Originally built in St. Louis' Forest Park in 1892 as a streetcar shelter, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center had survived a fire, an explosion, and years of neglect. After a $4 million renovation, the 23,500SF building has made a comeback and now serves as the primary visitor's center for more than 12 million people who visit Forest Park each year. The two-level building serves multiple functions, including a gift shop, coffee shop, locker rooms and showers for runners and cyclists, exhibition space, classrooms, and a 3,970SF special events space. It’s also home to the non-profit organization Forest Park Forever.
Shape
Situated on the north side of the park in close proximity to the Missouri Historical Society and the Muny, the renovation respects the history and integrity of its surroundings. With its distinctive Spanish-style architecture and clock tower, the sustainably designed building is a much sought after location year round for special events.
Inspire
The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center (Lindell Pavilion) is a historically significant part of the revitalization of Forest Park. “The space is evocative of the original 1892 building, yet contemporary, flexible and functional," said Jim Mann, former Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. It has become more than a streetcar shelter, it has become a destination for thousands of visitors to the park every year.
Passion + Perspective
Sometimes it is best to see the completed construction during design. In this image, the screen wall with vegetation was digitally drawn so that the client would understand its visual impact.
This section was drawn to verify the height of the mechanical room and the attic space.
This project sits within the larger context of Forest Park in St. Louis. To verify connecting sidewalks, fire lanes and approaches to the building, a colored site plan was developed showing existing vegetation.
It is often essential to provide additional information to the contractor during the course of construction. In this photo, final finishes are identified to help aid demoltion.
Much of the exterior wall was crumbling and had to be reconstructed. Here is a section adjacent to the main entry that was rebuild.
Mackey Mitchell's approach to the renovation of the historic building was thoughtful and creative.
- Jim Mann former Executive Director, Forest Park Forever
