After 50 years, Yosemite Valley National Park's concessions are transformed to welcome visitors

Multistudio is pleased to announce that the Yosemite Valley National Park concessions renovations project has received a Merit Award from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Southwest Chapter.

“Our team is honored to receive this award,” says Melissa Alexander, NCIDQ, IIDA, principal of Multistudio. “This project was a practice in inviting the outdoors in; when we study space, we often look to the surrounding environment to pick up on a rhythm. The client group was generous and allowed us to explore local materiality and make these gathering places welcoming for any traveler.”

Within the majestic Yosemite Valley, three locations — Degnan’s Loft, Base Camp, and Curry Village — serve as refueling points for adventurers. Unfortunately, the existing facilities were not updated in 50 years and saw higher visitation than their initial capabilities.

Each concession’s identity was designed to create an intimate guest experience while embracing the infinite scale of the park. Through phased renovations, the team modernized the concessions while honoring the historic architecture and highlighting the sites’ natural splendor. Diligent research and coordination led the team to develop color palettes from historic textiles and select finishes to complement the original structure. Raw materials were chosen to create subtle palettes that invite the outdoor experience inside. The identities created underscore the rich history of the park and celebrate an exciting future.

With the park receiving nearly 5 million visitors each year, the concessions were renovated with longevity, sustainability, and a reverence for the original architecture. The Multistudio team underscored the natural world while developing a community space that improved visitors’ comfort and experience.