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Meet Your Neighbor: Terry Winnick
By Callie Thomas
“A great architect is not made by way of a brain nearly so much as he is made by way of a cultivated, enriched heart.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
Back in the late 80s Universal Studios Theme Park executives had determined that it wasn’t enough to just watch the great film Back to the Future–people wanted more. And so a team of architects and designers from MCA Recreation Services, including 89074 resident Terry Winnick as producer, came up with a plan. They found a way to put you in the movie, let you travel through time with Doc Brown, shake you around, then let you return safely to your day at the studio. Thus “Ride the Movies” became an icon in the attractions arena.
Terry had been a Project Manager/Owner’s Rep for major projects for MCA Recreation Services for more than 18 years and later served as Senior Vice President. He was responsible for the design and development at Universal Studios’ Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida theme parks, where he oversaw the design and construction of other larger than life attractions, including Jaws. Winnick’s efforts earned him the position of Executive VP and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood.
He has since furthered his career developing, designing and supervising the construction of projects in the areas of entertainment, resort, specialty/retail, restaurant, golf courses and theme parks worldwide. He has also served as General Manager for the world-famous San Diego Zoological Society. “I have had a very unique architectural design career,” Winnick said. His resume boasts planning and designing more than 30,000 hotel rooms and 15 major casino properties in 7 states for Circus Circus Enterprises and Grand Casinos. Taking full advantage of the skill set he’s developed over the years, he’s currently making dreams come true for those in the community in another way–by lending his expertise to the Foundation for Positively Kids, a charitable organization that’s close to his heart.
“The Las Vegas based nonprofit provides important services for medically fragile children in our community,” he said. “This includes early intervention services, skilled nursing services, respite care, sibling care and more. I am assisting them with the design of a new 148 bed pediatric skilled nursing facility which will be breaking ground this December.”
Each year 15% of the 35,000 babies born in Clark County will have a long-term chronic illness. An additional 5,000 children are diagnosed each month due to injury or illness. Currently these children are often sent out of state for long-term care. Foundation for Positively Kid’s CEO Fred Schultz is grateful for Terry’s help with the project. “For the first time families will be able to get long-term care for their children right here in Clark County without having to travel out of state,” Fred said.
The 110,000 square foot fully sustainable “medical home” will offer a multi-disciplinary clinic with pediatric skilled nursing, medical daycare, long and short term respite care, a healing room and a family information center. But that’s not all. It will become a first of its kind in Nevada, where the word “home” won’t be taken loosely. “The rooms will be furnished and decorated like their rooms would be in a normal residence,” he said. “They will be colorful, fun and filled with personal items. There will be televisions, computer desks, book cases, carpet and soft furniture for visiting family members as well as other favorite things that will give the children comfort and encouragement.” The medical home will include family areas complete with kitchens so that parents can cook dinner for their child and “living rooms” where families can talk and play together. The design also incorporates showers, a dressing area and accommodations for parents that need to stay for long periods.
Out of all of Terry Winnick’s accomplishments, he feels giving back to the community has made him most successful. “These kids deserve and need all the assistance we can give them. It is a pleasure to volunteer and make a dream come true for them.”
