Selby Gardens celebrates the grand opening of phase one of its master-planned campus (PHOTOS)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, in downtown Sarasota, opened the first completed part of its master-planned campus, which adds 188,030 square feet of new facilities and amenities to its botanical gardens complex and restaurant.

The new facilities include the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility, which houses a garden-to-plate restaurant, gift shop, vertical gardens, parking and a nearly 50,000-square-foot solar panel array. The new restaurant, The Green Orchid, is the first net-positive energy restaurant in the world, utilizing solar power throughout the facility.

Opening within the next few weeks, the eatery is operated by Michael’s On East and features a rooftop edible garden providing produce for a seasonal menu. The garden was planned, planted and maintained by Operation EcoVets, a nonprofit organization that provides personal, educational and professional growth opportunities for military veterans.

New additions also include the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center and an open-air Jean Goldstein Welcome Center, which houses a ticketing pavilion, a welcome gallery and a welcome theater.

The master plan has been guided by the international landscape architecture studio OLIN, building architecture firm Overland Partners and civil engineer Kimley-Horn. Willis Smith Construction serves as the construction manager.

You May Also Like
German medical device company establishes U.S. headquarters in Tampa

Medability GmbH, a Germany-based medical technology company, has established its United States headquarters in downtown Tampa, leasing 1,600 square feet at 1000 N. Ashley Drive. The company plans to create

Read More
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay to honor community leaders

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay will mark its 60th anniversary with a celebration on March 6, at the JW Marriott Water Street Tampa, recognizing individuals who helped shape the organization.

Read More
Bank of America names Michael Esposito Tampa Bay President

Bank of America has named Michael Esposito as president of its Tampa Bay market, succeeding Bill Goede, who retired in December, after 35 years with the company. Esposito, who joined

Read More
Michael-Esposito-bank-america
Metropolitan Ministries announces CEO Tim Marks’ planned succession

Tim Marks, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries, will step down later this year, marking the nonprofit’s first leadership transition in nearly two decades. Marks, who has led

Read More
Tim-Marks-met-mini
Other Posts
BayCare expands Tampa campus with 36-acre acquisition

BayCare has acquired a 36-acre office parcel adjacent to its West Tampa St. Joseph’s Hospital campus, expanding its footprint by more than 75%. The acquisition includes three office buildings and

Read More
baycare-west-tampa
American Athletic Conference to honor late USF Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim

The American Athletic Conference will honor the legacy of late University of South Florida men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim by naming him the Honorary 2024-‘25 American Men’s Basketball Coach of

Read More
Amir-Abdur-Rahim-USF
St. Pete-Clearwater joins MICHELIN Guide’s 2025 Florida expansion

St. Pete-Clearwater is among three new Florida destinations set to be included in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2025 restaurant selection, marking a significant milestone for the region’s culinary scene. The expansion

Read More
Delta Air Lines named anchor tenant for Tampa International Airport’s Airside D

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority has approved Delta Air Lines as the anchor tenant for Tampa International Airport’s planned Airside D, a $1.5 billion project set to open in 2028.

Read More
Delta-TPA-airside-d