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Concept Number 1: Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Center

Please view the details of Concept Number 1 below. Use the site map, narrative, and lifestyle images to learn about the plan, then complete the survey questions to supply your thoughts and comments.

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Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center Conceptual Site Plan

Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center Conceptual Site Plan
Main Design Concepts:
LEED Certified Environmental Education Building
Overnight Accommodations for Learning Programs
Stream Laboratory
Naturalized Biofiltration
Outdoor Classroom at the Spring
Design Narrative:
The Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center focuses on education and ecologic awareness. Sensitivity to natural systems and the balance between human access and preservation will be present throughout a series of experiences on the site. With daily use as a goal, hard- and soft-surface trails will be gently integrated into the natural topography. To acknowledge the rich history of Holly Springs and this site, small treatments will be made to both the location of the spring as well as the cemetery. Brick and patterned concrete will provide accents in paths, walls, and small plazas.

A signature building, located across from the Cultural Center, is fronted with a large hardscape plaza with organic-shaped planting beds and shade trees. Native grasses, ground covers, and shrubs will provide seasonal color and interest to the space, which will function as a venue for the Holly Springs Farmers Market, concerts, art fairs, and any other public gatherings programmed by the Town.
The architecture of the Learning Center will be carefully designed to fit into the forest surroundings. With conservation in mind, materials, methods, and maintenance will fold into a LEED® Certified structure, harnessing the power of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. A loop driveway approaches the building from Ballentine Street. Shaded by the building’s overhang, this driveway provides a drop-off area for elderly and physically challenged visitors, and protection from the weather for service vehicles. The building will be integrated into a natural ridge, appearing to be two stories from the south and three stories on the north facing side with a large wrap-around porch serving as a viewing platform to the wooded site and stream below.

Programming for the building will mainly revolve around the importance of the natural systems found within forested areas, stream banks, wetlands, and the aquatic environment within the flow way of the stream. Habitat, water quality, soil composition, plant species, animal species, and their interactions will provide a foundation for visitors to the site and Learning Center. Potential audiences include families, school groups, and students–with integrated programming for local schools (elementary through higher education). One exciting feature of the building is an overnight facility where students of all ages, from towns near and far, could spend multiple days enhancing their knowledge of the forest and stream systems. An overnight trip would include guided tours and experiments within the site, as well as access to the sleeping quarters, bathroom facilities, full kitchen, and dining room. Structured programs with varying themes could be created to produce a portfolio of overnight adventures. These programs could be operated in conjunction with other Holly Springs Parks and Recreation amenities, including Bass Lake. Other rentable space, a café or restaurant, and gift shop could also be included within this signature LEED® Certified structure.
The rear porch of the building allows visitors to view the natural landscape of the property, overlooking the streams; trails; ridges and valleys; and a series of organically arranged, terraced planting beds and trails. The beds will serve as a study area for native planting, learning botanical names, and creating a picturesque setting for a quiet stroll. A more formally structured trail segment will navigate the steep slope from the planting bed area, west toward the main greenway alignment within the sewer easement located just west of the stream. Small pedestrian bridges will cross the stream at carefully selected locations to create a system of trails that residents can use daily to enhance their health routines.

Water quality and conservation will be a main focus of the building’s interior and exterior - with collection and filtering methods accompanied by interpretive and educational signage. A cistern will collect rainwater from the roof with an overflow valve distributing excess water volume through a series of naturally-planted terraces peppered with boulders and rocks. This area will provide seating, visual interest, and an educational avenue for the importance of stormwater cleansing – especially around stream and wetland areas.

On the west side of the property, tucked in between the confluence of two streams, a Stream Laboratory will house supplies for collecting water samples, small aquatic life, soil, and other materials from the site. Here, classes will run tests on samples and explore materials using microscopes. The patio and seating will serve as an outdoor classroom or public space for picnicking, pausing, and meeting.
The northeast corner of the site is treated as a welcome center and entrance to the site, capturing visitors who park along Earp Street. Bicycle parking, a site map, an information kiosk, and carefully selected plantings will welcome visitors to the site and hint at the educational experience beyond the densely forested path ahead.

To collect, convey, and filter stormwater from the downtown area, a biofiltration system, similar to the large system adjacent to the Learning Center, will be constructed along Avent Ferry Road where the culvert passes underneath the road. This system will clean stormwater before it reaches the natural flow of the stream that flows east to west, located on the northern end of the site.

As the Mims House is an important historic connection to the site, entrance signs will be placed near the driveway leading to Holly Springs United Methodist Church and 919 Marketing. A delicate treatment of one-way vehicular circulation, coupled with a raised, brick plaza will alert motorists to this pedestrian-dominated area. The plaza can be blocked off for special events hosted by the Town, Church, 919 Marketing, or Mims House. This brick path will meander through the forest to reveal a small brick plaza surrounding the existing grave sites. Benches, wrought iron fencing, large shade trees, and a formal layout contribute to the quiet, reflective properties of this plaza.

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Lifestyle and Materials Images

Lifestyle and Materials Images
Using the three text boxes below, please list three things you LIKE about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center.

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* 1. The FIRST thing I like about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

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* 2. The SECOND thing I like about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

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* 3. The THIRD thing I like about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

Please use the next three questions to describe what you DO NOT LIKE about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center.

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* 4. The FIRST thing I DO NOT LIKE about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

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* 5. The SECOND thing I DO NOT LIKE about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

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* 6. The THIRD thing I DO NOT LIKE about the Leslie-Alford-Mims Ecologic Learning Center is:

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