Seattle — Out with the old Primate House, in with the new at Woodland Park Zoo...The Primate House, located in the southwest corner of the 92-acre zoo, will be demolished. The site will be used for a new interactive learning space for parents and children.

The 8,000-square-foot Primate House, which opened in 1911, was the first heated structure on zoo grounds and housed a variety of monkeys, birds and reptiles until its closure in 1995. The Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted to deny the nomination to designate the building as an historic landmark.

The Seattle-based contractor, Meridian Excavating & Wrecking, Inc., will use a hydraulic excavator to demolish the building. As part of the zoo’s solid commitment to sustainable construction waste management, a very large portion of the building materials such as concrete, clean wood and metals - at least 50% in weight - will be recycled or salvaged for re-use by a local store that sells used building materials. Dismantling the building, removing debris and grading the site will continue through next week.

“The demolition of the Primate House paves the way for the Family Science Learning Center, and continues our long commitment to top quality animal care and wonderful educational experiences,” said zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah B. Jensen. “The new Center, designed for our youngest visitors and their families, will offer an all-season, indoor place for kids to play and explore,” explained Jensen. Through up-close animal encounters, behind-the-scenes zookeeper presentations, and life-sized landscapes and props, “We hope to encourage zoo visitors of all ages and backgrounds to care deeply about animals and the natural world.”

Mithun, based in Seattle, has been selected as the designer of the facility. A national leader in sustainable design, Mithun will integrate sustainable strategies into the approximately 8,500-square-foot Center such as efficient and cost-effective energy, water and material use, and the creation of healthy indoor air. Groundbreaking for the facility is projected for late 2004 with the opening slated for 2006.

Seeds for the new Family Science Learning Center were planted in the zoo’s original 1976 Long-Range Plan (LRP), which revolutionized the world of zoos by moving animals out of barred cages into naturalistic exhibits. Today, Woodland Park is a top award-winning zoo and internationally renowned for its cutting-edge exhibits and quality animal care.