This project involves the construction of a new 17,000-square-foot Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, MN, representing a $26 million redevelopment designed to replace the original 1971 facility. The new nature center is part of a broader effort to enhance educational programming, improve accessibility, and strengthen the visitor experience within the 150-acre Wood Lake Nature Preserve. We are proud to work with the City of Richfield and Mortenson Construction as the demolition, earthwork and utility contractor on this project, providing key site preparation and underground infrastructure work to support the new facility. Our scope included demolition, critical excavation and utility installation to help establish a strong foundation for the modernized building and surrounding site improvements. The new facility, designed by HGA, is set further back from the lake—approximately 40 feet—to improve access and reduce environmental impact. As of early 2026, the structure has been framed and roofed, with continued interior and site development progressing toward completion. Throughout construction, portions of the preserve and trail system have remained open to the public, maintaining access to the site’s natural amenities during redevelopment.