MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY I-70 WELCOME CENTER
Frederick, Maryland

Waldon Studio Architects has worked with Kinsley Construction and KCI Technologies in a design/build relationship to complete two new visitor's centers on I-70 on the east and west bound lanes. Waldon Studio Architects provided architectural design, design project management, interior design, and contract administration.

The building is Silver LEED certified. It is a gentle blend of natural materials indigenous to Western Maryland—stone and wood. Further, the building is design with low maintenance materials. Each Center has two pavilions connected by a Welcoming Breezeway, so that the Restroom facilities can stay open after the Welcome Center's operating hours. Issues related to sustainability, ease of maintenance, and durability are of utmost importance in the design as well as an image that relates to western Maryland architecture. The design incorporates natural light and is also a careful integration of landscape architecture and exhibit design, which tells a regional story.

The overall project includes extensive new on/off ramps, demolition of the existing buildings, and construction of plazas and park areas along with the new buildings.


Projected completion of design: June, 2009
Total Construction Cost: $40,000,000