NEWARK — Dawes Arboretum broke ground on its new $17 million welcome center on Aug. 21.
The approximately 29,000-square-foot welcome center will centralize accessibility and sustainability. It will serve as a greeting hub and point of information for the arboretum’s visitors, members and donors.
New amenities include a cafe, indoor and outdoor seating areas, a large gift shop, exhibit spaces and triple the number of restrooms.
The arboretum’s endowment, trustees and staff fully funded the project with the mantra: Dawes is investing in Dawes for the benefit of the public.
Visitors will find ADA-accessible bathrooms, an adult changing station, ramps, an accessible reception counter and a scenic outdoor deck accessible for all in the new center. MA Design is the designer for the project.
Additionally, the arboretum is pursuing LEED and SITES certifications at the silver level to demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable project.
“The board of trustees and I are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this new welcome center possible,” Executive Director Stephanie Crockatt said.
“Breaking ground today marks over a decade of planning, and we are excited and proud to soon offer a beautiful, accessible, new space with many upgraded visitor amenities. We can’t wait for its completion in spring of 2028.”
Sustainability an integral part of the new welcome center
The project is estimated to take between 18 to 24 months to complete. A projected grand opening is in the spring of 2028.
The current visitors center will be reimagined as a discovery center with educational and programming opportunities.
“Sustainability is integral to the new welcome center because it is central to the mission of Dawes. Thoughtful decisions about the site, building and materials reflect Dawes’ longstanding commitment to conservation and stewardship while also prioritizing the visitor experience,” said Jessica Glorius-Dangelo of MA Design.
“While the project is pursuing LEED and SITES certifications, its sustainability story goes much deeper, creating a building that feels authentic to Dawes, its mission and its sense of place.”