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NWA Design Excellence Program Program designed after similar program in Columbus, Indiana, that created a renowned center of architecture known worldwide.
By RICHARD MASSEY Correspondent
L ooking to replicate the splendid architectural land- scape that bloomed in Columbus, Indiana, the Walton Family Foundation (Bentonville, AR), has launched the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, which matches top architects with construction projects by pub- lic entities and nonprofits. Announced in July, the Walton program is modeled on the one sponsored by the Indiana-based Cummins Founda- tion , the global giving arm of engine manufacturer Cum- mins Inc. In Columbus, the program – which pays the de- sign fees for entities that otherwise could not afford them – has yielded more than 50 public buildings designed by renowned architects. The collection of art and buildings has attracted visitors from around the world and has en- gendered community pride in the town of 40,000. Karen Minkel, home region program director at the Wal- ton Family Foundation, says the opportunity is huge for Northwest Arkansas, currently one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, and an area that’s expected to grow for years to come. “The establishment of a design excellence program in Northwest Arkansas was driven by our strategic approach to preserve our region’s sense of place,” Minkel says. “Over the last 25 years, the population in Northwest Arkansas has more than doubled, creating opportunities and chal- lenges in planning and design. The Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program will encourage quality design of public spaces, while complementing the rich architec- tural history of our urban fabric.” Based on what has already happened in Columbus, North- west Arkansas has a lot in store. The first Cummins proj- ect, at the behest of former Cummins Chairman and CEO J. Irwin Miller, was sponsored in 1957 and produced the Lillian C. Schmitt Elementary School, designed by Harry Weese. The architecture program became a formal part of the Cummins Foundation in 1960 with a grant for North- side Middle School, also by Weese. Landmarks include Columbus City Hall by Edward Charles Bassett , Clifty Creek Elementary School by Rich- ard Meier & Associates, and Columbus East High School by Mitchell | Giurgola Architects. In addition to architec- ture, the foundation has also sponsored major works of public art. The result is a cityscape unlike any other. “The people of Columbus are definitely very proud of their community,” says Erin Hawkins, marketing director for
Columbus Indiana
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