The Lakeshore State Park Visitor Center provides public bathrooms, boat storage, office space for the park ranger and a leaseable second floor reception area. The project is sited along an east-west axis which parallels the views of Lake Michigan from the other public buildings along the water's edge with a pedestrian path crossing diagonally. The two-story building serves as a gateway to the park and an outlook with a long ramp cantilevered over the water. The facade is composed of horizontal wooden louvers, which become dense surrounding areas of too much sun and open up to provide light and views.
The exterior wood cladding is arranged in horizontal units with 4, 3, 2, 1 or no cedar boards. The number of boards is based on the space requirements for sunlight, shade and view. Views along the north side, toward downtown, have wide open slats to let in the limited northern light as well as give the visitor clear views to the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World and other pleasing views. The south elevation is more closed to limit the amount of solar gain, as well as limit the less desirable views of the water treatment facility. The east elevation, cantilevered over the water, is opened to provide views out to the lake at eye level, but closed a the top to block sunlight. The west elevation is mostly open and features doors which can swing open to make the patio and deck function as once space.
Services are contained in the two forms embedded in the ground: the bathrooms, offices, boat storage and mechanical spaces. The upper level is a general lounge area, or can be reserved for events such as corporate parties, weddings and community functions. The rooftop deck is accessible, providing an excellent area for viewing Summerfest, the air show and fireworks in the summer and boat races in the fall.
