Montezuma Wildlife Refuge Nature Center Design

Beardsley Architects + Engineers provided full design services for a new 5,200 sq ft nature center at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. Created as a hub for environmental education, the facility teaches visitors about the region’s unique wetland and grassland ecosystems.

The center includes an exhibit hall, classroom, nature store, auditorium, meeting room, and support spaces. Designed to integrate with the natural landscape, both the architecture and interior finishes reflect the surrounding environment—glass walls and natural materials invite the outdoors in. Site improvements included parking, a trailhead, and a bus turnaround to support visitor access.

The building achieved LEED Silver Certification, incorporating sustainable features such as water-efficient landscaping, low-emitting materials, recycled content, and optimized energy performance.