PLACEMAKING

The overarching concept of this project was to enhance the visitors’ experience and to honor individuals that have served and are serving this country. The Memorial was originally designed and constructed 10 years ago and most people did not know that it existed.  The expansion enhanced the existing memorial with a cantilevered plaza over the existing lake, shade canopies, lighting, seating areas, and refurbishment of the landscape and irrigation. As the project developed, the design team worked with the City to refine the design and provide additional features to further enhance the project. These enhancements included additional plaza space, an entry feature that highlights the five military branches, a water feature below the cantilevered deck, wiring for a sound/audio system, and a flag wall to display the flags of the five military branches. Integrated into the Auxiliary Vietnam plaza is a restored Bell UH-1 helicopter, nicknamed Huey, which is displayed eighteen feet above the plaza.