The Peopling Of America® Center

Summary

Location: Ellis Island
Size: 160,000 square feet
Owner: The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation
Architect; Highland Architects

Phelps Construction Group was chosen by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. to work with them to complete the construction of The Peopling of America® Center at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The Peopling of America® Center will expand upon the Ellis Island years of immigration to include the entire panorama of the American experience. How we became Americans, how we made and are still making the journey here, how we created and continue to influence our communities, and how this nation looks forward to building for the future.

The first phase entailed the renovation of a portion of the museum and the necessary hazardous material, environmental cleanup and demolition work required for the completion of the new offices for the National Park Service in order to make room for the new museum. Working with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and the National Park Service, Phelps Construction Group performed the pre-construction, including the evaluation of the Historical impact of the project on Ellis Island, construction logistics, scheduling and budgeting for the project.

Phase I of the museum project was completed in October 2011, welcoming tourists to discover immigration from the Colonial Era, approximately 1550 until 1890, when Ellis Island originally opened. Interactive exhibits and presentations tell stories of the journey to America and efforts to build our nation. The Flag of Faces, an interactive photo montage, has also been unveiled featuring pictures of families, past and present, that share the experience of being a proud American citizen.

Ellis Island was closed in October 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. Due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy on Ellis Island, Phelps Construction became involved in the clean up and restoration of the MEP infrastructure to the Island, performing Logistic Planning, Scheduling and budgeting for both The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and the National Park Service. Phelps Construction Group has been instrumental in the efforts to restore Ellis Island and complete Phase II of the museum project.

For more information on the The Peopling of America® Center visit www.ellisisland.org. This project was completed in May of 2012.