For nearly a hundred years, Spink Pavilion, originally known as Flora Gate, served as the formal entry pavilion to the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden. In 1987, Mackey Mitchell was asked to transform the original open loggia into an enclosed special events venue. The 90-seat dining room, ballroom, and general purpose room became a popular hospitality venue. In 2011, the historic classical limestone building was upgraded once again. The previous enclosure's wood and glass storefront was replaced with upgraded glazing and aluminum curtain wall, which significantly improved transparency and impressive views to the Milles Sculpture Garden, and the Climatron.
SHAPE
The outdoor patio facing the garden was made more functional with the addition of a three-season fabric tensile awning. New lighting and HVAC systems, a bride’s room, and an upgraded video/sound system increase the pavilion’s capacity to host larger groups. Spink Pavilion has many new design features that showcase the Garden’s commitment to advancing sustainability.
INSPIRE
The Garden is deeply committed to being an institution at the forefront of environmental sustainability. As such, it was decided from the onset that the design team would use LEED as the criteria for measuring the project’s sustainable characteristics. One noteworthy sustainable achievement was the large portion of construction waste - 92% - that was diverted from landfill sites. The project is LEED certified.
Passion + Perspective
Combined plans, site plans with floor plans overlaid, are used to understand the spatial relationships from inside to outside.
Detail sketches help with the development of construction documents.
Elevational studies help the design team understand the scale of addition elements versus existing.
This 3D model was used to study the expanded function space.
This photo shows the 3D model inserted into the context of the existing photo to help the client understand how the project sits within its environment.
Mackey Mitchell has designed a skillful adaptation of an empty space into a lovely entertainment venue which is imaginative and pleasing. It presents a beautiful window to the Garden in all seasons.
- Peter Raven (Former) President, Missouri Botanical Garden
