LC Nature Park, located in Roanoke, Indiana, has been awarded the 2022 BCA Excellence in Construction Award for the $1 million to $5 million category! Designed by MartinRiley and constructed by Hagerman, LC Nature Park is a complete reconstruction of a 160 year old bank barn. Congratulations to the project team! A portion of the narrative from the award submission is below.
The 5,000 square foot barn was lifted off of its original foundations. New footings were poured, walls constructed, and slab poured under the existing barn, then it was lowered down into place. Insulation panels were installed. New siding was added on the exterior, along with large storefront windows, roll-up glass garage doors, an accordion-style door, and a wraparound deck with custom cedar/metal hand-railing. The interior features a new instructional kitchen with two moveable islands, all new wide plank flooring, a loft with custom hand railing, wheelchair-lift, and restrooms. The client’s goal was for the new barn to mimic the original as much as possible while bringing it up to modern standards, including all new lighting and in-floor heating. From start to finish, the project duration was 13 months.
LC Nature Park is 200 acres dedicated to preserving and restoring Indiana’s natural flora and fauna. The central nature center for the park is a renovated late 1890s barn. The barn has been renovated and adapted to function as a multipurpose learning center to accommodate small and large groups, educational displays, a teaching kitchen, pantry, restrooms, and storage areas. Also included is a rainwater lab, exhibit space, and bison overlook. The park currently has a herd of bison and elk that can walk up to a feeding trough where visitors can view them to the north of the barn. The center is also a great place to view other native wildlife. The water lab uses natural technology similar to a bioswale to show students the power of nature to purify water and prevent erosion. The lab is primarily activated during rainstorms. However, it can also be used for daily examples due to a connection with a rainwater cistern and pump.
LC Nature Park is working towards becoming a hub for environmental and cultural learning of Indiana’s wildlife. With diverse ecosystems within its boundaries, including grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, LC Nature Park is slowly becoming a self-sustaining environment for the animals that call it home. Through an abundance of educational programs and events, people of all ages are welcome to immerse themselves in the natural landscape and learn its secrets. Cultivating relationships with local educators will help the park become a field trip destination. Additionally, a growing volunteer program will ensure that LC Nature Parks’ vision to promote Indiana’s ecosystem will last for generations to come.
To view more photos of the project, visit LC Nature Park.
ABOVE: The LC Nature Park team from Hagerman and MartinRiley at the BCA Awards Banquet on April 21, 2022.
