Auburn University students are playing a big part in Wetumpka's future. An Impact Crater and Science Center will be built and students are helping design it.
Ryan Zimmerman's 3-D model was chosen as a concept design for the project in Wetumpka. Visitors will be able to view where a meteor hit 85 million years ago. Right now, the crater sight is not easily accessible and covered with trees. The Elmore County Economic Development Authority partnered with Auburn University Architect students and held a contest to see who could build the best concept. Zimmerman calls it a big honor that the center could be built from his own design. "It's been a great project where I can really see some of my ideas come to life, every architect really strives for everything you lay out on paper come to life" said Zimmerman.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis says it will take a few years to secure the funding, the center is expected to cost about 15 million dollars. Mayor Willis also says the project will likley have to be built in several different phases.