The construction of a unique three-story Chinese pavilion and hand-carved marble bridge on the east bank of the Des Moines River has marked the beginning to a cultural landmark for the city of Des Moines.

The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, a $1.6 million structure expected to be completed in 2007, is the first phase of the Chinese Cultural Center of America’s Riverfront Project.

“The Gardens’ unique ethnic cultural presence will provide an important symbol of community diversity,” said Paul Shao, professor of architecture and president of the center. “It will also serve as a fitting representation of Iowa’s historic international outreach efforts.”

Shao said the gardens will help promote the center’s vision to “promote a closer cultural and trade relationship between America and China/Pacific Rim Asia” and are a lasting tribute to former Governor Robert Ray’s visionary and humanitarian leadership in saving thousands of East Asian refugees in the 1970s.

The construction of the pavilion, which was first prefabricated in China and then shipped to Des Moines, began in November and was completed in August. The gardens will be accented by pagodas, lanterns and sculptural rock formations and the Character Gardens, which will have six granite boulders in a circle, each carved with Chinese characters representing responsibility, citizenship, fairness, respect, caring and trustworthiness.

Shao said the Gardens is also Iowa’s first and high-profile landmark serving to acknowledge the significant cultural and economic contributions that Asian-Americans have made to the state.

“These gardens are a symbol of peace,” Shao said. “We hope they will help cultivate understanding, mutual respect and friendship among people of diverse cultural origins.”

Kenneth Quinn, former U.S. ambassador to Cambodia and current president of the World Food Prize Foundation, echoed Shao’s thoughts.

He said the gardens commemorate the way Iowa welcomed refugees during particularly life-threatening times.

“This is a garden that reaches all across East Asia in a significant and meaningful way,” Quinn said. “It is a way which our citizens and visitors can know about and understand the important history involved.”