Nestled in the Rocky River Valley, the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Nature Center offers views of a 350 million year old shale cliff from a balcony overhanging the river. Several hundred stairs ascend to the top of the cliff, where the vista over the valley is spectacular.

The original interpretive center there was designed in 1969. The project presented craftsman timber detailing in a sculptural modern form, with curving walls, vertical and diagonal wood siding, vast overhanging sloped roof planes, and large expanses of glass.

The addition featured here included administrative space and classrooms, and featured a long series of clerestory windows in a monitor configuration. The design of the curving wing with the monitor skylight was collaborative. The overall feel of the design is understated, not competing with the original.

The elegant stone and wood spire depicted in these renderings has not yet been constructed.