An expiring lease coupled with inadequate space led the Voyageur National Park Service Headquarters to find a new site and building to house their operation.

Together, the City of International Falls, the National Park Service and DSGW developed plans for the site and facility that serves as the visitor center, administrative and maintenance headquarters for the entire Voyageurs National Park that offer flexibility that adhere to GSA requirements. Located on the Rainy River and U.S/Canadian Border, visitors of the park also have access to the James Oberstar Riverfront Complex, Irvin A. Anderson Amphitheatre and park marina.

The 22,500 sf headquarter’s design is based on sustainable principles to achieve LEED Silver certification. Built on a former paper company site, wooded areas were preserved and trees from the site were incorporated into the timber structure. The building is positioned on the site in an east-west orientation and windows are strategically placed to enhance interior daylight illumination and exterior views. High-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems were chosen for optimal building performance.