Dillingham Cultural Heritage Community Center

Project Date: 2001 - present
Project Manager: Chris Beck
Clients: Choggiung Village Corporation, Curyung Tribe, City of Dillingham
Locations: Dillingham

Creating tourism that preserves and enhances local culture is a central goal of the Bristol Bay Visitors Council (BBVC). Ultimately, the BBVC intends to create cultural and visitor's centers in hub communities throughout the region. The Cultural Heritage Community Center in Dillingham is intended to serve as a resource for visitors and residents, acting as a cultural and natural history museum as well as a gathering place. In addition, the center will create jobs for local residents during its construction and operation, both directly and indirectly by bringing visitors into the community to support local businesses.

Chris Beck has been instrumental throughout the planning of the center. His work has included:

• Creating momentum for the project from the beginning. With funding from the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Beck coordinated many different groups including community members, tribal organizations and city and business leaders.
• Producing a comprehensive Business Plan and Feasibility Assessment that included pro forma financial projections, architectural renderings and a funding strategy.
• Obtaining funding for further work on the project, including grants from the Economic Development Administration and the Alaska Conservation Foundation.
• Combining efforts with the Dillingham Youth Coalition to reprogram the planned facility as a combination Community Cultural Center and Youth Center.

Dillingham Site Options