The Center's main two buildings are former army barracks built in 1907. They are remarkable historic structures with thirteen foot high pressed tin ceilings oak balustrades, maple floors and redwood wainscotting. Vandalized and vacant for fifteen years before the Center took possession of them in 1986, the Center's buildings are being renovated and transformed through the granting of commissions to artists. Current project include the construction of a landscaped front entry and parking lot by Mel Chin. Although some renovations have made, much work remains.
Electrical power is available in the studio building, but it is minimal.
There is cold running water on the first floor only of the studio buildings and electric heaters provide the sole source of heat oin most studios. Permanent alteration to the studio or in the park are not permitted by the NPS and studio spaces must be returned to their original condition at the end of a residency. Three buildings house live-in residents. All houses are fully furnished. Residents live communally and do their own housekeeping.