Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center – Austin, Texas
Project Description:
The Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, encompassing more than 33,000 acres across over 140 individual tracts managed through a partnership of public and private organizations. Established in 1996, the preserve protects critical habitat for eight federally endangered species, including the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, and six karst invertebrate species. The new BCP Visitor Center is being developed to serve as the primary public gateway to the preserve, providing visitors with educational, recreational, and interpretive experiences. Located off Highway 620, the project includes the renovation of the existing building’s first floor and atrium to accommodate interactive educational exhibits, along with the construction of new site amenities including an entry structure, pavilion, observation tower, and outdoor gathering spaces. Flexible interior and exterior areas are designed to support educational programs, community events, classrooms, and visitor services. The project also includes improvements to the existing trail system, new trail connections, and sustainable site enhancements designed to enrich the visitor experience while preserving the site’s natural resources.
Services Provided:
Guerra Engineering is providing complete civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering design and construction administration services.
Awards / Recognition:
The landscape design is targeting a SITES Gold certification.
Owner:Travis County
Contact Person:Jackson & McElhaney Architects (JMA)
Date Completed:2027 (est.)
Construction Cost:$318M (est)
