Devonian gardens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Devonian Gardens | |
|---|---|
 The original Devonian Gardens | |
 Interactive map of Devonian Gardens | |
| Type | Indoor botanical garden and urban park |
| Location | Downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Created | 1977 |
| Designer | J. H. Cook Architects and Engineers |
| Operated by | City of Calgary Parks |
| Status | Open |
The Devonian Gardens are a large indoor park and botanical garden located in the downtown core of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2012 a major $37-million renovation was completed.[1] Located on the Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall (8 Avenue SW) between 2 Street SW and 3 Street SW, the park is completely enclosed with glass and covers 2.5 acres (10,000 m2) (one full city block) on the top floor of The Core Shopping Centre (formerly TD Square). It is maintained by The City of Calgary Parks.[2]
The gardens include a 900 sq ft living wall, koi ponds, fountains, a children's play area, and over 550 trees, along with meeting and function spaces for special events.[3]
The original gardens contained more than 20,000 plants representing 135 tropical and local species, decorated with waterfalls, bridges, koi ponds and sculptures by local artists, showcased as a permanent art exhibition.[4]
- Design – J. H. Cook Architects and Engineers, original design and layout (1977).[2]
- Donors – Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and Calford Properties, donation to the City at opening.[2]
- Operator – City of Calgary Parks, ongoing operations and maintenance.[2]
- 2012 renewal team – landscape architecture and planning by the Design Workshop Architects for the civic revitalization of the indoor park.[5]
History
Conception and opening (1970s)
Opened in 1977, Devonian Gardens was designed by J. H. Cook Architects and Engineers and donated to the City of Calgary by the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and Calford Properties. The interior park was considered part of the Oxford/TD Square development in Calgary's core and construction costs came to more than 9 million dollars.[2][6][7] It was officially opened to the public on 14 September 1977.[8]
Closure and four-year renovation (2008 to 2012)
A major redevelopment of The Core Shopping Centre required a full garden shutdown beginning in 2008, requiring the gardens to close for renovations for four years. The City committed 37 million dollars to overhaul aging infrastructure, add a biofilter living wall, and replant the collection.[2][9] The gardens reopened on 27 June 2012 and added food court seating, a playground and space for corporate events.[9][10][6]
Warranty work and later reopening (2016 to 2018)
In July 2016 the city announced a temporary closure to address warranty issues in planter beds; repairs included removing and flood-testing planters to stop leaks into shops below.[11] Additional leaks found later that year pushed the reopening into 2017, with sections phased as work progressed, and full public reopening came in 2018.[12][13]
Design and setting
The Gardens occupy the top level of The CORE, integrated with the +15 network and food court. The mall's 2011 redevelopment installed a continuous suspended glass skylight spanning three city blocks, reported at roughly 85 feet wide and 656 feet long, which increases natural light for the Gardens below.[6] The indoor park footprint is about one hectare, contiguous across the block between 2 Street SW and 3 Street SW on 8 Avenue SW.[10]