According to Bill Kline, project manager with SmithGroup, another goal was to create a monument that would be a lasting symbol, so that soldiers could see that American people were supporting them. Exterior elements of the elliptical-shaped building feature Carnelian, Mesabi Black and Academy Black granite from Cold Spring Granite of Cold Spring, MN. “As a material, [granite] symbolizes strength and allowed us to paint a picture as a tribute, through the use of a subtle red, white and blue palette,” Kline explained.
Carnelian granite was selected as the main exterior building material at the owner’s request for a red building. “Mr. Arnold Fisher (Honorary Chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund) wanted it to be as red as possible, and in fact, we’ve used a discreet patriotic theme throughout the interior as well to remind soldiers of how proud the country is of them,” said Kline. “We actually went to visit Cold Spring’s quarry several times. We looked at a number of red granite materials, and Carnelian was the appropriate one because of its consistent depth of color.”