New Botanical Gardens Visitor Center

Pursuing LEED Gold

IMEG provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology engineering for the new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. The $92 million facility features rare plants from around the world, an event space that can hold up to 450 people, a gift shop, meeting spaces, restaurant with garden views, an auditorium, and conservatory with Mediterranean plants.

IMEG worked collaboratively with the entire project team to evaluate various energy and water saving features which will be integrated into the overall building design. Sustainable design features include a 50,000-gallon rainwater collection cistern which will provide water to plants in the conservatory and green houses, high-efficiency HVAC system with energy recovery wheels on the outside of the AHUs, optimized building envelope for energy efficiency and daylighting, and photovoltaic solar panels on the roof. Overall, automated mechanical systems will provide high staff and visitor comfort while reducing annual energy expenses by 23% from standard technologies.

Construction of the visitor center was completed in phases so the Garden could remain open to visitors. Construction began in January 2020 and was completed in 2022. The project is pursuing LEED Gold certification. Check out the Gateway to the Garden project website to learn more.