US (NE): Omaha's Lauritzen Gardens plans $20m greenhouse
According to a recent announcement, the glass structure that’s slated to be complete by November 2014 will be visible from the interstate because it will be built atop a hill.
Executive director Spencer Crews says the new facility will make it easier for people who live in the region to learn about tropical plants without traveling far.
The new conservatory will include 10,000 square feet of tropical plants, a 5,300-square-foot greenhouse of temperate plants and a 2,000-square-foot gallery section that will be used for displays and events.
Randy Blackburn, president of Lauritzen Gardens’ board, said the new conservatory will improve the garden and help it educate people.
“Lauritzen Gardens is already a treasured attraction for Omaha and the new conservatory is an extraordinary and beautiful gift to the Omaha community,” Blackburn said.
The biggest gift for the conservatory came from the foundation set up by the late founder of Valmont Industries, Robert Daugherty, but officials wouldn’t say how much the foundation gave. The project will be named for Marjorie Daugherty, Robert Daugherty’s late wife, who was an avid gardener.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/11/4230931/omahas-lauritzen-gardens-plans.html#storylink=cpy
