Frederik Meijer Gardens wins LEED certification for expansion

By Rachael Recker The Grand Rapids Press

December 02, 2009, 3:21PM

GRAND RAPIDS -- Now the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has really gone green.

One of the nation's most sought-after botanical and sculpture destinations received a silver-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

The certification was awarded in conjunction with the Gardens latest 23,000-square-foot additions, including expanded office spaces, café, storage and visitor areas.

The new additions were completed in May as part of a $7.6 million capital campaign.

"Environmental stewardship has always been one of our guiding principles," Gardens president/CEO David Hooker said in a press release.

The LEED features at the Gardens include a reflective roof of white rubber membrane that reflects heat, irrigation systems that reduce water consumption, waterless urinals and low-flow fixtures and building materials made from recycled materials.

Cox, Medendorp, Olson Architects oversaw the architectural design and certification. Owen Ames Kimball Co. lead the building construction.

The Gardens also includes its 1,750-seat outdoor amphitheater -- host to world-renowned acts during their summer concert series.

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