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MEREDA 2024 Notable Project: Tekakapimek Contact Station, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

The Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is a 7,896-square-foot visitor center situated atop Lookout Mountain within the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

The name “Tekαkαpimək,” pronounced deh gah-gah bee mook, is Penobscot for “as far as one can see,” reflecting the expansive views the site offers.

The building’s design emphasizes sustainability, utilizing locally sourced materials where possible and operates off-grid.

The interior features interpretive exhibits that provide visitors with insights into the natural and cultural significance of the monument, particularly through a Wabanaki perspective.

The surrounding 23-acre site includes accessible walking paths, gathering circles, and overlooks that honor the traditions and heritage of the Wabanaki Nations.

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The site was connected to the existing infrastructure through the construction of four miles of access roads.

Fact Box

Project manager and owner’s representative: Elliotsville Foundation

General contractor: Wright-Ryan Construction Inc.

Architectural team: Saunders Architecture, Alisberg Parker, Reed Hilderbrand

Engineering team: Haley Ward Inc. (civil, structural), Atelier One (structural), Transolar (HVAC)

Other key partners: SW Cole Engineering Inc., GZA, Haley Ward Surveying, Natural Resource Consulting

Subcontractors, consultants: Salas O’Brien, formerly known as Allied Engineering (mechanical, electrical, engineering), Transsolar Inc. (environmental-energy consultant), Erin Hutton Projects (creative program management), We Should Do It All (exhibits, wayfinding and signage design), University of Maine (structural testing), Emery Lee & Sons Inc. (sitework subcontractors), ODP Trailworks (sitework subcontractors), JQP Inc. (accessibility consultant), Wabanaki Advisory Board (project/exhibit consultants), Dr. Jane Anderson (Indigenous cultural and intellectual property consultant) and Tuhura Communications (interpretive plan).

– Digital Partners -