Minot, N.D. - Ackerman-Estvold is excited to announce its involvement as the lead designer for the Lion & Meerkat Exhibit for the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD. Ackerman-Estvold has a long standing relationship with design in local zoo projects but this is the first zoo project to be designed and constructed outside of the state of North Dakota. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to share with the rest of the country the niche design specialty Ackerman-Estvold is well known for. Not many firms our size, or located in North Dakota, can say they are engaged as a consultant or designer in many large-scale animal exhibits, this is an exciting partnership,” said Ryan Anderson, AIA, Vice President.
This wonderful addition dramatically expands the African exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo. This design adds 27,000 square feet of exterior space with unique viewing areas for visitors and an additional 2,000 square feet of interior dayroom space. These indoor spaces help with training of the animals, in conducive to breeding and also adds another interactive space to see the animals in their habitat.
Jeremy Bickel, Lead Project designer has been involved with the project from the very beginning; including project design, liaison during construction, and is now in the construction management and project wrap up phases of this project. “In my career I have been fortunate to develop wonderful connections, these partnerships allowed me to work with Becky Dewitz, Chief Executive Officer for Great Plains Zoo, in her former role in Minot, ND. Working with Becky, I have gained a much deeper understanding of how animal safety and enrichment should impact the exhibit design and make for a much better visitor experience. I am really proud of the work our team has done for Great Plains Zoo,” said Jeremy Bickel, Assoc. AIA, Lead Project Designer.