Warroad Land Port of Entry

28. March 2011

Warroad Land Port of Entry
2010
Warroad, MN

Client
General Services Administration

Architect
Julie Snow Architects
Minneapolis

Design Principal
Julie Snow, FAIA
Matthew Kreilich, AIA

Project Architect
Tyson McElvain, AIA

Project Manager
Connie Lindor

Project Team
Jim Larson
Dan Winden
Jennifer Charzewski

Structural Engineer
Meyer Borgman and Johnson, Inc.

MEP/FP Engineer
Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.

Landscape Architect
Coen + Partners

Lighting Designer
Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.

Interior Designer
Julie Snow Architects, Inc.

Contractor
Kraus-Anderson

Construction Manager
Duane Kaiser

Site Area
13 Acres

Building Area
40,108 GSF (25,483 GSF enclosed)

According the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA), “border station architecture is an emerging building type [that] did not exist until the early decades of the 20th century.” This century’s post-September 11th climate means more and more border stations are being built along the Canada and Mexico borders. This crossing in Minnesota designed by local Julie Snow Architects is a great example of the design excellence found in this specific building type. The architects answered some questions about their first border station.

View from HWY 313 Looking West toward Outbound Booth and Secondary Inspection Areas

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

The project was received through an RFP and interview selection process under the U.S. General Service Administrations Design Excellence program.

Secondary Canopy and Main Entrance

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

The design intent of the facility was maintained throughout the construction process. We worked closely with our cost estimator throughout the process to assure that the project stayed within the clients stated budget.

North Façade and Primary Inspection

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The project is the first Land Port of Entry for the U.S. Government that utilizes ground source heat pumps to cool and heat the building. It is currently in line to receive a LEED Gold certification from the U.S.G.B.C. for its use of geothermal heating, recycled building material content, use of natural day lighting and sustainable landscape planning.

Site Plan

Are there any new/upcoming projects in your office that this building’s design and construction has influenced?

We are currently completing our second U.S. Land Port of Entry in Van Buren, Maine which has utilized lessons learned from our work on the LPOE in Warroad, MN. The projects are similar in scale and program.

E-Mail Interview conducted by John Hill