Riverbend Nature Center
Wichita Falls, Texas
This special $6 million dollar project included phasing of the design over a three year period. The highlight of the project is the $3.5M Butterfly Conservatory. This 7,500sf facility attracts the eye of motorists near downtown Wichita Falls as it sits on a hill overlooking Lucy Park. The $1.4M, 6,000sf Pavilion features an educational exhibit space, and also houses administration, conference center, display areas and support. Two acres of the surrounding land was also developed and provides a large open plaza with handicapped accessible walkway systems linking the facility to Lucy Park and the Wichita River below. The use of sustainable design played an integral role in this project.
The Butterfly Conservatory provides a distinctive, educational experience and is a major attraction to the North Texas Area. The entire environmental education facility serves the communities of north Texas and southern Oklahoma. Uniquely placed in a conflux of geographical regions, River Bend connects people to their natural environment through educational activities, environmental awareness and conservation examples.
The project was designed for a non-profit Public Client and was funded by public and private grants, as well as donations from the local community.