The Naples Botanical Garden underwent an expansion project that costs approximately $15 million and began on June 25, 2013 with a ground breaking ceremony followed by the start of construction a few months later in September. The Garden then closed in June of 2014 to complete the construction. Lake/Flato Architects of San Antonio, Texas, were awarded the project, Raymond Jungles of Miami was selected to design the new gardens, and Manhattan Construction of Naples oversaw all phases of construction.
The Garden is scheduled to re-open this Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. for a ribbon-cutting and opening celebration of the breathtaking Eleanor and Nicholas Chabraja Visitor Center. An elevated walkway past spectacular gardens leads to the 25,000 sq. ft. addition. Fogg’s Café, next to Kapnick Hall, will offer an inventive menu designed and delivered by Lurcat Catering who will also serve as the Garden’s exclusive caterer for Garden events and private rentals. The menu will incorporate fresh produce from the garden. Photographic studies of bark textures by Naples artist Dennis Goodman complement the entrance and the Palm Court, fronting the café, will be perfect for outdoor eating in good weather. The new center will also include an indoor multi-purpose space to be used for art shows, lectures and exhibits; a volunteer services area; and an enhanced ticketing and retail center.
Three new gardens will also be unveiled; Irma’s Garden with unique specimen plantings, Kathryn’s Garden with more of a jungle atmosphere and LaGrippe Orchid Garden that features over 1,000 orchid species and varieties. The Garden offers something for everyone of all ages and provides a venue, unlike any other in Florida, helping making Naples the perfect place to call home.