The mission of the Hillside Trust focuses on research and education about the local geology, advocacy for hillside and view sensitive development, and land conservation. The Hillside Trust Education and Visitors’ Center is intended to serve as a gateway from the parking lot to Alms Park and scenic overlook, while providing more storage space and an indoor meeting space for interpretive events and meetings.

The design educates the community regarding sensitive hillside development. The main building is positioned far enough away from the existing hillcrest to insure the existing hillside is not disturbed by construction, and when viewed from below, the structure does not interrupt the visual line of the hill. To accommodate panoramic viewing, the main meeting room opens out to a fenced sheltered terrace over the valley below. Renewable energy, stormwater management and material selection are key strategies employed to target a LEED Gold Rating.