El Yunque National Forest Welcome Center

Abstract

El Yunque has been a federal forest reserve for over a century. A Welcome enter has been designed to provide the visitors a free-of charge information and basic service facility. The project is been located at the entrance of the forest through state road PR-191. Concerns with environmental impact led to designs that comply with LEED Certification, permeable pavement, and precast construction technics. The site was prepared as a "stop and go" facility. The structure was designed with a mixture of concrete and steel frame that interacts with an architectural design that maintains a sense of harmony with surrounding structures. Amenities' operational cost and maintenance were set at an annual $100,000.00 budget. Construction cost for this project is expected to not exceed $3,000,000.00.