A Trip to Nowhere...Sort Of (Part 2)

As I was wrapping up my work assignment and had a bit of free time, an associate from Greensburg took me on a little walking tour of the immediate area around our "temporary office"...Greensburg was (and still is) known for being home to the world's largest hand-dug well. (For the story behind the well, go to: http://www.bigwell.org/bigwell.html)




Since then, they've become known for the tornado and rebuilding as America's first "green" town...Here are pics of what used to be a straight & true flagpole and the city park's merry-go-round after the tornado got through with them:



There are also partial walls standing on some buildings that weren't completely destroyed. I didn't take a photo of it but on the corner of one block there were 2 concrete stair cases facing each other...I was told that is all that was left of the very old Presbyterian church in town.



One of the first and most impressive achievements in going green was the construction and opening of the 5.4.7 Arts Center in Greensburg. As an arts center, it's purpose is to raise awareness of fine arts, both visual and performing, make the arts accessible to everyone and provide an environment to create and learn through classes, exhibits and performances. The exhibit going on while I was there were examples of works by a master quilter/textiler named Patricia Hobbs...just magnificent detail, creativity and originality on these pieces!





The building itself is a work of art...and a lesson in building green! It was built using reclaimed building materials from the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant, established in 1941 as the world’s largest powder and propellant plant, playing a historic role by providing munitions during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. There are over 1,000 retired ammunition buildings within the 9,000 acre site, and Studio 804 (designer/constructor of the building) is currently in the process of deconstructing a magazine building to salvage building materials. The effort to reclaim structurally sound lumber, as opposed to using new lumber, is only one of many ways that Studio 804 continues to promote sustainable practices in the design/build industry. The roof is covered with plants that are used to create energy and they also have their own mini-wind turbines.






So, it seems the middle of nowhere sure has a LOT going on!! It was definitely an interesting and educational trip...they're some resilient folks out there on the prairies!