Frederik Meijer
Gardens & Sculpture Park
Project Details
Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Services Utilized
Green Building Certification
Building Performance
Project Size
Learning Center: 23,932 sf
Concessions: 12,374 sf
Welcome Center: 66,543 sf
Kitchen Addition: 10,235 sf
Scenic Corridor: 21,370 sf
Project Achievements
LEED for New Construction v2009 Silver certification
- Covenant Learning Center (2022)
- Concessions Building (2021)
LEED for New Construction v2009 Certified certification
- Welcome Center (2022)
- Kitchen Addition (2022)
- Scenic Corridor (2023)
The Challenge
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park wanted to create a space that not only honored the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer but also welcomed the world in a way that seamlessly integrated art, nature, and architecture. With the increasing number of visitors, the existing facilities were no longer sufficient to provide the serene and inspiring experience the Gardens were known for. They desired to expand and enhance their facilities in a way that would maintain the park’s commitment to sustainability, cultural significance, and visitor engagement, all while preserving the beauty and tranquility that the Gardens are renowned for. This included a learning center, concessions building, welcome center, kitchen addition, and scenic corridor in an extensive reconfiguration of the 158-acre campus. Building on a long-standing commitment to accessibility, the Gardens set out to exceed the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards, ensuring that their indoor and outdoor spaces are barrier free.
Artistically Designed
Created With Intention
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has long made accessibility a core element of its design, ensuring that the entire 158-acre campus is barrier-free and universally accessible, both indoors and outdoors. The recent additions, including the new kitchen, education center, scenic corridor, concessions, and welcome center, were all thoughtfully constructed with accessibility in mind, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are available to enhance the comfort and ease of exploring the beautiful natural and sculptural landscapes.
Our Solution
“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental sustainability through its green building practices and LEED-certified facilities, integrating eco-friendly design practices and energy-efficient technologies. We prioritize visitor experience and environmental stewardship as we seek the balance and harmony of the two to achieve our mission to promote 'the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.'"
- Peter T. Crawford
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park embarked on an ambitious $115 million capital expansion project, which included the construction of several new buildings and extensive renovations across the 158-acre campus. The New York-based architectural firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects was selected to design the new spaces, with a focus on creating structures that harmonized with the natural environment while enhancing the visitor experience. The project also involved collaboration with Progressive Companies as engineers, Owen-Ames Kimball as the contractor, and Energy Studio & Catalyst Partners as sustainability consultants ensuring that the vision was executed with precision and care.
The centerpiece of the expansion was the 69,000-square-foot LEED-certified Welcome Center; a building designed to both organize and inspire. This facility serves as the gateway to the Gardens, with a granite-clad plaza that bridges the space between the main entrance and the outdoor amphitheater. Inside, visitors are greeted with an orthogonal plan that guides them seamlessly through the space, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing the overall experience. The Welcome Center also incorporates green infrastructure, such as a white reflective roof and water-efficient landscaping, contributing to an overall reduction in energy costs and water usage.
In addition to the Welcome Center, the project included the construction of the 20,000-square-foot Covenant Learning Center, which houses six classrooms and an interactive education area. This facility not only provides space for educational programs but also features a rooftop sculpture garden, further blending the art and nature elements central to the Gardens’ mission. The project also saw the expansion of the amphitheater, increasing its seating capacity and improving its amenities, making it an even more attractive venue for cultural events.
Sustainability was a key component of the expansion, with all projects designed and constructed to meet LEED standards. The projects achieved significant environmental milestones, such as diverting an average of 60% of construction waste from landfills, using locally sourced materials, and implementing stormwater management systems that protect the surrounding landscape. The integration of energy-efficient systems, including radiant heating and cooling, has resulted in an average energy cost reduction of 24%, demonstrating the Gardens’ commitment to both environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
Through this comprehensive expansion, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has successfully “Welcomed the World” with enhanced facilities that honor the legacy of its founders while continuing to serve their community and environme&
Campus Project Achievements
46%
Average Indoor Water Use Reduction
60%
Average Construction Waste Diverted from Landfill
39%
Average Recycled Building Materials Used
52%
Average Local Products Used
24%
Average Energy Cost Reduction
$38,000
Annual Operational Energy Cost Savings