Near Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
A Legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright
| | National Historic Landmark | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2016
1. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Marker
The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center reflects the legacy of one the world's most creative architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.
After Wright's death the firm he founded, Taliesin Architects, designed the building you see before you.
Architect Thomas Casey, who designed the visitor center, was apprenticed to Wright. Casey incorporated many of Wright's design principals into its creation.
Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its unique contribution to architecture in the National Park Service.
Frank Lloyd Wright Design Principles
1. The building blends with the natural setting.
2. The building departs from traditional "box" architecture.
3. Materials are chosen for their weathering effects over time.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Frank Lloyd Wright, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists.
Location. 40° 21.958′ N, 105° 33.614′ W. Marker is near Estes
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stephen Tyng Mather (within shouting distance of this marker); Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail of Aspens (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Woodpecker Army (approx. 3.2 miles away); Rocky Mountains Parks (approx. 4 miles away); Animals in Flux (approx. 4.1 miles away); Ancient Paths, Ancient Peoples
John Engstead, courtesy Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
2. Marker detail: Frank Lloyd Wright & Tom Casey
Tom Casey is seen here, top center, in a 1955 photograph as Frank Lloyd Wright, seated left, teaches his team.
Regarding Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. National Register of Historic Places #01000069. Also a contributing property in Rocky Mountain National Park Utility Area Historic District, NRHP #82001717.
Also see . . .
1. Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building. Colorado Encyclopedia website entry:
The Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building, also known as the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, is one of the most historically and architecturally significant National Park Service buildings in the country. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wrights apprentices at Taliesin Associated Architects, the building received widespread attention when it opened in 1967 and became a showpiece for the park services Mission 66 development program. (Submitted on March 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Wikipedia entry:
It is a rectangular structure, built with a
3. Marker detail: The building blends with the natural setting.
Look at the way colors and textures of the rock and steel complement the natural surroundings.
4. Marker detail: The building departs from traditional "box" architecture.
One hundred and one wall panels were precast on the ground and hoisted into place, an amazing new construction technique.
5. Marker detail: Materials are chosen for their weathering effects over time.
The weathering corten steel and moss rock have aged to a rich patina requiring almost no maintenance.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2016
6. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2016
7. A National Historic Landmark
Administration Building
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This building possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
2001
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2016
8. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (south elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 27, 2016
9. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (northeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 717 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
