Grundy County Welcome Center "The Mill"
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Location: Holland, Iowa
Construction completed: Phase 1: 2004 Phase 2: 2016 Photography by Howard Doughty and Andrew Bell |
The "Mill," aka Grundy County Welcome Center, was completed in two phases. The original project, initiated in 2003 with Steve Trost as the lead architect created a place to welcome visitors to Grundy County with food, fuel and other merchandise.
The second phase was completed in 2016, with Larry Kurtz as the lead architect. Playing on its location of "Holland," Iowa, the new windmill tower consisted of eight heavy wood laminated timbers to resemble the mills of the Netherlands, which served as its inspiration.
In addition, the building was further developed with a new gift shop, expanded upgraded bathrooms, trucking showers and privacy features for the women's restrooms. Fast, easy access from the highway make The Mill a pleasant stopping place for visitors and truckers.
The second phase was completed in 2016, with Larry Kurtz as the lead architect. Playing on its location of "Holland," Iowa, the new windmill tower consisted of eight heavy wood laminated timbers to resemble the mills of the Netherlands, which served as its inspiration.
In addition, the building was further developed with a new gift shop, expanded upgraded bathrooms, trucking showers and privacy features for the women's restrooms. Fast, easy access from the highway make The Mill a pleasant stopping place for visitors and truckers.
Most interesting and fun element of this project, as well as the Architect's favorite aspect:
The mills of European Holland served as inspiration to the owners. It displays the "playful" side of the citizens of Grundy County, as well as creating a distinctive and unique sight-seeing element to visitors.
The mills of European Holland served as inspiration to the owners. It displays the "playful" side of the citizens of Grundy County, as well as creating a distinctive and unique sight-seeing element to visitors.