Temporary Visitors Center at Antietam National Battlefield Park
Project Overview
In collaboration with a leading General Contractor, USMGE undertook the construction of a temporary modular visitors center at Antietam National Battlefield Park. This initiative was aimed at facilitating visitor engagement during the renovation phase of the existing Visitors Center. USMGE’s contribution involved the provision of a comprehensive 5,000 square foot modular building, built by Titan Modular Systems, tailored to accommodate diverse functionalities.
This phase-one project spanned over two years, featuring essential facilities such as retail space, film rooms, exhibit rooms, an information center, and restrooms. Upon the completion of the renovation phase, these modular buildings were strategically relocated to a permanent site in Frederick, MD, situated within another US Park Service facility.
This relocation served the purpose of promoting education and training, aligning with USMGE’s commitment to repurposing and extending the functionality of these structures beyond their initial deployment at Antietam National Battlefield Park. This innovative approach not only addressed immediate visitor needs during renovations but also contributed to broader educational initiatives in a different park setting.
Challenges and Goals
Antietam National Battlefield Park, a revered site listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, presented unique challenges demanding meticulous preservation efforts. The paramount goal was to ensure minimal disruption to the sacred grounds surrounding the new modular building. Given this imperative, modular construction emerged as an ideal solution, as the bulk of the construction occurred off-site, significantly reducing disturbance to the historical site. However, the project encountered further complexities during the relocation phase, necessitating additional care and attention.
The tear-down, transportation, and site restoration process at the initial location demanded meticulous handling to preserve the integrity of the hallowed ground. Moreover, the relocation to a new site mandated similar meticulous care requirements to uphold the historical significance and environmental considerations,
Sustainability Approach
Throughout the conception and execution of the modular visitors center project at Antietam National Battlefield Park, sustainability remained a pivotal consideration. USMGE’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond the immediate construction phase. The utilization of modular construction inherently minimized environmental impact by optimizing resources and reducing on-site disturbance, aligning with eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, the strategic relocation of these modular buildings to a new site in Frederick, MD, exemplified a sustainable approach.
This repurposing initiative showcased a dedication to extending the lifecycle of structures, reducing waste, and fostering educational opportunities within a different park setting. The careful planning involved in the tear-down, transportation, and restoration processes not only preserved historical integrity but also underscored a commitment to environmental stewardship. By seamlessly integrating sustainability into both construction and relocation phases, the project showcased USMGE’s holistic approach to preserving heritage sites while promoting long-term environmental responsibility and educational outreach.
More from Modular Advantage
Falcon Structures: Thinking Inside the Box
Some of Falcon’s latest projects include creating container solutions for New York’s Central Park and an East Coast professional baseball team. More and more, Falcon is shipping out container bathrooms and locker rooms to improve traditionally difficult work environments, like those in oil and gas or construction.
UrbanBloc—From Passion to Industry Leader
UrbanBloc specializes in three main categories or markets – what they call “Phase 0” projects, amenities, and urban infill. Clients are often attracted to shipping containers because from a real estate perspective they are considered an asset. Having the flexibility to move and transport these assets allows owners to respond to different circumstances in a fluid manner that they can’t get with standard construction.
The Hospitality Game-Changer
“Hospitality is about more than just providing a service – it’s about delivering an experience,” says Anthony Halsch, CEO of ROXBOX. “And that’s where containers thrive. They allow us to create spaces that are unique, efficient, and sustainable.”
Container Conversions Counts on Simplicity to Provide Critical Solutions
Container Conversions has fabricated and developed thousands of containers for varied projects, including rental refrigeration options, offices, kitchens, temporary workplace housing, and mobile health clinics.
Revelution Containers and S. I. Container Builds: On a Mission to Revelutionize Housing
Rory Rubun and Pam Bardhi are on a mission to create more housing. Together, they plan to build shipping container eco communities similar to single-family subdivisions, and mixed-use buildings in urban settings. They also want to expand the footprint of ADUs across the nation.
BMarko Structures – Modular Means Flexible
In an effort to increase sales, Miami’s Bal Harbour Shops devised a unique idea – create a mobile mini version that could travel to other locations and tap into new customer bases. Shipping containers seemed to make the most sense as the backbone for the new mall, but there was certainly an image problem: How to provide a high-end shopping experience using shipping containers?
Mākhers Studio: Tackling Workforce Housing, Local Job Creation, and Sustainable Living— One Container at a Time
With her background as a landscape architect and urban designer, Wanona Satcher launched Mākhers Studio in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2017. The modular design company and manufacturing firm was created by to address the pressing issue of affordable housing.
Training for MBI Members and Beyond
MBI member companies and staff are eligible to access the MBI Learning Center as a benefit of MBI corporate membership.
The How-To Guide For Prefab Leaders: Actively Manage Your Prefab Schedule
By leveraging technology like Offsight to communicate updates to all stakeholders in real time, you can enable collaboration and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Strong, Resilient, Sea-Crossing Boxes Repurposed Efficiently As Homes
Shipping containers have been manufactured in excess, to the point that some sit without being used. Creative designers saw that unused product, recognized its strength, resiliency, size and structure, and soon imagined it as a home. Now, in an environment where housing is in critical demand, shipping containers have been used in all types of housing.