The only visitor center in Rocky Mountain National Park’s western side, Kawuneeche serves as the administrative headquarters for the Colorado River District Staff. At its time of completion in 1968, the Visitor Center represented the culmination of a decade of planning and design of modern visitor facilities through Mission 66.
Now, nearly 60 years later, Kawuneeche stands as an enduring symbol of modernist design, ready to undergo its first comprehensive rehabilitation, which will breathe new life into the building, ensuring it meets the needs of today’s visitors while preserving its historic charm and aesthetic. At an altitude of 8,720 feet, the building will update systems for energy efficiency and long-term resilience.
The rehabilitation will honor the building’s three-pod layout—administration, visitor center, and comfort station—while incorporating thoughtful updates that improve accessibility for all. Modern updates will enhance the comfort, accessibility, and functionality of the space, improving the experience for both visitors and staff, and setting the stage for another 60 years of service by striking a harmonious balance between sustainability, preservation, and functionality.