The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is shaped like the Peninsula itself and seems to rise naturally from its surroundings at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. 

 

In the two-story structure of brick, glass and steel, visitors will discover a 75-foot observation tower, 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, Erie Insurance orientation theater, Dr. Thomas Research Wing, the Presque Isle Nature Shop, the Sunset Cafe and the Big Green Screen (a 175-seat, large-format theater, the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania State Park system).

 

The architects and contractors used "green" technology in the design and construction of this center, which is also a first in the PA State Park system.  To date over 500,000 individuals have enjoyed this 65,000 square feet state-of-the-art LEED green designed facility.

 

TREC is many things to many people.

This $31 million, state-of-the-art center shares the treasures of Presque Isle with nature enthusiasts, educators, researchers, tourists and other visitors.  For further information on TREC, call (814) 833-7424, or go to the website at www.trecpi.org.

 

 

 

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is an interpretative facility for the unique Presque Isle Peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Erie.  The multi-use building not only serves as a visitor's center at the gateway to the park, but houses interactive exhibits, educational facilities, administration for various governmental and conservation entities, and laboratories designed for Great Lakes research initiatives.

 

Presque Isle is a recurring sand spit, which geologists believe formed more than 11,000 years ago.  The natural context is remarkable not only for its diversity of flora and fauna, but as a record of past, present and future ecological transformation.

 

The notion of change played a significant role in the design of the project as the building and landscape attempt to capture a sense of transformation through form, material and experience.  Wallace, Roberts & Todd served as both architect and landscape designer for this project.

 

The designs of both the building and landscape were guided by sustainable considerations.  Sited to minimize disturbance of a nearby bluff, the building opens its long dimension to the sun.  Distinguishing between the solar exposure characteristics of the north and south sides of the building, the fenestration and shading character of each side are differently expressed.  The building capitalizes on northern light through the clerestory windows, while on the south, large expanses of curtain wall composed of transparent and translucent panels, modulated by the exterior shading devices, embrace the light of the sun.  Operable clerestory windows help to naturally ventilate the windows.

 

Inverted roof forms supported on grids of tree-like steel columns, collect rainwater for reuse in toilet flushing, thus significantly reducing overall water consumption.  Steel is used throughout the building along with many other materials with high-recycled content.  The landscape takes steps to protect existing natural amenities, avoid the need for irrigation, and employ native plants to reinforce the local ecology.