The Portage Lakefront Park is the first project in the implementation of the Marquette Plan transforming the Indiana Lake Michigan Shore from rust to environmental restoration and recreation. 

DO is designing the pavilion while our project partner JJR is designing the park site. The Pavilion itself is the physical embodiment of our future image, and will be a sustainable signature on our lakefront.

As environmental leaders and stewards for future generations, the facility will be designed to meet the sustainable USGBC LEED Silver Certification criteria in sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Passive Solar site orientation,  daylighting and views, geothermal mechanical system, recycled brick and steel, forestry certified wood, green roofing, & reclaimed grey water system are some of the elements being incorporated.

The Pavilion is perched on the dune overlooking Lake Michigan and Burns Harbor waterway, with the Chicago skyline in the distance. The design is a series of metaphors; the green roof reflecting the soft forms of the dunes or waves, the wood soffit the hull of a boat, and the fireplace hearth and home.