Miles-McClellan Turns Buildings into Art for Franklin Park Conservatory
If you’ve been to Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, you have seen firsthand how nature meets art through their displays of beautiful flowers, plants and organic landscapes, enhanced with real pieces of art. But did you notice how the buildings themselves fit into those landscapes and how, through lighting and innovative architectural design, they have become an art exhibit of their own?
With the Conservatory’s vision to restore the vitality, grandeur and beauty of Franklin Park while retaining its original charm and character, Miles-McClellan Construction has managed a variety of projects for The Conservatory, including the expansion of the John F. Wolfe Palm House, a registered Historical Place. As part of a four-phase, two-year expansion campaign, Miles-McClellan completed the expansion of The Palm House by building two 5,000 square foot additions that flank the building’s existing corridor, one designed for special events and the other for administrative offices. The versatility and creativity of the design added 10,000 square feet of flexible space for open air gardens, water features and elegant gatherings, while conquering the roadblocks that come with historical renovations.
In addition to the expansion of The Palm House, Miles-McClellan oversaw the construction of the Bride’s Garden, community gardens with education pavilion, and LIGHT RAMIENT II, an inspiring light display which illuminates The Palm House and was designed by internationally renowned, award-winning artist James Turrell.
In 2015, as classes, programs and community outreach increased for the Conservatory, a new space was needed, so the organization relocated an historic barn’s timber frame, which was set to be dismantled, from northern Ohio to its campus. Miles-McClellan took on the transformation of the Wells Barn, which is not only a piece of history, but a construction marvel filled with engineering innovation, including a basement with classroom space, an elevator, a large event space, a commercial kitchen, and a bar.
“The project was completed on time and on budget, which is critical for a non-profit organization, in large part due to Miles-McClellan’s commitment to problem solving, open communication and outstanding project planning and budgeting.”
Garry Clarke, Vice President of Planning
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Building Excellence takes teamwork and Miles-McClellan would like to thank its architecture, engineering and landscape partners, and the Franklin Park Conservatory, for helping to create these amazing spaces.