Case Study

Cradle of Forestry

Industry

Institutional, Parks

Project Location

Pisgah Forest, NC

Project Scope

15,464 SF Addition
6,539 SF Renovation

Cooper Construction served as the general contractor for the Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry in America, a National Historic Site managed by the U.S. Forest Service on the Pisgah Ranger District. This landmark project encompassed a full renovation of the existing 6,539 sq. ft. visitor center along with new construction totaling 15,464 sq. ft. of additions, including an exhibit hall and education center.

The site presented unique environmental and historic preservation challenges. Surface water runoff from construction and parking areas drained into three on-site bogs which are home to the swamp pink flower, a federally listed threatened and endangered plant species. Cooper Construction implemented rigorous erosion control measures throughout the project and proactively inspected all structures following major storm events to protect these irreplaceable natural resources.

The Forest Discovery Center also required close coordination with interpretive exhibit designers to ensure all future exhibit infrastructure was properly integrated during construction, including specialized audio/video wiring, custom plumbing, and dedicated electrical systems.