homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Environment


Subscriber content preview

October 14, 2014

Petrified Forest buildings named national treasure

  • The 1965 complex designed by Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander was on track to be demolished in 1993, but lack of funding derailed the plan.
    • By FELICIA FONSECA
    Associated Press

    FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The buildings at Petrified Forest National Park are held up as an example of modern architecture with their flat roofs, low silhouettes and large windows that opened up to the vast expanse of rainbow-colored desert.

    Spanning dozens of acres, the structures provided everything the park staff and visitors would need: a gas station, restaurant, community building, maintenance shop, housing, even a two-room elementary school. The National Park Service entrusted the design to prominent architects Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander ahead of the agency's 50th birthday, and it's the only project of theirs still standing within the Park Service.


     
    . . .


    To read this story in full login or purchase a subscription.



    
    Email or user name:
    Password:
     
    Forgot password? Click here.