Visitors Centers

Projects—Cultural/Visitors

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn, ND—The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, ND was preparing for the upcoming Lewis & Clark Bicentennial celebration by expanding their current facility.

The center was doubled in size with an addition onto the east and west sides of the facility.

Lightowler Johnson Associates assisted the Center with their plans to add the Fort Clark wing on the east side of the Center. This addition encompasses a multi-purpose auditorium, the Fort Clark Gallery, along with museum storage in the basement. The basement has elevator access for ease of transfer of items to the exhibit areas and to the multi-purpose area. The gift shop has been expanded to allow for added displays and sales. Offices at the Center have been added on the west side with a beautiful view of the river. More gift shop storage has also be added.

The deck on the south side of the building has been revised and expanded to accommodate functions outdoors with a wonderful atmosphere.

Lightowler Johnson Associates has been involved in all phases of this project.

Fort Buford Barracks Reconstruction, Fort Buford, ND—Lightowler Johnson Associates assisted the North Dakota Historical Society in developing design and construction documents for the reconstruction of an enlisted officers barracks building.

The infantry barracks is to be used by the State Historical Society and a local group of re-enactors who portray the lives of frontier soldiers. It will be designed to reflect the construction techniques of the 1860s and 1870s, while blending in with the three period buildings at Fort Buford.

Interpretive Visitors Center, Cross Ranch State Park, Hensler, ND— The project involved the design and construction of a visitors' center for a newly designated State Park. The Interpretive Center was designed as the initial structure for the park located on the banks of the Missouri River.

Design concerns incorporated historic aspects of the region with contemporary design. The design team collaborated on a concept which formed the building into a Maltese cross to emulate the Cross Ranch brand.

The client's concerns included energy efficient design, low maintenance exterior and interior materials, and rigid budget requirements.

Visitor’s Center and Administration Building, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND—The Visitors Center, together with the adjacent administrative building serves as the main entry point to Theodore Roosevelt National Park located in western North Dakota. The facility provides the hub for interpretation and administrative activity for the Park.

The Visitor Center includes areas for displays, theater space, reception and information space and offices. The Administrative building contains both active and passive solar energy systems.

Rest Area Replacement, Larimore, ND—

The project involved the design and construction of a rest area that replaced a previously demolished rest area building. In addition to the building design, the project also included a new septic drain field system, upgraded site lighting, improved handicapped accessibility and new walks.

The building can operate self-sufficiently in event of a power outage thanks to a propane- powered generator. Public lighting, plumbing and hand drying controls are electronically operated for “hands-free” operation which reduces the spread of disease.

The client's concerns included energy efficient design, low maintenance exterior and interior materials, vandal resistance, attractive design along with rigid budget requirements.

a Heliostudio

700 Main Avenue ▪ Fargo, North Dakota 58103 ▪ 701.293.1350

919 7th St. S, Ste. 601 ▪ Bismarck, North Dakota 58504 ▪ 701.224.5006