Chippewa Nature Center
One of the largest and most prominent private, non-profit facilities of its type in the United States, Chippewa Nature Center is situated on over 1,200 wooded, riverfront acres in Midland, Michigan.
TKWA was asked to assist Chippewa Nature Center in developing a facility renovation and expansion plan that accommodates additional childhood education capacity, as well as an expansion and reconfiguration of existing office space.
LOCATION
Midland, MI
SCALE
5,000 sf preschool + 53,000 sf visitor center
STATUS
Completed 2010
A nature preschool building was designed, featuring two classrooms, a parent-child reception area, and administrative offices. The existing 1960’s visitor center was upgraded with renovated classrooms and wildlife viewing areas. A new hands-on kids’ play area allows visitors to interact with natural science displays. The existing auditorium was reconfigured from fixed seating to a more flexible multi-purpose space for public events. Upgrades to mechanical systems were made to improve building energy efficiency.
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