Air Force Academy breaks ground on new visitor center
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (KRDO)-- On Monday morning, the Air Force Academy broke ground on the new visitor center and True North Commons Development.
"This is going to be a physical, multi-story front door, drawing people in and highlighting the country's premier institution for developing leaders of character," said Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, the Air Force Academy Superintendent.
Plans for the new visitor center have been ongoing since 2016. The Air Force Academy Visitor Center will be 32,000 square feet and include interactive information displays, a grand atrium, and a glimpse into what it's like to attend the academy.
"It will pay tribute to our history while symbolizing our drive to the future," said Clark.
The Air Force Academy is also hoping it can be used as a recruiting tool. Officials say applications were low for the class of 2026. This year's freshman class has 1,073 cadets in basic training. The Air Force Academy only received 8,500 applications, a number that is usually around 16,000.
"Help them open their eyes to the opportunities to serve and the genuine deep fulfillment that service provides," said Jerome Bruni with the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation.
The visitor center and True North Commons will sit on 57 acres of land. It will also include a 370-room hotel, conference center and office space, and a retail center. It's the fifth and final project in the City of Champions project.
"Over ensuing, for decades it will mean millions of visitors, thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars of economic activity for Olympic City USA," said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.
