The architectural rendering seen above will soon be a one-of-a-kind nature center and experiential museum in the former Globe Building on Detroit’s wondrous riverfront. Wondrous. Yes.

The DNR is involved, investing nearly $13 million in the project, as are some state tax credits.

Once completed, state officials said they hope to draw up to a million visitors annually. DNR officials expect to see construction begin this fall and are eyeing a late 2013 move-in date.

And from the developers:

“This is a unique project because you’re going from a former industrial/warehouse building to something that’s going to be very much a public amenity — a place where people will come and experience the park,” said David Di Rita, a principal with Detroit-based Roxbury Group.

And some idea as to what this thing will actually look and feel like:

the proposed Outdoor Adventure and Discovery Center will offer interactive simulations of reeling in a fish from one of the Great Lakes, kayaking on one of the state’s waterways and firing a bow and arrow.

Other possibilities for the center include a rock-climbing wall and a rope course.

“We want to give kids a taste of those kinds of experiences and that will hopefully launch them into visiting our state parks and introduce them to the natural resources Michigan has to offer,” Anthes said.