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Mackinaw City, Michigan

Waterfront Event Center and Observatory at the Headlands Dark Sky Park

the Project stats

12,000sf

Construction Manager

AECOM

LEARN / WORK / PLAY

  • Green roof
  • 24-hour facility
  • Observatory dome
  • New entrance drives and parking

the Project study

Headlands Dark Sky Park added an observatory building, restrooms, and an events center on the shores of Lake Michigan, just two miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The facility featured a striking physical design with a green roof, timber-domed ceilings, and outdoor seating areas with breathtaking views of the night sky over the Lake.

The event center has a small kitchen area, a storage room, restrooms, an information technology room, mechanical space, and an event room capable of seating 164 persons. The site features local native plantings that enable ease of continued maintenance. The new facility included an observatory dome with a research grade telescope, an outdoor seating arena, an indoor program area for use by day and night, and 24-hour ADA restrooms.

Tell me more!

John Galnares

Project Director

When we first saw the initial drawings, we were just bowled over. We could see it was a one of-a-kind project. Everyone involved has been very passionate about this building and about what it serves. It is truly unique and amazing.

I’d be happy to provide you with more information on this project.”