3. Fromme Design has been collaborating with board, staff, and donor on revitalizing the Ottosen Entry Garden, the visitors’ first and last impression of the Desert Botanical Garden. The schematic design creates a “dispersed” visitor center, with services and amenities placed in discrete structures. The architecture subtly defines the perimeter of a series of choreographed spaces celebrating iconic Sonoran Desert Plants and water in an arid environment. Proposed buildings include renovated admissions and ticketing; an orientation gallery; café with grab-and-go offerings; and a small dining garden off the current restaurant. Enhancements also include a central “lobby” leading into the rest of the property; clarified pedestrian and service circulation; introduction of intimate shaded seating areas; locations for rotating exhibitions; and rejuvenated planting. The project seamlessly integrates with the Promenade, a concurrent design process Fromme is also leading.

The design team also includes EDSA’s Denver office. HDLA provided early graphic support.