By Patricia Husmann, Editor-Independence Bulletin-Journal
Construction continues at the Heartland Agribition Center — a new event center is scheduled to open in early April of 2007, and the completion of the interior of the “Barn” remains an on-going process, although several events have taken place.
With the progress comes the announcement of the hiring of a programs manager — Mike McGill, an Independence native, who began his duties on Monday, Sept. 25. “It has just been a couple of weeks,” he said, “but I am so excited to be here.”
McGill was an initial member of a committee formed to pursue a vision of a multi-structural “campus” with the purpose of detailing the past, present, and future of agriculture in Iowa. In his new position, Mike will accept all bookings for the event center, as well as the Agribition Center, which will be utilized until the completion of the center. “We are almost booked up through the summer of 2007,” Mike said. Bookings are coming in steadily for events such as conferences and wedding receptions. Different areas of the event center (or the entire center) can be rented. Mike explained by saying, “Renters can choose from three “rooms” — “Gardener,” “Planter,” “Harvester,” or the entire area, “Acreage.” Each of the rooms will seat 175, the Acreage seats up to 500, and prospective renters can choose from as many rooms as they may require for their event.
As requests for rental space are received, Mike sends each applicant a contract plus a detailed listing of local businesses — beauty shops, florists, photographers, motels, etc. “We have several bookings from out of the area,” Mike explained. “The listing helps those who are not familiar with Independence.”
“We have a commercial style catering kitchen,” Mike added. “A service road to the back of the kitchen will allow easy access of deliveries — caterers, supplies, etc., as the event enter nears completion.
A nearby building, the Machine Shed, is almost completed and will feature new and antique farm equipment.
Mike added, “Bruce (Neeley, executive director of Heartland Acres) will concentrate on the continuing construction, and my focus will be the many bookings for both the barn and the event center. I will also be involved with the development of the Interpretive Plan and the many displays and exhibits.”
Mike said, “Four years ago, it was just a vision.” A groundbreaking in 2005 was the beginning of fulfillment — months later, Amish workers “raised” the barn — framing in the barn structure. As work was completed, the Buchanan County ISU Extension moved its offices to the main floor of the Agribition Center in mid-August.
The Barn is an 18,500 square foot building (the event center will be around 22,500 square feet) with a “high point” of about 43 feet in the middle of the Barn’s center court. Crisscrossing the ceiling are what appear are wooden beams, similar to what would be found in a “real” barn. The wood on the upper floor, which will be left in mostly a natural state, will provide able room for displays and exhibits showcasing agriculture through the last 150 years, as well as dedicated area for the Buchanan County Historical Society. Insulated with Styrofoam, sandwiched wall and roof panels, the barn will use geothermal for low cost heating and cooling.
Back on the main floor, the extension office, and the offices of Bruce Neeley and Mike McGill are all in close proximity. A self-guided tour begins with a brief video in the 50-seat theater, which will explain the features and exhibits found at heartland Acres and will also provide information about area attractions. This floor will also become home to several working displays, including operating a combine and milking a cow (both simulations).
Artifacts from local contributors, The Historical Society and constructed replicas will combine with new equipment to give visitors an educational and entertaining experience. “Most of the exhibits are hands-on,” Mike said. “The exhibits will change periodically, as we work closely with the Buchanan County Historical Society. The main floor will also contain a gift shop and visitors will be able to see hatching chickens and a working cattle yard. Outside, cattle and pigs can be viewed in normal, farm surroundings, similar to areas on an authentic working farm. Visitors will see animals being fed, crop test plots, and a greenhouse (for growing “crops” all year long).
A unique ventilation system will allow students or other visitors to experience the “smell” of a barnyard. As quickly as the odor is “pumped in,” it can also be “pumped out” just as swiftly. “All providing a ‘real’ barnyard experience,” Mike said. He added that he would work closely with members of the Amish community regarding agricultural tours.”
Other featured attractions at Heartland Acres will include a classic car exhibit, an energy conservation center, life sciences area and the 1867 one-room schoolhouse from Rowley will also be moved here. For more information, visit their website at www.heartlandacresusa.com or call Mike McGill at 319-332-0123.
