Midland, MI — August 29, 2024 — The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is pleased to unveil plans for our new Welcome Center at Dow Gardens, a 110–acre botanical garden located in Midland, Michigan. The facility will enhance the guest experience offering modern amenities and improved access to the Gardens, continuing the 125–year legacy of welcoming guests to the award winning botanical garden. Herbert and Grace Dow’s generous spirit of hosting guests in their home and garden began 125 years ago and continues today. Dow Gardens welcomes guests each year to stroll through the landscape, explore botanical beauty, tour the historic Dow family home, and engage in educational activities. The Groundbreaking Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024.
President of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Ruth A. Doan, expressed her enthusiasm about our new development, saying, “For 125 years, Dow Gardens has been a place of beauty and tranquility, welcoming guests from near and far. Grace and Herbert Dow were devoted to their family and the community. Our new Welcome Center is a testament to The Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all of our guests, ensuring the legacy of hospitality established in 1899 by Herbert and Grace Dow continues to thrive. Their compassionate and visionary philosophy continues to inspire the trustees of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation as we work to create spaces that embody their values.”
Vice President of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Michael L. Dow, highlighted the architectural significance of the new building. “This structure will honor Midland’s architectural heritage and set a new standard for inclusivity and guest comfort. The integration of our new Welcome Center’s organic architecture, using limestone blocks, weathered Corten steel, and patinaed copper, truly exemplifies Alden B. Dow’s philosophy that ‘gardens should never end, and buildings never begin’. We will be delighted to welcome guests to our new Welcome Center, which will serve as the gateway to the incredible experiences Dow Gardens offers.”
Key Features of the New Welcome Center:
- Strengthened Presence: The Welcome Center will strengthen its presence near Eastman Avenue, making Dow Gardens more visible.
- Visitor Capacity: Designed to accommodate 200,000 to 250,000 annual guests, the new Welcome Center will offer ample space for our growing number of guests.
- Venue Enhancements: Improvements aimed at enhancing the experience for those seeking a venue for special occasions including family gatherings, weddings, and business meetings with a garden opportunity.
- Convenient Access: The new drop–off lane will provide easier access to the entrance supporting a seamless arrival experience for all guests.
- Increased Parking: Expanded parking facilities will accommodate the influx of guests, making parking more convenient when visiting Dow Gardens
- Amenities: The Welcome Center will feature a café and meeting room spaces, creating new opportunities for community engagement and enjoyment.
- Updated Facilities: Guests will enjoy an updated gift shop, welcome desk, and exhibit spaces, all designed to enhance the overall guest experience
- Improved Restrooms: The addition of increased number of bathrooms, including an adult changing space/family bathroom and a “Nursing Room”, will support comfort and accessibility for all guests.
Executive Director of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Jenée Velasquez, emphasized the economic impact of the project: “The investment in our Welcome Center is not just an enhancement for Dow Gardens; it’s an investment in our community’s economic development. The original 1977 Visitor Center served 60,000 guests well. However, now with over 225,000 guests visiting each year, we are thrilled to provide a new facility that can address the current challenges and future needs of our growing community.”
The tourism sector is boosted by this investment. Annie Rummel, CEO of Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, is delighted to see the investment in a new space to welcome guests to Dow Gardens. “This project is exciting for Dow Gardens and regional tourism. The 110–acre Botanical Garden draws more than 225,000 guests annually and serves as a driver for positive economic tourism. Dow Gardens, with its multiple Trip Advisor awards, is an asset we enjoy sharing when hosting and attracting people to our region.”
Elizabeth Lumbert, Executive Director of Dow Gardens, reflected on the Garden’s growth and its future: “The current Visitor Center has outgrown its capacity to serve our guests effectively. Guests often struggle to find the entrance and parking. The building’s outdated infrastructure no longer meets our needs. Repairing the 47–year–old building fails to solve the challenges of arrival, flow, and inadequate spaces. Our new Welcome Center will provide a state–of–the–art facility that ensures a seamless and enjoyable visit for everyone. A unique feature is a changing space for guests of all ages with mobility needs, as well as a Nursing Room, further demonstrating our commitment to accessibility.”
Construction Leadership
Spence Brothers was awarded the Construction Management of our new Welcome Center after a competitive selection process. With 131 years of construction expertise, the firm, deeply rooted in the Great Lakes Bay Region, is renowned for its commitment to quality and safety. Its legacy includes significant collaborations with Alden B. Dow and recent projects that honor his original designs.
“At Spence Brothers, we pride ourselves on delivering consistent quality, safe work practices, and cost savings, supported by a legacy of trust since 1893,” said Herb Spence, Chairman and CEO. “We are proud to be a trusted partner of Dow Gardens, contributing to the continued growth of our community — educationally, economically, and personally — while preserving the unique history and beauty of our Great Lakes Bay Region and Michigan for all to enjoy. This facility exemplifies excellence in every aspect.”
Architectural Design
The design of our Welcome Center is being spearheaded by WTA Architects (Wigen Tincknell Associates), a firm with deep roots in Michigan. Founded in 1947 by Frederick E. Wigen, WTA Architects bring extensive experience in the design of facilities that focus on the unique needs of diverse organizations and communities. “We are honored to be part of this significant project, which provides a guest experience at Dow Gardens that is rich in history yet focuses on the gardens,” stated Paul Andrew Haselhuhn, President at WTA Architects. “This is our community, and as such, we have a unique understanding of the rich architectural heritage that defines Midland and the region, including the iconic works of Alden B. Dow. This project embraces this design heritage, and we recognize that learning from our past…inspires our future. Rooted in history, innovation and context, this project is about creating a sense of place that welcomes all, no matter their circumstances, to explore the beauty of the nature within an environment that enriches and is accessible to all.”
###
Images and architectural drawings are available HERE.
About Dow Gardens
Originally established in 1899 as a home for Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow and family, the 110–acre Dow Gardens now welcomes over 225,000 guests per year. Guests are invited to leave the pathway and explore the uniquely–designed landscape, take a tour of the historic Pines Home, participate in one of many hands–on educational programs, stroll the treetops on an elevated Canopy Walk, and discover beautiful art and music in a botanical garden setting.
About The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
In 1936, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation was established by Mrs. Grace A. Dow, in memory of her husband Dr. Herbert H. Dow, “for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes for the public benefaction of the inhabitants of the said City of Midland and of the people of the State of Michigan. In token and esteem of the mutual friendship which has always existed between members of the Dow Family and the citizens of the City of Midland.”
For more information, please contact:
Carolynn Paten, Director of Programming and Guest Services | cpaten@dowgardens.org | 989.631.2677