The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is one of the top tourist attractions for the City of Colorado Springs and the gateway for 1 million Academy visitors each year. However, the current location of the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center behind the Academy’s security gates means it can be off limits in times of heightened security. As a result, countless guests have missed out on the Visitor Center experience.

Helping alleviate limited access and security concerns, TrueNorth Commons is a 58-acre mixed-use development designed to create a synergy between the new USAFA Visitor Center and Air Force Academy-related businesses, guests, and visitors. The development is composed of a four-star hotel and conference facilities, commercial office space, and in-line retail. TrueNorth Commons will meet the needs of Academy visitors, cadet family members, business travelers, and regional commuters. The TrueNorth Commons project was one of five distinct and extraordinary projects selected as City for Champions venues designed to attract visitors from across the country to Colorado Springs, bringing energy and economic vitality to the region.

The creation, design, and implementation of the USAFA Visitor Center will provide a year-round destination point for the Academy and the City of Colorado Springs. This new state-of-the-art Visitor Center and museum will be located outside the security gates of the Academy. By moving these facilities off campus, visitors can be assured of a complete USAFA Visitor Center experience.