Aspen, CO, July 17, 2018 – The building previously named the Aspen Meadows Reception Center, which is located on the western side of the Aspen Meadows Campus, has reopened following major renovations. Among the additions and enhancements to the structure is a new glass enclosed event and dining space on the main floor named the Madeleine K. Albright Pavilion and the outdoor Bren and Mel Simon Terrace.
The building, which was originally constructed in 1958, has been renamed the Walter Isaacson Center in recognition of Walter Isaacson’s service as Institute president and CEO from 2003–2018. The project was spearheaded by Shaw Construction, Jeffrey Berkus Architects, and project manager Jim Curtis. The renovations add much-needed facilities and upgrades while staying consistent with designer Herbert Bayer’s vision and classic Bauhaus style.
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The center is operational now, and members of the public are welcome to visit the facility or enjoy a meal or drink at Limeslicers Bar, Hefner Lounge, or Plato’s Restaurant. Additional areas in the facility include the Davis Commons Restaurant, the Morris Lobby, Bass Castle Creek Deck, Moderators Bridge, and Tisch Terrace and Gardens.
“We are proud to be a part of the renovation of the Herbert Bayer designed Walter Isaacson Reception Center and addition of the new Madeleine K Albright Pavilion which bring a fresh energy and inspired indoor/outdoor gathering center to the Aspen Meadows Campus,” said project architect Jeffrey Berkus. “In the vein of the Bauhaus movement, the spaces resonate with a strong connection to the natural world while further supporting the Institute’s mission of finding common ground.”
“In recognition of the transformative leadership of Walter Isaacson, the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees has voted to rename the Aspen Meadows Reception Center as the Walter Isaacson Center,” James S. Crown, the Institute’s board chairman, had said in a statement made in August 2017 when plans for the center were announced. “This naming will be a reminder of Walter’s incredible accomplishments over the past 14 years. He leaves a legacy of values-based leadership and extraordinary growth in the eminence and impact of the Institute.”
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
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