Community assistance requested Community assistance requested Community help is needed as we near the end of this long struggle and as the Alyeska Roundhouse renovation and museum nears completion. We still need historical artifacts, funds and volunteer time. Although the Grand Opening of the Roundhouse Museum and Interpretive Center is being planned for the end of November 2007, we are in need of contributions of artifacts (mining, skiing-especially ski clothing, ski patrol), contributions of money, and volunteers.
Literally and figuratively brought back from the precipice, the Roundhouse is now in the final stages of its gargantuan renovation project. This renovation began in 2003 shortly after it was placed on the National Historic Register. Prior to its historic designation it was destined to be demolished – a not-so-romantic end for a building that played a major role in bringing a viable skiing resort to Alaska and in developing the economy of the Girdwood Valley – not to mention the rich entanglements of old that we hear whispers of when going about town. We’ve all seen it – you know, the knowing looks and smiles, the twinkling eyes, half-told stories and … this could go on forever… but to get on with the story of the Roundhouse restoration.
Half a century ago, eleven Girdwood residents passed the hat and raised enough money to purchase what became the land base for a major ski area. Through initiative and perseverance, the eleven formed the Alyeska Ski Corporation and developed a ski area that was small in assets but big in promise. They did it because they understood that the Valley’s future lay in its snow-covered, exciting slopes. They found a French baron who shared their dream. Francois de Gunzburg installed a poma lift, built ski trails and a day lodge, and built Chair 1, a 5,700-foot double chair lift that rose 2,000 vertical feet. The building at the upper terminus of the chair lift became known as the Roundhouse.
The Roundhouse symbolizes the importance of outdoor recreation to this Valley’s legacy, much like Crow Creek Mine serves as an icon of the Valley’s golden past. Built in 1960, the Roundhouse sits on an exposed ridge, 2,280 feet above sea level. The distinctive octagonal building first served as a warming hut and later as a popular mountain gathering place, complete with restaurant and lounge. Alyeska’s ski patrol used the lower level as its headquarters. In summer, the Roundhouse turned into a visitor center for people to enjoy the alpine environment and the panoramic view that encompasses two mountain ranges, seven glaciers and scenic Turnagain Arm.
However, over a period of time, age took its toll and public use all but ended when the tram opened in 1992. Through the tireless efforts of Chris Von Imhof, the building was placed on the National Historic Register in 2003 in recognition of its significance to the development of skiing and other outdoor activities in Alaska.
In part, Girdwood, Inc. (a qualified non-profit) was formed in 2004 to further facilitate the restoration of the Roundhouse, which began in 2003 with seed money from the Turnagain Arm Kenai National Heritage Corridor Communities Association. Since then, Girdwood, Inc. has raised over $1.7 million for the project through a combination of public and private money, including the Rasmuson and Atwood Foundations, the National Park Service, HUD, the Eddie Gendzwill estate and many of our local residents and businesses. Alyeska Resort generously underwrote large parts of this project with extensive on-mountain support and technical expertise. More recently, John Byrne, new owner of Alyeska Resort, also made a very generous contribution to the Roundhouse from his personal funds. The Resort will add a small surcharge to tram fees to help fund the Roundhouse’s operating costs.
The interior and exterior construction phase is mostly complete with installation of the museum and interpretive center exhibits to begin later this month. When finished, the upper level will be the interpretive center and museum with the lower level being the new digs and hangout for the ski patrol beginning this ski season.
How can you help? Girdwood, Inc. has the necessary funds to finish the Roundhouse’s physical restoration in the fall of 2007 but needs to raise additional money to complete the interpretative displays and hire an executive director. We also seek artifacts for the permanent display and revolving exhibits, along with volunteers to help staff the museum once it opens this winter or early 2008.
This museum and interpretive center is for the benefit of our community, guests from around the world and each of you. Community participation is essential for finding and gathering the many historical artifacts necessary to make this an attraction that we can all take pride in, while accurately and intriguingly telling the story of Girdwood and the Turnagain Arm..
As stated above, we are in need of your contribution of artifacts (mining, skiing-especially ski clothing, ski patrol) that may be stored away in your closets or other areas, contributions of money, and your volunteer time. Our web site at www.RoundhouseAtAlyeska.org has contact information for donations of time and artifacts and how each of you can help. It also has the latest information on the Roundhouse Museum and Interpretive Center and plans for the grand opening – or you may call Ron Burson at 783-3893.
Please come visit and help. Remember, it’s your museum, your interpretive center, and your history.
Girdwood, Inc. Board of Directors members are: Jim Barnett, Ron Burson, Larry Cash, Kerry Dorius, Rosey Fletcher, Lana Johnson, Diana Livingston, Kate Sandberg and Chris Von Imhof.