FLORENCE – They’ve been everywhere, it seems. Borrowed offices, a mobile home, at the base of the tower over at a local hotel. But now things are different. Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Office is firmly in their new digs down at McFarland Park. and things are coming up roses.
Monday was the big ribbon cutting. The event was a huge success.
Here’s what the media release had to say about the event:
“”The grand opening represents the completion of a long term goal by our board of directors, staff and elected officials,” said Debbie Wilson, Director of Florence/Lauderdale Tourism. “It also represents a new era in promoting Florence, Lauderdale County and our region as a tourism destination. We hope the Center will be a source of pride for our community and a source of inspiration for visitors in creating memorable experiences.”
Located in McFarland Park, the $2 million Center has impressive displays and exhibits designed by Method-1, a division of ExpoDisplays of Birmingham.. These exhibits feature the area’s tourism assets, including the music heritage, Wilson Dam, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum Home and other architecture, Native American artifacts, as well as tributes to famous faces like W.C. Handy, Helen Keller, Billy Reid and Natalie Chanin. Another highlight is a large aquarium with local fish and information on the abundant fishing that can be found on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes.
Tourism officials broke ground on the Center in early 2013. Architect Robert Whitten was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture for the 7,500-square-foot building. Both Whitten and the local contractor Parallax Building Systems utilized local vendors like Block USA, Monarch Tile and Centiva for all aspects of the design. Award-winning wood artist and furniture maker Robin Wade provided benches, lectern and tables made of local wood.
The offices for the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism staff are now located in the Center. Two Visitor Experience Specialists have been hired to assist travelers. The staff will train a corps of volunteers for the Center this summer. “
It was a big day for everybody involved. You could see the pride on their faces. Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Director, Debbie Wilson was smiling like a proud momma. Everybody who stopped by the new facility was super-impressed in the beauty of the architecture, the furnishings, and the interactive exhibits throughout the $1.8-million building.
The Quad-Cities Daily was on hand to record the day in EVENT PHOTOS. We present them here. If you like one, print it out and stick it on your bulletin board! Just remember, please… NO COMMERCIAL USES. Enjoy!
Photos by Sheri and Steve Wiggins
