Franklin Park Conservatory Ameriflora

The original specification for the Franklin Park Conservatory 80,000 square-foot expansion and renovation project was a 3-coat paint system. After months of marketing, construction meetings, and downright persistence, the specification was amended to hot-dip galvanizing with a 2-part paint system. The project included two new plant houses with several distinct environments within them - a desert room, a tropical rain forest, a Himalayan room, a Pacific Island water garden, and an orchid display. The varieties of temperatures, humidity levels, and herbicide exposure make this conservatory a candidate for extreme corrosion. Once the architect and ownership group realized this, they were sold on the idea of galvanizing.

According to Bill Dawson, Head Curator of the Conservatory, the structural steel that was galvanized and prime-painted has held beyond the expectations of the owner over its 20-year existence. The expansion was created for the Ameriflora 92 event, but the entire community knew the structure would have to stand for years beyond in order to justify the investment. Since the Ameriflora event, the Conservatory has hosted hundreds of events including artistic displays, blown glass exhibits, and several hundred weddings. It has become a gathering place for school groups and families of all ages. The original structure has maintained its overall appearance and has shown no signs of corrosion. Very little touch-up, if any, has been required. In Dawsons opinion, the use of galvanizing was a wise choice and has saved the Conservatory time and money over the years.