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Member since 1984
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Pere Marquette
State Park Visitor's Center
Grafton, Illinois |
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The very popular 8,000 acre
Pere Marquette State Park is nestled on the bluffs of the Mississippi
River and attracts over 400,000 visitors each fall season. It is an area
that is rich in Native American history, river trade routes and the many
bald eagles that frequent the bluffs.
The Visitor's Center is adjacent to the main entrance and the stone and
timber, CCC-era lodge. Surrounded by mature woodlands, this is where
visitors can find information on the park's facilities, history, trail
systems and the natural environment. The building was sited in a
challenging spot, carefully located between a 100-year flood plain and
the rock bluffs behind the center. PGAV, Inc. designed the building to
fit this difficult site with materials that tie in well with the
adjacent lodge. |
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All landscape
material used was chosen to achieve a naturalistic, woodlands flora
while keeping maintenance to a minimum.
Many of the plant materials reflect the planting practices of the
Depression days. A large retaining wall at the rear of the building,
adjacent to the outdoor patio area, was softened with the use of Boston
Ivy. Various perennials were used to attract birds and provide a winter
food source for both birds and animals.
The Illinois Department of Engineering awarded this project its 2000
Project Award stating, "All involved in this project displayed the
utmost respect for the site…". The State of Illinois also awarded the
Visitor's Center with the Thomas H. Madigan Award for Special Merit for
Aesthetic Integration. |
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