We transformed a NYS Thruway rest area into a welcome center with comforts, amenities, and educational displays
While we overcame a number of challenges during the design of the Living History Rest Area at the Erie Canal’s Lock E-13, transforming it into the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center in four months was tough as well. It had to have a “wow” factor to draw in travelers through the entry to the Mohawk Valley. Today, a boat once used on the canal is the Center’s entry sign, while other artifacts such as anchors, buoys, and chains are placed around the site.
Inside, interactive kiosks, a detailed floor map, and an artifact wall highlight area attractions. A Taste New York store provides products and food, and a new covered terrace is perfect for eating and relaxing. Our design rounded out the site by adding a walking path with a series of educational signs, a motorcycle shelter, electric vehicle charging stations, play and comfort areas, and a reconfigured ADA-accessible plaza to include all visitors.
Expediting this work relied on the expertise of our in-house architects, landscape architects, MEP specialists, lighting designers, and structural and civil engineers. Coupled with our commitment to weekly coordination calls with stakeholders and designers, the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center now provides visitors with a healthy refuge in the Tri-State region.
At a Glance
- Offices
Matthew Conley, Associate
I love being able to develop creative solutions to clients’ problems, whether on smaller local jobs or larger state projects.
Robby Cosgriff, Senior Associate
I follow my passion to create spaces, environments and experience that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Jeff Grob, Senior Associate
Good design is good design is good design, and landscape architects can do more and bigger things than they were originally trained for.
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