Jay C. Hormel Nature Center

To inspire and encourage an appreciation of the outdoors and demonstrate thoughtful environmentalism, ISG designed the interpretive Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Educational opportunities include habitat exhibits, live birds of prey, environmental interpretive signage, an aquarium containing Minnesota aquatic life, an early childhood space for sensory play, a natural history resource library, two classrooms, and a multi-purpose room. To reinforce its connection with nature, the facade features decorative stone, wooden materials, and bird-safe windows. Our team reduced the overall operational expenses and modeled sustainable energy sources by incorporating a geothermal system, solar panels, rain gardens, and an electric car charging station. Upholding the Nature Center’s environmental mission and values, we also facilitated the construction of a new maintenance facility and repurposed on salvaged parts from a former building.