Homer Lake Interpretive Center
Project Summary
Home to 10 miles of trails woven through 764 acres of wildlife, the Homer Lake Forest Preserve is a destination for hikers, birdwatchers, fishers, boaters, and nature lovers in Champaign County, Illinois. The Interpretive Center, originally opened in 1974, has long been host to exhibits and educational opportunities on the Grand Prairie ecosystem and wildlife in the preserve, including interactive displays, live animals, and a wildlife viewing area. Bailey Edward is collaborating with the Champaign County Forest Preserve to reimagine the existing facility so it can continue to provide enhanced natural environment educational opportunities with both indoor and outdoor learning areas as well as staff workspaces in a new addition. With renderings, plans, and cost estimates in hand, the Forest Preserve has retained Bailey Edward to develop bid documents for these improvements.
client
Champaign County Forest Preserve
location
Homer, Illinois
size
3,600 sf
cost
$1.3 million
client
Champaign County Forest Preserve
location
Homer, Illinois
size
3,600 sf
cost
$1.3 million
The Bailey Edward Team of architects and engineers assessed the existing building and held programmatic and information gathering sessions with Forest Preserve staff and leaders to determine both programmatic and compliance needs for the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.
The tentative bid package is scheduled to be complete in January 2026.
The design features timber construction, a sustainable building material mimicking the natural environment of Homer Lake. Patterned floors with a trail-like depiction of the nearby river leads visitors to displays and exhibits.