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Many park projects under way

Yavapai Observation Station rehab

Yavapai Observation Station will close after Labor Day so construction crews can begin rehabilitating the building.

The station currently contains temporary exhibits about the fossil record at Grand Canyon and features wonderful views from large panoramic windows. A non-profit bookstore operated by Grand Canyon Association sells educational materials about the park and region.

Yavapai Observation Station was originally built in 1928 to help visitors observe and understand the geology of the Grand Canyon. It is one of the earliest park museums and is of national significance in National Park Service (NPS) architecture and interpretation.

The building, which measures about 3,000 square feet, is included on the NPS List of Classified Structures and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The building is considered eligible for listing as a National Historic Landmark.

In accordance with the Park's 1995 General Management Plan, Yavapai is being returned to a museum that will focus on geology, physiography and related themes.

Rehabilitation will come in two phases. The first will include a new roof, updated heating and cooling system, sprinklers and other safety features, as well as stabilization of the historic structure.

The construction phase is expected to be completed by early next June. Once phase one is completed the building will reopen for park visitors to once again enjoy the sweeping views.

The second phase of this project includes the installation of new interpretive exhibits. The new exhibits and small bookstore are scheduled to be installed in March 2007 in time for the busy summer season.

Once Yavapai closes, the area will be closed to buses, commercial vehicles and vehicles over 22 feet long. When Yavapai reopens next summer, these restrictions will remain in place. With the installation of new interpretive exhibits, the facility will no longer accommodate the large groups associated with commercial tours and buses.

Commercial buses are encouraged to park at Canyon View Information Plaza (CVIP) as the alternative to Yavapai Point. CVIP was constructed to accommodate large groups and offers two large restroom facilities, a Visitor Center staffed by park naturalists, a large bookstore, and is located a short distance from scenic Mather Point.

Market Plaza shuttle stop

A popular shuttle bus stop at Market Plaza is slated for improvements following the Labor Day weekend. Construction on the Market Plaza shuttle bus stops project will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and should be done by the first week in November.

Routes and schedules for the park's free shuttle service will not change during construction, but the existing shuttle stop will be temporarily relocated to an close-by area in the Market Plaza parking lot.

The project will create two distinct shuttle bus stops. The stop at the existing location beside Yavapai Lodge Gift Shop and Cafeteria will service only eastbound routes.

A second, new stop will be constructed across the street from Yavapai Lodge lobby, and will service only westbound routes. Informational route signage will be located at both stops.

The work involves construction of new canopied seating areas, concrete pedestrian staging areas, as well as concrete braking and loading pads for buses and provisions for storm water drainage. Improvements will be in compliance with current accessibility standards.

This project is being funded through the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. Authorized in 1996, the program allows participating federal agencies to retain a percentage of fee revenues collected to help address unmet needs for visitor services, repairs and maintenance, and resource management.

Preliminary design was provided by the National Park Service Denver Service Center, with parkwide consultation. A contract for final design and construction was awarded to At Your Service Companies (AYS) of Phoenix, AZ.

Approximately 1 million visitors annually ride the park's free shuttle bus system.

For information, contact Kate Hammond, DSC Project Manager, at 303-969-2949, or by e-mail at Kate_Hammond@nps.gov or Michael Leary, Grand Canyon Project Manager at 928-226-0160, or by e-mail at Michael_Leary@nps.gov

Other projects

Here is an update on other projects around the park:

Xanterra's Trailer Village upgrades project consists of upgrading electrical pedestals. The project is just beginning and is expected to run through November.

Desert View RV sites: DL Norton Co. has completed most of the infrastructure for three additional Xanterra RV sites. Preparation for the roadway will continue along with the relocation of the APS transformer and then paving scheduled in September.

Emergency Services project: The warning light system for the Center Road entrance has arrived and preparations for electrical conduit installation will be taking place soon. The building itself is substantially complete and occupied by the Emergency Services personnel.

Albright Training Center project: The HVAC and rough in electrical work for the Kowski building is ongoing. The apartment units will have electrical, plumbing, painting and interior trim work in progress. Site work for sidewalks and preparation for asphalt paving continues. The curbstone installation is complete.

Grand Canyon Association remodel and GCA Admin building roof rehab: GCA expects to complete the interior finish work by the end of September. The roof shingle demolition on the Admin building is expected to start next week if weather permits and the building scheduled to be re-roofed by mid-September.

Rim Walkway and Market Plaza projects: Warranty items will be addressed in late August and September. More information will be forthcoming.


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