Olympic Coast Exploration Center

The Olympic Coast Exploration Center—also known as the Marine Discovery Center—is a proposed 16,000 SF public facility located in Port Angeles, WA. Delivered as a CM/GC project with an active preconstruction phase, the facility is envisioned as an immersive educational destination that connects visitors to the marine ecosystems of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and surrounding local waters.

The project site is thoughtfully positioned to serve as a physical and visual link between Front Street, Pebble Beach Park, and the Olympic Discovery Trail. The building’s orientation and form are designed to maximize waterfront views, natural daylight, and pedestrian connectivity. Outdoor learning spaces, native landscaping, and integrated stormwater management features reinforce the project’s commitment to ecological stewardship and environmental education.

Inside, the Marine Discovery Center brings together public exhibits, classrooms, administrative offices, and operational support spaces within a cohesive and intuitive layout. The building is organized into three primary zones: guest areas—including the lobby, exhibit galleries, classrooms, retail space, and restrooms; animal care areas—such as exhibit tanks, life support systems, seabird enclosures, and quarantine spaces; and operational areas—housing administrative offices, building systems, storage, and leasable tenant space. These zones are carefully arranged to provide clear public circulation while maintaining efficient and discreet staff and service operations.

Targeting LEED Silver certification, the project incorporates energy-efficient systems, durable low-maintenance materials, water-use reduction strategies, and enhanced indoor environmental quality. Once complete, the Olympic Coast Exploration Center will serve as a sustainable, accessible, and iconic community resource—designed to inspire exploration, learning, and long-term stewardship of the coastal environment.