The existing bunkhouse was constructed c. 1990 by Viceroy to replace the earlier, dilapidated bunkhouse. It is currently used as temporary lodging for visitors to the site.

The existing bunkhouse would be completely remodeled to serve a number of support functions: public restrooms, vending area (primarily for bottled water), a manager’s office, a break room for docents and volunteers, and a small exhibit space. The office and break room would be strategically located to provide a view of most of the public areas of the site. There would be only one change to the bunkhouse exterior: a new porch would be constructed along the west side of the building. This would provide sheltered outdoor interpretive space. A passage would be opened up through the center of the building and connect to the existing east-facing porch, which would be a sheltered area for those using the picnic area to the east. The existing, remodeled bunkhouse would not serve any overnight guests.

A variant of this project element, in the event that a new bunkhouse was not constructed as a component of the new research facility, would be to construct a new addition to the existing bunkhouse that could accommodate up to 12 overnight guests. The existing bunkhouse space would be remodeled to provide interpretive and public spaces.