Ecotourism Hub

Ecotourism focuses on features found in the natural environment, and it is intended to support conservation efforts. The proposed ecotourism visitor center brings environmental awareness, community empowerment, and effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing biodiversity in Hazard and the surrounding landscapes. The project serves not only as a reflection of the environmental history of eastern Kentucky, but also as a vehicle for promoting a brighter Appalachian future. The ecotourism visitor center includes a library, exhibition space for local artists, cafe, and an active research lab. Leveraging the scenic beauty of the North Fork Kentucky River and its proximity to downtown, the project is located on the site of the main parking garage. Adopting a partial adaptive reuse strategy, the ecotourism visitor center draws its formal cues from existing assets found on site. Including views of the river, downtown, waterfront recreation spaces, and surrounding habitat.