The historic Village of Waterford is located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. With the current and historic locks opening directly off of the Waterford Harbor, this site represents the beginning of both the Erie/New York State Barge and Champlain Canal systems. The design of the new Welcoming Center thereby required a blend of traditional imagery including vernacular brick architecture, riverside mills and historic canal structures such as the barge way-station. As the first publicly accessible canalside facility, this new two-story structure provides a strong-imaged landmark statement to enhance the visitor’s sense of place along the canal. The Center offers exhibits and assembly space on the upper level and seasonal services for boaters and visitors along the promenade and dock tie-up areas.