While the restoration of Green-Wood Cemetery’s historic Weir Greenhouse got a thumbs up from the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2015, a plan for a new, modern visitor’s center, designed by architecture firm Page Ayres Cowley, was not approved.

exterior of weir greenhouse
The greenhouse in 2018. Photo by Susan De Vries

Now Green-Wood is set to go before the LPC Tuesday with a new proposal: A sleeker and more subdued modern design from Architecture Research Office that will make the 19th century greenhouse the centerpiece. The new building is still an “L” shape that wraps around the old one on two sides, but the massing and materials have changed, and its new dark brown color makes the greenhouse stand out.

Significantly, the current proposal also shifts the new building completely outside of the landmark boundary. While a new glass lobby would almost abut the greenhouse on the 5th Avenue facade, on 25th street a landscaped courtyard would separate the two and serve as the main entrance to the complex. A new entrance would also be inserted into the greenhouse itself.

brooklyn weir conservatory
The 2015 proposal. Rendering by Page Ayres Cowley via Landmarks Preservation Commission
renderings for green-wood visitor center
The current proposal

Gallery space, a catering kitchen and a research library are planned for the 25th Street section of the building, with offices above, according to presentation materials on the LPC site. Covered in terra-cotta panels, the facade facing the glass greenhouse is dominated by windows. Bold signage appears on the facade and fence. What do you think of it?

current site plan

rendering of the facade details

rendering of the entrance

renderings for green-wood visitor center

renderings for green-wood visitor center

renderings for green-wood visitor center

renderings for green-wood visitor center

greenwood visitors center interior

brooklyn architecture weir greenhouse
The greenhouse in 2007. Photo by Kate Leonova for PropertyShark

[Renderings by Architecture Research Office via NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission]

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