Landmark Design, in conjunction with ajc architects and a team of engineers and interpretive specialists, was commissioned by the Escalante Heritage Center (EHC) Board of Trustees and UDOT to develop the Escalante Heritage Center Master Plan and Feasibility Study. The nine-acre site abuts Scenic Byway 12, Utah’s first and only All-American Road.  The purpose of the center is to tell the stories of early transportation efforts that enabled the pioneers to develop settlements and thrive in the rugged landscape of Escalante, including the Hole-In-The-Rock expedition and others.

Developed in close collaboration with individuals and organizations in the Escalante region including the EHC Board of Trustees, the Master Plan (1) identifies the purpose of the project; (2) analyzes existing conditions; (3) outlines the interpretive concept of the EHC; (4) presents the Site Development Concept for the center; (5) analyzes costs and phases of development; (6) establishes a Level II Categorical Exclusion to address environmental concerns; and (7) concludes with an O&M Plan. The plan was completed in May 2008.

In November 2008 Landmark Design and the original master plan team were contracted by Garfield County and UDOT to develop Phase One Design drawings for the Escalante Heritage Center, based on the results of the Escalante Heritage Center. The project included concept coordination and design of Phase One of the EHC, from Scenic Byway 12 northward into the site. The design includes a gravel entrance road, parking area and bus parking/ turnaround; a restroom and pavilion (including interior lighting); a mural wall, coordination of public art as required; children’s spaces, outdoor exhibits and demonstration areas; an exterior fire pit; landscape improvements including walkways and hard-surfaced plaza areas, limited turf, trees, shrubs, irrigation systems and natural seeded areas; a drinking fountain and coordination of site furnishings; a temporary entrance sign (to be replaced in Phase Two); a demonstration and presentation area; interpretive and orientation panels; site utilities including water, septic, waste and electrical systems; service line connections; and coordination of a gift and food cart or portable kiosk to be provided by others and set up during peak visitation hours. The project began construction in early 2010 and Phase One Improvements are now complete.