Wright-Ryan Construction recently completed two new buildings for Maine Audubon at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth as part of a $5.2 million expansion.
The largest of the two structures is the 4,560-square-foot Ann and Jim Hancock Native Plants Education Center, which is designed to host classes and gatherings.
“The new building will nearly double our public educational space in service to conservation efforts around the state, and will be used by people of all ages as they learn about native plants through hands-on activities,” Kate Lewis, development director, told Mainebiz.
Lewis said that the education center is the first in a multi-phase plan to upgrade and add new facilities to the 65-acre sanctuary, which welcomes 100,000 visitors a year and employs more than 40 year-round staff members and close to 100 summer hires.
A 2,330-square-foot Annex, built next door to the education center, will house equipment and gear for statewide conservation and sanctuary stewardship work. The project broke ground late last year.
Locally sourced materials
The all-wood buildings were designed by Portland-based Kaplan Thompson Architects for net-zero energy use and were constructed primarily of locally sourced materials.
Ann and Jim Hancock made an initial donation to the $5.2 million project, followed by support from more than 100 donors — individuals, corporations and foundations. Gov. Janet Mills and a crowd of more than 150 turned out for the buildings’ opening celebration in May.
Wright-Ryan, which is based in Portland, managed the project, with a team that included Gorham-based R.J. Grondin & Sons, Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture and Acorn Engineering, both of which are headquartered in Portland.
Future enhancements planned for Gilsland Farm include a fully accessible trail and visitor center to boost energy efficiency, upgrade bird-safe glass and expand capacity for summer day camp programs.
