Seitz attends groundbreaking, presents resolution
Groundbreaking for Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center
Rep. Brian H. Seitz, R-Branson, recently attended the groundbreaking for the new construction project at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center. Work on the $6.7 million project is projected to take nearly two years and will result in an educational facility over two times larger than the existing building.
"This project is extremely important not just for the 156th District, but all of southwest Missouri and the entire state," Seitz said. "Hundreds of thousands of people visit the conservation center and fish hatchery every year, and this expansion will attract even more to come and take part in the educational offerings being presented. My family has been visiting the center for decades, and I even had the opportunity to take part in the spawning process last year. The benefit of this project will be felt for generations to come, and I'm excited to see the finished product."
According to a press release by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the conservation center building, which is part of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery complex, was built in the late 1970s and was intended to be an unstaffed facility designed for passive visitation. These plans did not envision Branson becoming one of the country's major tourist destinations, and the influx of visitors every year necessitated the current expansion.
Seitz presents resolution to Missouri Preservation Society award winners
Rep. Brian H. Seitz, R-Branson, and Sen. Karla Eslinger, R-Wasola, today presented resolutions to an architecture firm honored by the Missouri Preservation Society for work they completed in the 156th District.
The firm, N Form Architecture based in Springfield, MO, were recipients of the Preserve Missouri Award for their work on the Ashcroft Hall Renovation at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. Paden Chambers and Jordan Bowler accepted the award on behalf of N Form.
"The preservation of historic buildings and landmarks in Missouri should always be a priority," Seitz said. "The beauty of the campus at College of the Ozarks, and all of Missouri, is enhanced and protected for generations to come due to the hard work of N Form Architecture and all others who were honored here today."
The Preserve Missouri Award, presented at the Missouri Preservation Society's 43rd annual Honor Awards ceremony, recognizes outstanding efforts and projects around the state. Suggested categories include, but are not limited to: Commercial Revitalization, Institutional/Civic Building Restoration, Neighborhood Revitalization, Residential Rehabilitation, Historic Landscape Preservation, Rural Preservation and Preservationist-in-Action.
The awards ceremony, held at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, MO, recognizes people and projects that have advanced the field of Historic Preservation in Missouri. This year eleven recipients were recognized for their contributions, including individual building projects, long-term preservation initiatives, published works and lifetime achievements.
Founded in 1976 as the Missouri Heritage Trust, Missouri Preservation has evolved into a respected grassroots network of individuals, organizations and preservation commissions throughout Missouri. Missouri Preservation advocates for, educates about and assists in the preservation of architectural and historic landmarks that embody Missouri’s unique heritage and sense of place.