On May 14, 2018, Boston Children's Hospital completed phase 2 and proudly opened its new 8,000 square foot Rooftop Garden. Located on top of the $1 Billion, 11-story Clinical Care Tower, the garden replaced an existing park and, to gain approval for the new construction, the hospital had to commit to creating a like amount of green space.

Through innovative design and engineering, the architectural team created a rooftop garden that provides patients, families, and staff with a panoramic view over the city. Since the design included approximately 50 ton of steel product that will be exposed to the harsh New England environment, the architectural team specified a duplex system of hot dip galvanizing and paint to provide long term corrosion protection and maintenance-free aesthetics. The choice of a vibrant blue color palette over the galvanized steel served to “brighten patients days.”

This garden, which cost a total of $15 million, was designed to accommodate children in wheelchairs and those with weak immune systems. Most of that cost, Lisa Hogarty, Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development said, came from the relocation of infrastructure as much of the building’s mechanical systems located on the roof had to be moved and the elevator had to be extended. Still, Hogarty said of the addition, “I would describe it as priceless.”