Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission: Discovery Center Progress

Discovery Center Progress

The Discovery Center opened in June 2007.
Next steps include construction of native plant demonstration gardens, landscaping, outdoor classrooms, restrooms and exhibits and a universally accessible Discovery trail immediately following the opening of the Discovery Center.

Adapting a commercial building into an education center.

June 2003 An Interpretive Plan is produced, which outlines four key mission based themes and guides the retrofit of the building.

January 2004 The Commission partners with NYSOGS Design and Construction Group and hires a Design Team to produce a schematic design. The Envision Architects team of Albany was chosen as the top applicant out of 22 proposals.

February 2005 The Design Team completes the schematic design, with modifications of the current facility and conceptual exhibits and grounds design, as well as associated expenses for the entire project.

September 2005 Design Team member, Amaze Design, works with Pine Bush staff to develop hands-on interpretive exhibit plans.

March 2006 Pine Bush staff move into renovated office space at the Discovery Center.

July 2006 Building construction documents are completed by Envision Architects.

September 2006 Exhibit construction documents are completed by Amaze Design.

October 2006 Retrofit of the building begins. By the end of the month demolition was 75% complete.

November 2006 Taylor Studios is contracted and begins exhibit fabrication. Staff begin planning the next phase, which includes outdoor landscaping and exhibits.

February 2007 Building retrofit is nearly 85% completed. Whenever possible, existing materials were re-used. Ceiling tiles, doors, windows, furniture, light fixtures and other equipment were reused from the original building. The Discovery Center abounds with recycled products, including the carpet and walls of the gallery. The Commission hopes to receive a Silver LEED rating through the US Green Building Council.

May 2007 Interior exhibits are installed by Taylor Studios.

June 16, 2007 The Discovery Center interior space opens to the public.