Blackstone Visitor Center & Pedestrian Bridge

Construction of a new multi-use facility off Route 146 in Worcester, MA to house the Blackstone Gateway Visitor Center and the DCR Regional Headquarters.

Client:		MassDOT
Designer:		designLAB architects
Size:		10,000 SF

 

Project Features

• Construction of the new facility including a visitor welcome area, exhibition and instructional space, and office space for DCR.
• Reclaimed brick lines much of the building’s exterior.
• Reclaimed wood flooring interior.
• Solar panels atop the event pavilion installed to provide 75-80% of the center’s energy needs.
• Steel hopper installed at the rear of the building to burn wood pellets and heat the building.
• Interactive exhibits highlight the history of the Blackstone River Valley.
• New truss-style pedestrian bridge over the Middle River, connecting the new Visitor Center to the Blackstone Bike Path.
• The bridge spans the only place in Worcester where the historic Blackstone Canal is open and visible.