Project Details

Lassen Volcanic National Park will construct a year-round, multipurpose visitor center that will include visitor orientation and education, concession food services and gift sales.

The project began with the removal of the dilapidated Lassen Chalet. The structure will be replaced with a visitor center that will better meet the needs of visitors, visitor safety and resource protection. The new facility will serve as a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park at the Southwest Entrance.

A parallel project will be the construction of a new Southwest Entrance Station. This project is to be accomplished using Fee Demonstration dollars. The new fee station will be designed to provide a safe and comfortable year-round work environment for fee collection staff, minimize snow-plowing obstacles, and improve the aesthetics of our Southwest Entrance overall.

Both projects include design concepts in consideration of the Park's architectural theme of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era structures.

The southwest area will include a visitor center of approximately 8,000 square feet and will include the following services:

NPS Visitor Service spaces

• Public restrooms
• Vestibule
• Lobby/exhibits
• Information desk
• Cooperating association sales
• Snow shoe storage
• Auditorium
• Auditorium equipment storage

NPS Staff/support

• Information desk staff office
• Booksales storage
• First aid room
• Break room
• Staff restroom
• LAN/computer room

Concessions

• Dining area (accommodates 50 diners)
• Kitchen
• Kitchen storage
• Gift sales
• Sales storage
• Concessions office
• Staff restroom

Costs : Project Funding Through Fiscal Year 2005*

Pre-Design $442,942

This phase of design takes the project from planning to the National Park Service's Development Advisory Board for approval. Some of the items that occur during this phase are design data collection, development of alternative plans & value analysis of alternatives.

Supplemental Services $177,170

This is funding for items such as archeology, review of construction feasibility, geo-technical surveys, hazardous materials studies, compliance, visitor experience planning, graphics & topographical surveys.

Design $885,585

Work funded here completes design development and delivers approved construction documents for bid negotiations.

Building and Site Development $7,717,800
Exhibits $800,000
Net Construction $8,517,800

Construction Management $681,424
Construction Contingencies $851,780
Total Gross $10,051,004

*These projections were made prior to the contract bidding process and do not reflect the increased cost of materials and construction. These figures will be modified once the final contract is awarded and this information is available to post.

Exhibits

Before...

Two dilapidated, outdated exhibits about Indian and geological history stood beside the former Southwest Information Station. They were they only wayside exhibits offered at this location and inadequately answered even the most basic visitor questions.

...After

From the moment you set foot in the Southwest Area, you will begin to learn more about the Park. As you approach the entrance you will find an interpretive trail, a snow sculpture, and landscaping with animal sculptures amongst the trees. Wayside panels will tell stories about the Park and help you better understand how you can protect yourself and the Park's treasures.

The entire Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Facility has been designed with the Park's most significant stories in mind. Exhibits both outside and inside the facility will orient you to the Park and help you decide what you want to do on your visit. Many of the exhibits will discuss Lassen's geologic history--especially the story of Brokeoff Volcano (Mt. Tehama), which intimately involves the whole Southwest Area. Other topics covered will include natural history, human history, and resource stewardship.

An introductory film shown in the auditorium will offer visitors another way to explore Lassen Volcanic's stories, resources, and recreational opportunities.

As you descend the stairway from the main exhibit floor to the facility's concession area, displays will line the walls and continue your educational journey. In the gift area, displays providing safety and recreation tips will be scattered throughout the sales area.

This facility will provide our visitors with a holistic experience, beginning with the spark of curiosity, then providing the inspiration, knowledge, and incentive to go out and enjoy the wonders that the Park has to offer.

Project Timeline

October 2-4, 2002 - Project kick-off meeting
December, 2002 - Concept design development
December 3-5, 2002 - Concept design charette
January 22, 2003 - Concept review meeting
January 28, 2003 - Exhibit concept meeting
March 11-12, 2003 - Value analysis of preferred alternatives
August, 2003 - Design Advisory Board presentation
October, 2003 - Final Design contract awarded to Architect/Engineer
September, 2004 - Complete plans and specs
March 2005 - Construction contract out for bids
June 2005 - Construction contract out for rebidding
September, 2005 - Construction contract not awarded
October, 2005 - Kick-off for redesign
November, 2005 - New schematic designs completed
March - May, 2006 - Contracting
June, 2006 - Award Design-build contract
April, 2007 - September, 2008 - Construction
May, 2007 - Ground-breaking
October 6, 2008 - Facility opens!
September, 2008 - Complete construction
September, 2008 - Exhibit Installation

Lassen Park Foundation

This organization has committed to contribute $500,000 towards new exhibits and the new park film to be available at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

Lassen Park Foundation, a nonprofit foundation, 501(c)3, was founded in 1984, for the purpose of providing support for projects in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest and other regionally appropriate agencies.

Authorized by the National Park Service and working in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the Foundation is able to accommodate needs which are not met by the limitations of other resources, such as youth programs, enhanced interpretive and educational activities, trail restoration, wildlife research, and cultural resource development.

Those who contribute to the Foundation support the whole Lassen area, helping to preserve its unique beauty for generations to come, as well as enriching the experience of today's Lassen visitors.

Lassen Loomis Museum Association

Lassen Loomis Museum Association is raising $50,000 towards new displays for Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

The Lassen Loomis Museum Association is dedicated to enhancing the Park visitor's appreciation and educational experience by providing publications and funding programs and projects on the cultural, natural and historical resources of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Association profits are used to support visitor information and education, interpretation facilities and park programs.