Bird Haven Greenhouse, Joliet

PROJECT: Bird Haven Greenhouse, Joliet
DATE: June 2004
ARCHITECT: Simmons Associates Architects
CONTRACTOR: O.W.Taylor, LLC
Montgomery Smith, Inc.
Needs Assessment
Structural Engineering Survey
Glazing System, Mechanical Systems and Control Systems Design
Construction Documents and Construction Administration

Bird Haven Conservatory at Pilcher Park in Joliet Illinois is a 1929 Lord and Burnham conservatory and production range greenhouse complex. Three major greenhouses – Palm House, Growing House and Desert House, comprise the original conservatory space with 1939 production greenhouse additions and a 1963 Ickes-Braun Greenhouse Company addition now know as the Ron Dodd Show House.

This current construction effort was a complete restoration of the 1929 Lord and Burnham structures. This conservatory restoration included: aluminum extrusions to replicate the original wood roof glazing rafters, aluminum replicated ventilation sash, laminated lapped glass glazing system, replicated castings, recreation of the original vestibule and canopies, complete refinishing of the structural steel components and refurbishment of the original benching systems. A new computerized control system, high-pressure fog system, automatic shading system and complete automatic vent operating equipment were added to the complex.


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