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Proclamation commending and recognizing Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens upon their 125th Anniversary.
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WHEREAS, “a garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” That quote by Victor Hugo truly embodies the essences that one feels when entirely engulfed in all that the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has to offer; and
WHEREAS, in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was presented as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh by Henry W. Phipps, steel and real-estate magnate, who wanted to “erect something that [would] prove a source of instruction as well as pleasure to the people;” and
WHEREAS, for a fee of $100,000, the glasshouse, consisting of nine display rooms, was completed in August 1893. And one year later after construction began on December 7, 1893, Phipps Conservatory opened to the public and displayed many plants from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the nation’s first teaching conservatory. In 1901 Henry Phipps funded the building of Botany Hall to be used by local teachers looking to enhance class trips to the glasshouse. In the late 1990’s, it was renovated and remains standing to this day and serves many educational programs and events; and
WHEREAS, as the Conservatory was expanding in size and popularity, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was declared a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1970 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976; and
WHEREAS, to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens announced an expansion project in October 2003, Production Greenhouse and Tropical Forest Conservatory. The Tropical Forest Conservatory, completed in 2006, is viewed as the most energy-efficient structure of its kind. It raises the bar for glasshouse design and construction around the United States and drastically eliminates many of the high costs associated with heating and cooling. The Production Greenhouse, also completed in 2006, earned LEED® Platinum for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance in 2012, becoming the first in the world to achieve this certification and one of approximately 20 buildings across the globe to reach the Platinum level. With that certification, the conservatory can grow a wider variety of plants than ever possible before; and
WHEREAS; in 2018, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 125th anniversary and will mark this grand occasion with inspiring their guests with the beauty and wonders of nature. Throughout the year, there will be special events and activities that will celebrate Phipps' past, present and future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Council Member DeWitt Walton and All Members of Council, do hereby commend and recognize Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens upon their 125th Anniversary, and we commend Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for remaining dedicated to inspiring and educating all with the beauty and importance of plants.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 23rd day of October 2018.