Visitor Experience Center

The National Park Service is seeking public input on the schematic design of a visitor experience center to be located at Overlook Park across from the Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, NJ. The project location is within the Passaic/Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.) National Historic Landmark District and Paterson Great Fall National Historical Park.

The visitor experience center is a joint project between Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson, the park's Friends Group. The proposed facility would be the first point of contact for the anticipated 300,000 plus visitors coming to the national park each year. It is planned as an approximately 10,000 square foot facility at the scenic falls overlook, connected to the existing footprint of the former 1915 steam generating plant. This new facility will consist primarily of open exhibit space with a visitor orientation area, a multipurpose room, gift shop, and other support space. Hosted teacher workshops, on-site school programs, social events and guest speakers will also reach additional individuals.

To see the simulations of the proposed building or to comment on how the building may affect the National Landmark District, in accordance with Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, please visit the Project Website. Comments will be collected until October 17.