This Brooklyn Botanic Garden South Garden project included construction of a new Entry Building, a new Outdoor Food Kiosk, and the renovation of the Event Space in the main building at 1000 Washington.

The renovated event space consists of a long, glass corridor for BBG catering services. The new building contains restrooms and a ticket booth and is approximately 1,350 square feet. The Kiosk (approximately 285 square feet) replaces the existing food tent on the terrace adjacent to the Steinhardt Conservatory. The Event Space is an interior renovation of a former retail space of approximately 2,800 square feet. The existing link between the event space and the Palm House was converted to a lobby providing additional access to the garden.

The make up of the new entry building includes a brick exterior manufactured in Holland, a zinc panel roof and German glass windows made of bird-protection glass.

The site and landscape portion of the project included the Discovery Garden (including the Gardener’s Courtyard), Entry Garden, South Gate Arch restoration, and landscaping adjacent to the event space renovation.

McKim, Mead & White designed the brick arch at the south entrance. The restoration of the arch was particularly challenging, as it is a historic landmark. Additionally, there was major concern for the two 100-year-old trees next to the arch and special care was critical to preserve the large roots of the trees during the work on the entry building and the arch.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden South Garden project won the ENR New York 2015 Best Small Project award.