NPS Photo Collection

1961 Dedication of the Eielson Visitor Center

HISTORY

From 1934 to 1950, the present Eielson site, at Mile 66 on the Park Road, was occupied by Camp Eielson tent camp, named after Carl Ben Eielson, a pioneer Alaskan aviator. In 1956, design for new interpretive center and rest stop was done as part of NPS Mission 66 program. In 1958, construction began for new center. Standard design was modified by engineer assigned to the project so that windows faced toward Mt. McKinley, and in 1960, the building opened to the public. In 1976, expansion doubled the size of the building with a restroom addition, wrap-around galleria; and walkway with covered outdoor viewing platform.
In 1995, the interior was rehabbed, with new exhibits and displays added.

NPS

Eielson Visitor Center 2003

REDESIGN

Planning the redesign of the Eielson Visitor Center began in 2002, when Park managers determined that the small 2,000 sq ft. building could no longer accommodate the growing number of visitors. September 20, 2004, was the last day of operation. The demolition of the Eielson Visitor Center occurred in early September, 2005. Building began in during the summer of 2006, and due to it’s remote
location, continued for the second season during the summer of 2007. The center opened to the public in June of 2008.

RIM Architecture

Rendition of new Eielson Visitor Center (PDF file 7.13 mb)

NEW VISITOR CENTER FEATURES

Eielson Visitor Center opened to the public in June, 2008. The new building is a model of environmentally sensitive construction and sustainable design with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, new exhibits combined with a viewing room, interior eating, and interpretive program space. 

The purpose of the new building is to provide - for up to 300 visitors at a time - a place for shelter and comfort; a place to get basic orientation information and to learn about the cultural and natural resources of the area; and a place to eat lunch and explore after a long bus ride. The building also provides refuge for backpackers by providing 24 hour access to bathrooms and shelter.

RIM Design

New Eielson Floor Plan (PDF 1.92 mb)

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES

As one of the leaders in sustainable design, the National Park Service (NPS) has made it a priority to make the new visitor center a model of sustainability. Utilizing the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) evaluation process throughout the design, the team has applied and evaluated various design options with green energy at the heart of these decisions. In October of 2008 the structure achieved a platinum level certification, the highest level achievable.

To view the rating click here.

A main goal for the project was to design a low-profile building that blends into the landscape. The steep slope enables the designers to partially bury the building, which visually screens the structure from the road. The design of the new visitor center calls for a green roof. To achieve this, tundra mats salvaged from the construction site were relocated to planters dispersed on the roof terrace to camouflage the roof deck, helping the building blend into the landscape. The green roof also assists in storm water run-off reduction and thermal energy conservation. Other high priority strategies used in the design of the visitor center include maximizing natural daylighting, selecting energy-efficient heating and venting systems, use of renewable energies, and thoughtful selection of materials including recycled and locally produced material.

In the past, the remote location has spurred the park to implement award-winning renewable energy strategies at the site, including the implementation of a hybrid generator system with photovoltaic panels and a battery bank. The Department of Energy's HOMER Analysis program was applied to the project to evaluate the best mix of renewable energy options and helped determine the optimal mix of renewable energies. With the information gained from the HOMER program the building design includes the following alternative renewable energy systems: expanding the solar photovoltaic panels and battery bank currently in use at the visitor center, installing a solar hot water heating system for the public restrooms, and constructing a small hydroelectric system in a nearby stream.

Denali National Park and Preserve is a National Park System Center for Environmental Innovation. The park has committed to showcase new technologies, motivate and educate the public and NPS employees about environmentally friendly practices, install systems and alter behaviors to reduce energy needs and adverse environmental impacts. The design effort for the replacement Eielson Visitor Center embraces that challenge and exemplifies these goals.

To download an in-depth flyer on sustainability at Eielson Visitor Center, click here.