Current Capital Improvement Projects

Oak Park Conservatory
West Growing House Renovation Project

The Conservatory West Growing House Renovation Project was completed in September 2009.

Project Summary
On May 11, 2009, the Park District of Oak Park began the process of removing the lead paint from the steel frame of the west growing house.  The west growing house is one of three production houses at this popular tourist attraction that houses plant specimens dating back to 1929.  This project required the removal of all of the plant material in the house to the other growing houses or to the outside growing area.  All of the ironwork was cleaned, primed and painted with special material which encapsulates any traces of paint left behind. All paint chips and dust were collected and disposed of properly.  This work was done by a certified lead abatement contractor.  The passageway between the Fern Room and the west greenhouse was also abated.  Air monitoring was performed throughout the conservatory to gauge air quality during lead abatement.

This was the fourth area within the Conservatory complex to receive lead abatement before the paint significantly chips, chalks or peels.  The Fern room was abated in July 2002, the Desert room in September 2006 and the East growing house in June 2007.  This proactive measure helps to ensure that the Oak Park Conservatory continues to provide a safe and healthy recreation and leisure education experience for the nearly 30,000 patrons who view the exhibits annually.

The improvements to the west growing house also included replacing outdated heating equipment and structural work. There were also opportunities to make improvements to environmental controls which improved efficiency for growing and possible energy savings. New rolling benches were installed to allow for more efficient growing space and to eliminate asbestos panels. A new retractable thermal shade device, that acts as a cooling device in the summer and a heat retention device in the winter, was also installed. This device provided for greater worker safety since it eliminated the need to whitewash the roof of the greenhouse.

Conservatory Availability
The conservatory showrooms will not be impacted by this renovation work and will remain open to the public throughout the abatement process.

Project Team
The Park District of Oak Park allocated $300,000, under its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funded by the successful passing of the parks referendum in April 2005, for this project.

The services of Garapolo/Maynard Architects, Inc., Oak Park, IL were retained for this project. Through a public bid process, Associated Environmental Inc. was contracted to complete the project’s major components including lead-based paint removal and painting. TEM, Inc, Glen Ellyn, IL was responsible for air sampling professional services and project management.
 
Dust Management
The lead paint coating was removed by Associated Environmental Inc., a certified lead abatement contractor who is obligated to complete work in compliance with all laws and regulations regarding lead abatement. During the project, air monitoring was performed throughout the Conservatory by TEM, Inc. to gauge air quality. Soil samples were taken before and after the project was completed. Dust partitions were installed around each work area to restrict dust to the operational portion of the building and restrict the public from entering the work area.

Timeline
Lead Abatement Project begins May 11, 2009
Lead Abatement & Painting completed July 1, 2009
Installation of new mechanical equipment completed July 31, 2009
All work completed September 1, 2009

For more information contact Henrietta Yardley, Manager of Conservatory Operations at 708-725-2450.