Blog: City Blog

'Hardhats in the Garden' at Knoxville Botanical Garden Updates Guests on Welcome Center Construction

Great to see so much energy and enthusiasm Wednesday evening at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum!

Big turnout for "Hardhats in the Garden," a gathering that treated guests to an update on progress of construction of the new 5,000-square-foot Welcome Center.

Supporters of the East Knoxville botanical garden enjoyed touring the new center while it's being constructed; the project will be completed this summer. Welcome Center amenities will include a reception area, gift shop and a large event space that can accommodate up to 300 people and expand onto a patio.

The design features a unique re-use of an older building dating back to its use as part of the Howell Family Nursery. Nifty architectural features include a corrugated metal mesh on the exterior, a waffled veneered ceiling inside, and expansive picture windows - generous natural light, appropriate for a botanical garden!

The 47-acre Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum has a history that dates back more than 200 years. The original orchard was planted by David W. Howell in 1786. He'd been given the land for his service during the American Revolutionary War.

Fun "Hardhats in the Garden" event - can't wait to see the Welcome Center when it's finished!

Waffled veneered ceiling at the new Welcome Center.

Posted by evreeland On 26 June, 2015 at 4:34 PM