The present cast and wrought iron framed greenhouse is the second greenhouse on the site and  was designed by  George Curtis Gillespie in 1895. This building was constructed over the foundations of an earlier original wood framed glass house was built by Mercein Thomas in  1880. Both buildings were built for James Weir Jr. a member of a renowned Brooklyn florist and grower. The site is both a national Register Property and an individually designated NYC landmark.

With  preservation grants to  support an extensive restoration and reconstruction project, our firm has been retained to devise a multi-phase project that will  culminate with the design of a new visitor center to house the administrative, financial and development departments of Green-Wood Cemetery. The new Visitor Center will also provide research facilities, a  library and conservation laboratory to maintain an expanding archives and research center. Also planned are an exhibition space, educational  classrooms and multi-purpose event area as  well  as  other visitor  amenities to  support the  increased visitation and trolley tours at Green-Wood Cemetery across the street.

The  project team includes ARUP, retained to  perform all  of  the engineering services. This will assure coordination of all MEP, fire and life safety systems throughout the old and new building.  Phase I - Selective Demolition and Structural  Repair is scheduled to be completed in Fall of 2015, with Phase II - Restoration   of   Greenhouse   is  scheduled for completion in late 2016.