Creating a more sustainable world - one project at a time

Broad Meadow Brook Urban Education Center Study

Sketchup model image of Bachand House new entry

Addition to existing Nature Center

Watercolor rendering of Bachand House renovation & addition

Convert Single Family Home into Environmental Education Center

Worcester, MA

Addition & Renovation 

Mass Audubon’s mission to urban communities is expanding as urban populations expand and connectivity to the natural environment is gaining traction, especially with children.  At the BMB Nature Sanctuary in Worcester they need expanded facilities for summer day camp, nature-based preschool, offices and storage as well as new facilities for a new environmental corps for young adults volunteering to work in the environmental field.  Mass Audubon hired MHA to study renovations and additions to the newly acquired Bachand House adjacent to the existing nature center building.  This was compared with a free standing new building to house the same programs as well as an option with an addition to the existing nature center. The 9,500 s.f. proposed facility includes preschool classrooms, an outdoor meeting porch for up to 100 children, an educational lobby, offices and meeting rooms. 

 After this study Mass Audubon used our drawings and cost projections to complete a successful 3 - year fundraising campaign raising over $2.5 million. Maple Hill Architects created a watercolor rendering and a sketchup model for use in marketing materials and to allow potential donors to "fly around" the project.