Detroit’s Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Reopens After $10 Million Renovation
For architecture enthusiasts of Albert Kahn, this conservatory is a treat! It combines spectacular architecture with all the plants a gardener could want, sourced from throughout the world.
Renovation
After a two-year closure, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle has reopened to the public as of December 4, 2024, following a comprehensive $10 million renovation. This historic greenhouse, originally opened in 1904 and designed by Albert Kahn, is one of the oldest continually operating conservatories in the United States.
Extensive Restoration Efforts
The Renovation focused on restoring the conservatory’s iconic 85-foot-tall glass dome, replacing over 1,500 panes with laminated glass to improve light control and energy efficiency. Additional upgrades included repairing steel trusses, abating asbestos and lead paint, installing new catwalks, and restoring exterior limestone panels. Interior enhancements encompassed new concrete flooring, planter walls, and updated glass in the cactus and tropical houses.
Funding and Collaboration
The project was funded through a combination of $7.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and $2.5 million in private donations secured by the Belle Isle Conservancy. Ideal Contracting led the construction, with architectural consultation from Forbes Associates Architects and glasshouse design input from Montgomery Smith.
Visitor Experience
The conservatory features five distinct sections: the Palm House, Tropical House, Cactus House, Fernery, and Show House, each showcasing diverse plant collections from around the world. Notably, the conservatory houses one of the largest municipally owned orchid collections in the country, a gift from Anna Scripps Whitcomb in 1955.
Community Reception
Visitors have expressed enthusiasm for the conservatory’s reopening. Detroit residents Raymond and Valencia Simpson, who married at the conservatory nearly a decade ago, praised the renovations, noting the improved lighting and overall beauty of the space.
Plan Your Visit
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Located at 900 Inselruhe Avenue on Belle Isle, the conservatory offers a rejuvenated experience for plant enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.
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