D e v e l o p m e nt
49 Years Young….The Conservatory:
Life Under (Falling) Glass Have you been peering in the doors to the Conservatory to see what’s going on inside? The icon of The Gardens has been closed since March 2011, due to unsafe glass. Opened in December 1962, the Conservatory is a tripartite structure (the Palm, Desert and Camellia houses) with internal spaces free of supporting pillars. This creative, modernist structure was designed by the Lord and Burnham Company as the centerpiece of Birmingham’s then proposed botanical garden. Mayor James W. Morgan (who served from 1953 to 1961) was called “a fighter and a fool” for advocating The Gardens’ creation. It’s easy to imagine that this was because he envisioned The Gardens as an enhancement for all citizens at a time when the city was struggling with civil rights issues. Mayor Morgan thought The Gardens and its Conservatory would be “the biggest attraction of this type in the Southeast.” This proved prophetic as The Gardens is the number one free attraction in Alabama.
Lord and Burnham was the foremost conservatory company in North America, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Conservatory is a rare example in this style; it’s considered worthy of nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2005, the Conservatory has been monitored by Jim Smith of Montgomery Smith, Inc., Burlington, KY., the recognized authority on glass house architecture and preservation. In a 2006 formal evaluation, Smith found the historic steel structure sound, but the glazing and environmental systems antiquated. After detecting subtle changes earlier this year, both Smith and City officials recommended closure. Smith’s work and the 2010 master plan envision a fully renovated and expanded Conservatory with numerous technological upgrades emphasizing greater sustainability.
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By Olivia Alison, Director of Development
Phase I of this long-term effort (which will permit reopening to the public) is now underway, and includes: • Identifying and repairing minor structural damage • Restoring the original sway-bar systems • Removing original glass, which is not safety glass • Preparing and painting the structure • Re-glazing the roof with safety glass • Automating ventilation sashes and upgrading the electrical system • Repairing or replacing interior end walls and doors Future improvements include energy-efficient environmental control systems, refurbished exhibits, two additional houses (one at each end), activity terraces at the entrances, a grand staircase and stage in front and universal access.
The Daniel Foundation and Bill and Lyndra Daniel have pledged significant resources towards Phase I, while the City will cover the design development costs. The Friends have applied for several grants to help fund the renovation and are seeking private support also. Our goal is to reopen the Conservatory in time to celebrate its 50th birthday! If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Director of Development Olivia Alison at 205.414.3961 or oalison@bbgardens.org. For more information about the Conservatory and its history, see The Birmingham Botanical Society, A Brief History¸1999, by Carolyn Green Satterfield, available at The Gardens library, or for purchase at Leaf & Petal at The Gardens. For more about the Lord and Burnham Company and the impressive list of glasshouses restored or designed by Montgomery Smith, Incorporated, go to www.montgomerysmithinc.com.