Pine City, Minnesota
The new 10,500 sf interpretive building is located on a 62 acre historic site on Minnesota’s Snake River, the actual location of the North West Company’s post. A strong natural presence of light, wood, and organic materials extend from the site into and throughout the building, which was designed to be highly sustainable, with earth sheltering, passive solar capacity, and renewable and sustainably harvested materials used extensively. It features a great room, fireplace, retail space, and exhibits that explore how the fur trade shaped the region. The Center also helps direct and control the visitors to the site, where previously a large area was subjected to human traffic impact. Related amenities developed as part of the project include a picnic shelter, an improved trail network, and enhanced riverside landing.
