Citation of Merit

• Division: Institutional
• Location: Libertyville, IL
• Architect: David Woodhouse Architects LLC
• Client: Lake County Forest Preserves
• General contractor: Meridian Consulting Group
• Consultants: Nayyar & Nayyar (Structural)

Overview

The visitor center anchors the primary recreation core at Independence Grove, 1,100 acres of savanna. The building's form, materials (cedar, fieldstone, weathered zinc) and detail bring to mind the great recreation centers at the national parks with a lightness and scale, and horizontal scope suited to its Midwestern surroundings. Timbered roofs pitch upwards to form a framed gateway to the lakeside. Inside, wood ceilings rise and fall over the interconnected public spaces. Jurors liked the bold, honest use of materials such as wood to create an appealing, outdoor space that blends the landscape with the architecture.