Voyageurs National Park Headquarters

International Falls, Minnesota

2011

22,500 sf

John Gerzina, Eric Rhame, Carlie A. Kemp

Project Status: Completed Project

Civic

Scope:

Architecture Interior Design LEED

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.

Energy-efficient windows, doors and mechanical systems also reduced the energy demands of the building.

Clearstory windows allow light to shine through the timber forms in the grand atrium.

Extensive site planning was completed to accomplish balancing between public use, park service use, and municipal service use.

Open office design allows to daylight to filter through to all work stations.

Exterior siding reflects the Voyageurs National Park’s mission in educating visitors on caring for the natural environment.

The building's east-west orientation and windows are strategically placed to enhance interior daylight and exterior views.

The maintenance facility houses heavy equipment, water vehicles and repair bays.

A former industrial site along the historic Rainy River was reclaimed for the project and provided the new gateway to the park within the outskirts of the city.

The artifact lab provides a space for archival work to support the small museum operation.

To preserve artifacts, the humidity controlled archival storage room allows for no infiltration of natural light.

The size, number, and placement of windows helped contribute to the LEED Silver Certification.

The tilt-up precast vehicle maintenance facility stores all motorized equipment to service the park.

Located off the archival space, the meeting/conference rooms incorporate automatic lights that dim on sunny days.

The headquarters houses park service offices, an interpretive center for guests, and archival space for artifacts.