Conservatory Improvements
W.W. Seymour Conservatory
316 South G St.
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 305-1054
[email protected]
Project Manager: Kristi Evans
Latest Updates
COMPLETE
- May 14, 2022: Grand Reopening
- January 2022: Parks Tacoma staff began rebuilding the plant exhibits
- December 7, 2021: Renovations continue and substantial completion tentatively scheduled for end January 2022
- May 1, 2021: Renovations began
- April 1, 2021: The conservatory was closed in April for staff to remove the plant collection. Construction set to begin on May 1 and should be complete in approximately 6 months
- Description: The project included:
- The addition of accessible parking
- Rehabilitation of the existing conservatory including upgrades to the existing structure, building envelope, interior partitions, casework, HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, controls and lighting, custom metal fabrications, green walls, rock walls and new plantings.
News
Projects restoring highly-valued Tacoma destinations garner three state, local awards
Sneak peek at the renovated W.W. Seymour Conservatory
New restrooms come to the conservatory
Since its opening in 1908 in Wright Park, the conservatory has been a well-loved botanical conservatory and a cultural jewel for the people of Tacoma. The conservatory continues to play an important role in present-day and to this end was placed on the National, State, and City Register of Historic Places since 1976.
- 2021 – Restoration
Plans included a phased expansion of the building, which added more exhibit space, a new entry lobby and additional improvements. Work began in May 2021. - 2019 – New Restrooms
A restroom facility has been constructed at ground level, and attached to the west side of the Conservatory’s north wing. It has been built to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for access. - 2016 – Final Design Unveiled
After extensive community input, final schematic drawings were unveiled July 21, 2016. Parks Tacoma has funding for rehabilitation, although further funding will have to be identified for the full designs to be completed. See the possible phasing in the drawings below. - 2015 – Public Process and Community Input
In late 2015, Parks Tacoma unveiled initial schematic design options to restore and expand the conservatory. The public process included about 300 surveys and numerous comments during public meetings and presentations. - 2005 – Master Plan
This plan for Wright Park is the first comprehensive master plan for the park since its original design in the late 1800s.
- Wright Park Master Plan
- New Conservatory Restrooms
- Building Improvements
Parks Tacoma, the City of Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission and the community worked together to create a master plan that will secure Wright Park’s status as one of the Puget Sound region’s signature parks. This plan for Wright Park is the first comprehensive master plan for the park since its original design in the late 1800’s.
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory was a top priority.
After more than a century of use, the Victorian-style structure needs system and structural upgrades and additional space for botanical displays and interpretation.
Completed March 2019
The restrooms are open to the public, paid for by the 2014 capital improvement bond and built for accessibility.
View restroom schematics (pdf)
In late 2015, Parks Tacoma unveiled initial schematic design options to restore and expand the conservatory. The public process included about 300 surveys and numerous comments during public meetings and presentations.
Final Design
After extensive community input, final schematic drawings were unveiled July 21, 2016. Parks Tacoma has funding for rehabilitation, although further funding will have to be identified for the full designs to be completed. See the possible phasing in the drawings below.
The Scope of Work Includes:
Structural: Upgrade to “life safety’ performance level
- Weld double angles to existing plate columns at grids 6,8
- Stiffen primary steel framing at wings
- Horizontal steel tension x bracing at wing roofs
- Vertical steel tension x bracing at wing walls
- Reinforce welds at existing rotunda tension bracing
- Repair/replace steel beam in basement mechanical room
- Repair crack in basement concrete wall
- Repair exposed reinforcing steel in slab above mechanical room
Access: Upgrade site and building accessibility components
- Provide accessible bathrooms, improve accessible route to building
Program: Restore original use of space
- Remove gift shop/office from south wing, restore to plant display
Systems: Upgrade/replace existing building systems
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Lighting replacement
Envelope: Periodic maintenance of envelope components
- Wood: repair, paint
- Steel: repair corroded members, paint
- Glazing: repair damaged panels, clean, reseal
- Foundation: remove plantings directly adjacent to building, regrade for positive drainage
- Gutters: restore at eaves of wings, connect to storm
- Vents: restore in concrete stem wall. Add dampers to control air flow