The Grand Garden at The Morton Arboretum

The Grand Garden at The Morton Arboretum

Date
2022

Facility/Site
11.5 acres Specialty Land Development, 160,500 sf New Construction 

Project Scope

A grandscale garden encompassing three main spaces; the Centennial Plaza, the Celebration Garden, and the Joy of Plants Garden. A series of garden rooms, numerous water features and fountains, intuitive wayfinding elements, and an elegant terrace for weddings and special or corporate events.  

 

Reference

Kris Bachtell
Vice President of Collections and Facilities
(630) 7192437

The Featherstone Difference

Featherstone took a lovely, watercolored rendering of the Grand Garden developed by the architecture firm of HDLA and developed a detailed, accurate cost opinion to convert the original hedge garden to a celebration garden. Utilizing their design and construction knowledge, Featherstone’s estimate was used as a tool to further develop the project program and design details. The designer noted the level of detail achieved on site utility concepts and their corresponding estimates , was nothing short of miraculous.” HDLA was made true believers and now preach the Featherstone method to all their clients. 

Featherstone brought a consistent approach that allowed the designer to access regional support and understand Midwest detailing, in addition to the design standards typical to the client. Featherstone’s ability to look at the Master Plan images alongside the existing site improvements and articulate the sequencing required to build a world class garden, set the project up for success. Featherstone provided the information the client and design team needed to make informed decision regarding various elements, materials, and timelines. The ability to make real decisions upfront, allowed the client and design team to move through the design phase efficiently and effectively. 

Category: New Projects

Budget: $11,500,000

Featherstone Facts

Average Bid to Build Variance -3.11%,
Average Value for Fee at 145%
Last 5 years – 5 Fabulous Parks
Last 5 years – 5 Fantastic Libraries
Multiple, Decades-Longstanding, Client Relationships – The Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Brookfield Zoo, the Wauconda Public Library, The Schaumburg Township District Library