International Peace Garden Campus Redevelopment

Manitoba and North Dakota Border

Straddling the US-Canada border near the geographic centre of North America, the International Peace Garden is a living monument honouring peace, friendship, and collaboration between nations. Following an extensive building condition assessment, code review and capital planning study, LM-ESP, in tandem with U.S. firm JLG Architects and landscape architects HTFC Planning and Design, began the process of redeveloping the campus with the goal of modernizing indoor and outdoor spaces to attract, engage and provide immersive experiences for visitors throughout all four seasons.

Established in 1932, the International Peace Garden comprises a network of artfully landscaped gardens, walkways, water features and over 200 buildings and structures constructed through the decades. As prime consultant, we led a diverse multinational stakeholder group and multidisciplinary consultant team to develop a phased campus-wide redevelopment plan befitting of this renowned interpretive destination.

Central to the campus improvements is a major renovation and 15,000 sq. ft. addition to the Conservatory building, which adds a high-performance greenhouse holding one of the world’s largest cacti and succulent collections, as well as a multipurpose events space and integrated café/patio area. Mechanical and electrical systems were also updated while sustainable design features like radiant in-floor heating, solar wall system, and high-efficiency windows improve energy performance.

The first phase of redevelopment also features an added Nature Play Park and enhanced walking paths throughout the 9.5 sq. km. site. Future phases include renovations to the Peace Chapel, Willis Pavilion and Formal Channel. Together, these campus improvements are breathing new life into the International Peace Garden, increasing its value as a must-see destination for visitors from Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

Completion date: In Progress

Size: Varies

Client: International Peace Garden

Programming:

Conservatory & Interpretive Center Expansion, new Nature Play Park, future phased redevelopment of the Peace Chapel, Willis Pavilion and Formal Channel

Services:

Architecture: LM Architectural Group with design partners JLG Architects and HTFC Planning & Design

Completion date: In Progress

Size: Varies

Client: International Peace Garden

Programming:

Conservatory & Interpretive Center Expansion, new Nature Play Park, future phased redevelopment of the Peace Chapel, Willis Pavilion and Formal Channel

Services:

Architecture: LM Architectural Group with design partners JLG Architects and HTFC Planning & Design

The team at LM-ESP got us to look at tough questions. They are great listeners and took the time to really understand our needs and challenges. We appreciated the way they teamed up with other specialists and clarified roles to create value. Working with them was a smooth process from the start.”
– Tim Chapman, CEO International Peace Garden

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