Brookfield Zoo, Hamill Family Wild Encounter and the Bramsen Animal Ambassador Pavilion

The Featherstone Difference

Featherstone embedded with the client during the planning phase for the reconstruction of the southeast portion of the Zoo. Initial efforts centered around the three–acre Hamill Family Wild Encounter development, but this feature had a programmatic connection to the popular Animal Ambassador program. This critical opportunity to create a co-development, had been previously sidelined due to funding limitations. Strategies were developed to achieve an economy of scale that would enable the construction of both sites simultaneously. There was such credible detail, with respect to schedule and cost estimates, that the Zoo could move forward with both projects.  

Featherstone helped jumpstart both projects and collaborated with architect Booth Hansen to bring the award-winning Bramsen Animal Ambassador Pavilion online – years ahead of the planned schedule. Both projects benefitted from orchestrated design and construction efficiencies, and therefore achieved better value for the Zoo’s benefactor dollars. Fundraising with confidence for the Bramsen Animal Ambassador Pavilion began during the design phase and proved true; as both projects exceeded all expectations for quality, timeliness, and value.