Memphis Botanic Garden to begin next part of modernization

Memphis Business Journal
John Klyce

Though COVID-19 continues to spread rampantly across the nation, the virus hasn’t halted growth at the Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG), which will begin the next steps of its modernization project in January.

First announced in September 2018, Nourish Greenprint: 2021 is a $6 million capital campaign aimed at funding three focus areas for the organization — improvements to infrastructure, an establishment of reserve funds, and an expansion of its educational efforts. Currently, it’s reached 92% of its fundraising goal.

“Certainly, the pandemic has been a challenge to us operationally, however, we have scrupulously kept separate and apart funds we raised for our capital campaign from operating dollars,” Michael Allen, executive director of the MBG, said in a press release.

One of the next steps is a renovation of the Grand Hallway, located on the west end of the visitor’s center. Essentially a corridor, it will serve as an entryway to the Goldsmith Room — a large meeting space — and provide guests a place to wait before an event begins.

According to the release, the improvements will include renovated, ADA-compliant bathrooms, an updated meeting area, and backroom improvements, with the goal of creating an “inviting, light, airy space.” Fleming Architects created the design, and Grinder Taber & Grinder will complete construction.

The second step is a new way-finding signage package. A coordinated series of directional and interpretive signs, they’ll be installed across the nonprofit’s 96 acres, making it easier for guests to both move between and learn about its 30 gardens.

This step will also include a new, low-profile sign at MBG's entrance on Cherry Road. The signage and hallway projects are expected to be completed in Spring 2021.

The two projects mark the third and fourth components of Nourish Greenprint: 2021. Already, MBG has expanded parking capacity by 20%, and renovated the Visitors Center. Work on the latter involved:

  • Acoustical improvements

  • A new, original, art installation by Tylur French of Youngblood Studios in Memphis

  • Electric doors for handicap/stroller accessibility

  • Expanded gift shop

  • New flooring

  • Fratelli’s restaurant upgrades

  • LED lighting

  • New seating and planters

  • New welcome desk with information monitors

  • Window upgrades for better control of glare and efficiency


Kristi Slipher