Bolz Conservatory Repairs

Project Overview

Olbrich Botanical Gardens officially had a visitor presence with the construction of the first visitor center “The Atrium” in 1977.  The main campus was further built out in 1992 with the addition of the new visitor center, “The Commons”, administration and support areas, greenhouses and the Bolz Conservatory.  Since 2022 City Engineering-Facility Management and Olbrich Botanical Gardens have commissioned several assessments regarding the physical condition and code compliance of the Olbrich Gardens Campus.  The findings of these assessments indicate that the overall condition of the campus is in good condition but there are areas that need attention to improve the longevity for current and future visitors to the gardens. One area of concern is the Bolz Conservatory.  The conservatory is a tropical oasis on the inside but experiences harsh Wisconsin extremes on the outside.  Much of the glass roof has lost its weather sealing and thermal capabilities. The cupola at the roof peak houses outdated ventilation equipment, and the radiator style heating tubes around the interior perimeter are showing wear and tear.  In addition, some elevated planting beds are leaking, and structural components need freshening up.  This project will create the necessary construction documents that will provide accurate construction estimates and lead to a future Public Works construction project that will provide necessary maintenance so the conservatory can continue to be Madison’s Tropical Oasis for years to come. 

Project Schedule

City User Agency: City of Madison Parks

Planning and Design: July 1, 2025 to February 27, 2026

Construction and Bid Doc Preparation: TBD

1st Advertisement of Bid: TBD available only on Bid Express

Contractor's Bid Talk (Virtual): TBD

Bid Due Date: TBD

Construction Start Date: TBD
Expected Completion Date: June 2028

"All information regarding dates/times/locations are informational and should be verified with official bidding documents posted on Bid Express."

Public Involvement

There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. Dates, times and locations will be indicated below as this project progresses.

Public Information Meetings

TBD

City Process Meetings

TBD