Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri
Project Overview
Owner: Missouri Botanical Garden
Completion Date: September 2023
The construction of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden was completed in 2023. The project involved a three-phased approach to maintain visitor access during construction, which included building a temporary structure, demolishing the old visitor center, and constructing the new 94,000-square-foot facility. Designed by Ayers Saint Gross, the new center includes a large lobby, classrooms, an auditorium, a gift shop, a café, and an events center.
Construction and design highlights
Three-phase construction: The project was built in three phases to minimize disruption to visitors. A temporary structure was first erected, and once the new building was complete, the old one was demolished and the temporary one dismantled.
Architects: The center was designed by Ayers Saint Gross.
Facilities: The new 94,000-square-foot building includes a spacious lobby, classrooms, an auditorium, a gift shop, a café, and an event center.
Integration with gardens: The design aims to blend with the surrounding gardens, featuring natural materials and ample glass to create an immersive experience. The new center is situated between gardens designed by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects.
Design features:
- A “scrim” in the lobby, made of perforated panels, filters light to mimic a tree canopy.
- The exterior uses durable materials like granite, bronze, and limestone.
- Pressed botanical specimens from the Garden’s collection are used in the walls dividing the dining areas.
- A custom bench and table for the restaurant were made from a Shumard Oak tree that was part of the Garden’s collection.