Spring has arrived early at the Wilder Park Conservatory & Greenhouse.  Inside it is a comfortable 80 degrees and the springlike scent of soil and plants lingers.  It's hard to believe that just on the other side of the glass is the frigid winds and arctic temperatures of another polar vortex.  The contractors continue to wrap up their work; completing paint touch-ups, hanging exterior lights, and installing the Conservatory windows and vestibule.  The unfrozen portions of the perimeter construction fence have been removed, giving patrons a better look at the restore

The Propagating House is going green, as plants have been moved back into the facility from their temporary homes throughout the District.  Meanwhile, carpenters are installing the wood windows and doors in the Conservatory.   They are also framing the new Conservatory vestibule.  The use of wood in the Conservatory is part of the restoration process, returning the structure to its original form.  The installation of the new fence surrounding the Propagating House has been completed and provides a secure area for the storage of materials.  Behind the scenes Par

Construction crews are in the final stages of the Wilder Park Conservatory and Greenhouse Restoration Project.  The most noticeable progress is that nearly all the glass panels are up in the Conservatory, Greenhouse, and Propagating House.  The remaining sections of glass are custom jobs.  The glass panels on the east and west walls of the Link all must be hand-cut due to their shape, while the perimeter wood-framed windows for the Conservatory are being custom-made in order to maintain the historical character required by the restoration guidelines.  Meanwhile the perim

A new sidewalk has been installed along the north end of the Conservatory that connects to the link. The link is a new structure that connects the Conservatory and Greenhouse. It provides two new entryways to the Conservatory on the north and south sides. Additionally, scaffolding was erected throughout the interior of the Conservatory. The scaffolding eliminates the need for scissor lifts and extension ladders and provides the tradesmen better access to the structure.