Eisenhower Lock Visitors’ Center

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) is a government-owned corporation created in the 1950s to construct, operate and maintain parts of the St. Lawrence Seaway between the Port of Montreal and Lake Erie within the territorial limits of the United States.  

Aubertine and Currier provided Professional Design Services as Prime Consultant for the new Visitors’ Center at the Eisenhower Locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The intent of project was to create a center that can host visitors from all over the world to learn about the St. Lawrence River’s living environment, history and how the lock systems work along the corridor. The 8,800 SF facility allows for year-round activities and was designed to incorporate several sustainable features while utilizing natural and locally available materials. Its systems were designed to be energy efficient, following LEED guidelines.

The facility features interactive exhibits and historical artifacts integrated throughout the center to tell the story of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The three-story center also seamlessly blends administrative spaces, including security offices, training rooms, and conference areas, with visitor amenities, like a kitchen, gift shop, immersive displays and large exterior viewing platforms.

Civil/site improvements to support the Visitors' Center include new ADA compliant walkways equipped with benches and picnic areas, installation of security fencing, asphalt reconstruction, site lighting, new sanitary and stormwater management systems, wayfinding signage, and improved grading and drainage.