State of Michigan, Mackinac State Historic Parks

TowerPinkster partnered with the State of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources to design a new nature center at the Arch Rock Plaza on Mackinac Island. The project aimed to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining a strong connection to the island’s natural beauty. At 2,000 square feet, the nature center was carefully designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, respecting the unique topography, natural light, vegetation, and views that Mackinac Island is known for.

During the design process, great attention was given to the orientation, scale, and materials used for the new nature center. The intention was to create a space that not only complemented its natural environment but also encouraged visitors to engage more deeply with the landscape around them. The layout was thoughtfully planned to foster a sense of connectivity to nature, ensuring that visitors could feel immersed in the outdoors while enjoying the comfort and amenities provided by the center.

One important feature of the new nature center was the inclusion of interior restrooms. These restrooms were designed with maximum durability in mind, offering a clean, crisp, and well-lit space for visitors. Natural light played a key role in the restroom design, providing a welcoming and refreshing respite from the outdoor elements while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment.

The design of the nature center also sought to have a positive impact on the environment. TowerPinkster incorporated Universal Design principles, ensuring that the space would be accessible and usable by all visitors, regardless of physical abilities. Additionally, environmentally responsible principles were prioritized throughout the design. The team adhered to the standards of the Living Building Challenge, an ambitious sustainability framework, and integrated the guidelines of the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. These initiatives were intended to minimize the environmental footprint of the project and promote sustainability.

In the end, the nature center was envisioned as more than just a functional facility—it was designed to be an integral part of the natural landscape on Mackinac Island, offering visitors a place to rest, explore, and deepen their connection with nature in a space that embraced both beauty and environmental responsibility.