Frances Muna, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council administrative officer, said Phase I includes the development of a public parking lot.
It was in September 2009 when past and present NMI leaders unveiled the project during a ground breaking ceremony.
The project, also known as the Kios-ku, will be constructed across from the U.S. Post Office and the municipal council building.
It is part of the council’s revitalization and enhancement program, its advisor William S. Torres said.
Kios-ku, the Japanese term for roundhouse, is considered an icon of the political transformation of the Northern Marianas from a U.N. Trust Territory to a U.S. commonwealth.
Based on the plan, the entire courtyard perimeter, including the public parking area, will be planted with royal palm and fox tail trees interspersed with hibiscus flower.
Muna said Phase I is funded in whole or in part with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under its Community Development Block Grant, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The contractor is Resource Management Int’l Corp.
The $264,000 project will be built on a 2,333-square meter lot which will accommodate public parking, a visitor center, concession facilities, relaxation areas and a display of the local leaders’ names etched in granite.
The project is expected to help boost the tourism industry on Saipan.
