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::: The EnterpriseAARRIS ArchitectsOur mission is to create architecture of design excellence on time and within budget. We aspire to invent architectural solutions, which uplift the spirit and contribute to the improvement of the human condition.http://www.aarris.comRodney LeonHaitian-American President and co-founder of AARRIS Architects, Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt, Masters of Architecture from Yale University, To Design National Historic Landmarkhttp://www.aarris.comThe African Burial Ground Senator Hillary Clinton on Friday introduced legislation to make the burial ground a National Historic Site. It would be managed by the National Park Service, working with a special advisory council of those dedicated to preserving African-American history.http://www.africanburialground.comNEW YORK, May 6 - U.S. Newswire - The U.S. General Services Administration, in partnership with the National Park Service, has announced New York architect Rodney Leon, an African American of Haitian decent, as the designer who will create the permanent memorial for the African Burial Ground site in New York's Wall Street area.
Now designated a New York Historic District and a National Landmark, the African Burial Ground -- which stretched for five city blocks during the 17th and 18th centuries -- is considered one of the most significant archeological finds in U.S. history and is the nation's earliest known African American cemetery dating back to the 17th century.
"The African Burial Ground represents a unique opportunity and responsibility for all of us to tell our story to the world and to specifically honor the memories of the ancestral Africans," said Leon of Brooklyn, N.Y., who is President and co-founder of AARRIS Architects PC, and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt and a Masters of Architecture from Yale University. "Our generation has been entrusted with this awesome responsibility and we're honored."
U.S. General Services Administrator Stephen Perry had said previously that the exterior memorial should befit the national and international significance of the African Burial Ground and provide a "deeply enriching experience" for this generation and all who follow. At the press conference in the 290 Broadway GSA building adjacent to the African Burial Ground, Perry added, "We would hope that never again will colonial practices be experienced here," he said during the announcement of the winner. "We will never forget the people who lived and died here."
"The National Park Service has been privileged to assist GSA with the selection of a memorial design for the African Burial Ground," said Maria Burks of the National Park Service. "Clearly, Rodney Leon's work will prove a fitting and lasting testament to the legacy of the Africans and African Americans who helped build New York City and this nation."
"This beautiful memorial is of national and international significance for those of us who are African Americans as well as other people of African descent worldwide," said Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York's 15th Congressional District. "It will stand as a permanent symbol of our caring and concern that our ancestors buried here receive their just recognition and respect."
Leon was one of five designers selected from 61 applicants to an initial call for proposals in 1998. The winning design -- a three dimensional granite piece -- has several components including an Ancestral Chamber that will rise 24 feet above street level and a Spiral Processional Ramp that descends six feet below street level to bring visitors "physically, psychologically and spiritually closer to the ancestors."
Exodus Online, http://www.exodusnews.com/HISTORY/History025.htm

::: The OwnersNicole Hollant-Denis, Rodney Leon

::: Contact InformationAARRIS Architects116 John StreetSuite 1220New York, NY 10038
Internet: http://www.aarris.comEmail: info@aarris.comPhone: (212) 430-3802, 571-927, 571-9026Fax: (212) 430-3803

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