Case Study

Gorges State Park Visitors' Center

Industry

Institutional, Parks

Project Location

Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

Project Scope

7,100 SF Visitor Center
5,141 SF Maintenance facility

The Gorges State Park Visitor Center is a 7,100-square-foot stone and timber structure nestled high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Transylvania County.

The structure is home to an exhibit hall with hands-on exhibits for children, including a manmade waterfall, a 75-person teaching auditorium, a 40-person classroom, administrative offices, and large covered wrap-around decks that boast stunning views of the Western North Carolina mountains.

Features such as active and passive solar energy systems, geothermal energy systems, rainwater collection, water-saving fixtures, and natural landscaping contribute to the center's LEED Gold certification.

The scope also included construction of a 5,141 SF Maintenance facility, a 3,022 SF Picnic Shelter, and a 640 SF Toilet Building.