Department of Natural Resources Headquarters

St. Paul, Minnesota

The $1 million DNR Headquarters renovation improves customer relations through a new service counter, expanded gift shop, new gathering spaces for public and staff events, and public rest rooms. The new entry integrates the exterior and interior, presenting man’s role in the environment. Water, locally sourced wood and stone materials were brought into the spaces alongside DNR artifacts. A suspended canoe, skis, or snow mobile animate the two story volume.

The new service counter greets the public, and communicates the DNR’s crucial role as stewards in the environment. The expanded gift shop on axis with entry invites the public inside. The store front display case helps screen the security door from the general public. The new conferencing and gallery areas, anchored by a rusticated stone wall, create a flexible area for DNR staff and the public to engage. The main conference room is designed and wired for media broadcast events.