Texas Tech University

College of Architecture
Fall 2000

ARCH 3501 Architecture Design III

PROJECT 2

Visitors' Center
for
Post, Texas

Project issue	Friday, September 22, 2000
Reviews	Wednesdays, September 27, October 4, 11, and 18
Final submittal	Wednesday, October 25, 2000
Project Emphasis	Site Planning Contextual Design
Background	Post, Texas, began in 1907 as a utopian dream of cereal magnate and millionaire C. W. Post. First named Post City, Post’s model town evolved from his experiences in building housing developments in Fort Worth and Battle Creek, Michigan, combined with his progressivism concerns. Initially financed by his money, Post City developed based on Post’s personal involvement in almost every planning and construction decision. From the location of the town (which changed after construction began due to his goal of having it named the county seat) to his selection of housing styles, materials, colors, and locations; to his decisions of which commercial buildings were to be built first; to his platting of farm sites and sizes; and, to his detailed directions for planting tree types, their locations, and their maintenance, Post resolved to create a town on the southern Llano Estacado that would be true to Jeffersonian agrarian ideals. Following Post’s unexpected death in 1914, the town changed its name from Post City to Post but continues to celebrate its founder with an annual festival recalling its roots. Cognizant of its heritage, Post has taken part in Texas’ Main Street program to restore C. W. Post’s vision. In addition, like many other rural towns, it attempts to take advantage of its heritage by attracting tourism with such festivals and with a monthly Trade Days. The Garza County Historical Museum with its exhibits concerning the town and region’s history has been established in the former Poston Sanitarium (also financed and built by Post). Although displaying copious material on the town’s founding, its somewhat remote location from Main Street in a residential area compromises its ability to attract visitors and to educate tourists.
Proposed Project	Tourism throughout the nation contributes billions of dollars to state and city coffers. Texas ranks second nationally in tourism revenue. Most cities within the state understand the necessity of a diversified economy with tourism ranking as one of the most lucrative possibilities to strengthen local economies. In particular, tourism based on significant historical events and sites is seen as a vital complement to the burgeoning tourism industry and municipal financial interests. Post, Texas, with its founding by a national historic figure such as C. W. Post, who embodied the national optimism of the Progressive era, enjoys a unique position to capitalize on its history for history-based tourism. In response to these realities and based on Post’s desire to attract, inform, and educate tourists, the proposed project is a Visitors’ Center for Post to be constructed on Main Street. It is envisioned that the Visitors’ Center will house an office for the Chamber of Commerce, an information area to disseminate literature regarding attractions and activities in and around Post, and a small museum as an adjunct to the Garza County Historical Museum to entice visitors to learn more of the town and region by visiting the larger collection. Spaces / facilities to be provided: Small meeting room to seat 12 for Chamber meetings (with audio/visual capabilities) Larger meeting room to seat 50 with small speaker platform (with audio/visual capabilities) One office for Chamber Manager Area for support staff (two desks in common area) Reception area with small exhibit space for museum and / or rotating exhibits (should include small seating area) Restrooms Small kitchen to serve meetings, etc Storage for tables, chairs, literature, exhibits, seasonal decorations, etc. Required parking for visitors and staff (parking ratio is one space for every 200 square feet of building area; since this site is located within the central business district, three parking spaces of the required number may be satisfied by the Main Street median parking area). Other considerations: The Visitors’ Center should respond appropriately to the visual and historical context of the immediate surroundings as well as the region. The Center—by its design—should create a perceived need in tourists as they travel through Post to stop and learn more of the town and region. Careful attention should be given to the improvements previously made in connection with the Main Street Project. In addition, this project should be seen as an opportunity to provide a visual guide and as an impetus for future development.
Proposed Site	The site for the Post Visitors’ Center is the northwest corner of the intersection of Broadway (U. S. Highway 84) and Main Street (see site plan). Currently an abandoned service station occupies the site. The site measures 80’ x 160.’ Building setbacks are 15’ fronting on both streets. There is no required side yard setback A 24’ setback is required at the back of the site (fronting on the alley). On the adjacent property to the west is a one-story masonry building (Post Auto Parts). It is set back 22’ from Main Street and extends northward to a point 24’ form the alley.
Presentation Requirements and Due Dates	The project due date for Project Two is Wednesday, October 25, 2000, at 4:00 pm. Interim due dates for design progress reviews shall be on the interim Wednesdays of September 27 and October 4, 11, and 18. Presentation requirements for Interim and Final presentations shall be determined by each studio instructor.
Project Site Plan