Fort Osage Education Center

Located on the banks of the Missouri River, the Fort Osage Education Center invites patrons of all ages to learn about the significance of this location on the river as a historic military outpost. In celebration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, the fort’s owners made plans for a new visitor center to support the County’s educational mission. The design integrates the cultural history of the fort and site, while addressing the Center’s pedagogical mission. Nestled into the site, the building has a strong visual link to the fort and the river. Expansive views encourage visitors to explore the site. The program of the Center includes a primary museum, temporary exhibit space, classroom and auditorium.

The Historic Fort was erected along the Missouri River in 1808 under the direction of William Clark, joint commander of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Later, a factory was built to establish the Fort as a trading post, which operated until 1827. In 2001 the Jackson County Parks Commission set forth to build a new education center that would serve to educate visitors about Fort Osage’s place in American History. The building takes a progressive step forward in its mindful use of the resources and restoration of the land that Lewis and Clark marveled over. Passive design strategies include a vegetated “green roof” and high thermal mass walls to minimize the need for heating and cooling.

The site’s 7.65 acres use restorative strategies to regenerate the native wild life habitat and ecosystem. Landscape design strategies, including a vegetated roof, eliminate the need for irrigation, encourage percolation of rainwater and minimize erosion — so that 95% of water is managed on site. A geothermal ground source heat pump and highly efficient radiant heating and cooling delivery system contribute to the building’s lower operating costs. It is also wired for the future installation of a photovoltaic array. The center is 100% daylit, which contributes to a 57% overall energy savings when compared to a conventionally designed baseline building.