The Youth Conference Building is one of the many standing assets in the park and is used by a wide variety of clients including those physically and mentally challenged. The two level existing “roundhouse” constructed in 1989 was not accessible between levels. The owner’s main priorities focused on accessibility and code improvements and replacement of deteriorated fabric. The architect’s design added an entry and new plaza. The renovation to the existing floor plans made all restrooms accessible (with solar tubes installed on the upper level) and removed the existing east and west stairs at the exterior deck/balcony adding a bridge to grade at the plaza and via sidewalk to the turnaround. The existing partially wooden balustrade was removed and an open railing was installed. The 300 square foot front entry vestibule serves as an air lock and the elevator allows for multi-client use of the conference rooms on each level. The overhang of the front entry roof shades the vestibule in summer and allows the sun to flood the space in winter. Focusing on the center’s charge to provide environmental education, the plaza drainage, empties from the plaza into a rain garden and a concrete totem provides both structural support and a means of conveying roof water from the new roof and a quadrant of the existing roof into the garden.
