When over 150 years of lumber mill operations came to a close in 2002, the City of Fort Bragg had one third of their town’s jurisdiction and all of its waterfront to plan for reuse. Through a community planning process, a marine science and education center was identified as a high priority to anchor waterfront reuse and development. Goals were to diversify and revitalize the local/regional economy, foster innovative research, increase the marine science curriculum in local schools and community college, promote protection and stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems, and educate and engage both the community and the visitor. In 2010, the City undertook a conceptual design process originally led by Bauer and Wiley Architects and in 2015 launched a new nonprofit to to realize this vision. In just 5 years, the Noyo Center for Marine Science has grown into an active community organization with two public facilities; the Discovery Center in downtown Fort Bragg, and the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center steps from the coastal trail on the Noyo Headlands.
Ten years after the original designs were done, the Noyo Center for Marine Science Board of Directors undertook a new process to update these conceptual plans in partnership with Pfau Long Architects. We are extremely excited to be working on funding the next phase of the design process in which our concept will be crystallized. Click here to see how you can help us realize the Noyo Center vision.
We envision a state of the art, net zero engergy public exhibit space accommodating an estimated 150,000 visitors per year. Designed by Pfau Long, the plans will be unveiled later this year. The main features of the design will include: Exhibit hall with aquaria, interactive exhibits, and touch pools One of a kind natural history…
Restorative design is defined as reversing damage that has been caused by either nature or humans. We will strive to meet these following restorative design principles throughout the design process and during management of the Noyo Center site and facilities: Energy Achieve net-zero energy use with passive solar, efficient heating/cooling systems, efficient building envelopes, light…
Located on the rugged coast of Fort Bragg, California, the 11.5-acre Noyo Center site situated adjacent to recently protected coastal lands. Together the Noyo Center and Noyo Headlands Park lead the redevelopment of a 400-acre former timber mill site spanning more than three miles of Fort Bragg’s waterfront.
