendly geothermal closed-loop system.

Before winning at the national level, the facility took first place in the annual Build with the Best competition sponsored by the South Dakota Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. The project also was honored by the South Dakota Redi Mix Concrete Association.

The fan-shaped facility covers 6,570 square feet on its main level and 540 square feet on the observation area. It includes Lewis and Clark interpretive displays, an information center and restrooms. Outside the facility, travelers have access to picnic areas and pet exercise areas. The interpretive display and information center area open May 21. The rest area portion of the Information Center is open year-round.

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