Belvidere Park District
Administration Building
Type of Project:
New Facility
Total Square Footage:
10,600 New
Completion:
September 1999
Cost:
Actual: $1,177,577
General Contractor:
W. Molitor Construction
South Beloit, Illinois
This new administration facility enables the Owner’s imagination of a building which seemingly grows out of the hillside, planted like an outcropping of rock. To substantiate this visual metaphor, a natural cut limestone, native to the area, serves as the outer skin for the lower level; the upper level is clad in a tumbled brick, chosen for its aged appearance. The 10,600 square foot building appears single story along most of its north facade, while the rest of the perimeter stands exposed its full 2-story height.
The entrance bridge spans a quick, 12-foot drop in elevation to carry staff and users from the parking lot through the main entrance, crossing a threshold from the unnatural asphalt to the serene park setting and the administration building nestled within. Those inside the building are surrounded by exceptional views, and low window sills underscore the panorama. Some thirty feet and six acres below sit the historic,1845 Baltic Mill and its raceway, which meanders from east to west across the site, diverting at one point into the raceway pond before resuming its course.
An elongated hexagonal footprint is laid out in three zones: offices and toilet rooms align on the north side; directors’ offices, staff lunch, and a conference room balance out the south side. The center is reserved for the staff work/mail room, general office, and registration counter so these common areas are equally accessible to all users. The plan is complete with the main entrance at the front triangle and the District receiving dock at the back triangle. The currently unfinished lower level is reserved for future intent to host large group activities.
(From Top) Walkway leading into Main Entrance of the facility; Office; Conference Room; Reception Area. All photos show the wood paneled ceiling.
Photos taken by Nels Akerlund
Belvidere Park District
Administration Building
| Type of Project: | |||
| New Facility | |||
| Total Square Footage: | |||
| 10,600 New | |||
| Completion: | |||
| September 1999 | |||
| Cost: | |||
| Actual: $1,177,577 | |||
| General Contractor: | |||
| W. Molitor Construction South Beloit, Illinois |
The entrance bridge spans a quick, 12-foot drop in elevation to carry staff and users from the parking lot through the main entrance, crossing a threshold from the unnatural asphalt to the serene park setting and the administration building nestled within. Those inside the building are surrounded by exceptional views, and low window sills underscore the panorama. Some thirty feet and six acres below sit the historic,1845 Baltic Mill and its raceway, which meanders from east to west across the site, diverting at one point into the raceway pond before resuming its course.
An elongated hexagonal footprint is laid out in three zones: offices and toilet rooms align on the north side; directors’ offices, staff lunch, and a conference room balance out the south side. The center is reserved for the staff work/mail room, general office, and registration counter so these common areas are equally accessible to all users. The plan is complete with the main entrance at the front triangle and the District receiving dock at the back triangle. The currently unfinished lower level is reserved for future intent to host large group activities.
Photos taken by Nels Akerlund