Longwood Reimagined

Longwood Reimagined will transform 17 acres of existing property and feature a 32,000 SF glasshouse at the heart of its renowned garden grounds.

Project Stats

  • Owner
    Longwood Gardens
  • Location
    Kennett Square, PA
  • Project Type
    CM w/ a GMP
  • Design Professional
    Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand
  • Market
    Cultural
  • Square Footage
    17 acres

 

Bancroft recently completed construction on Longwood Reimagined, transforming Longwood Gardens’ Kennett Square property into a stunning new vision of horticultural excellence. Spanning 17 acres, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience enhances the renowned central grounds, seamlessly connecting them east to west. This expansion offers visitors an immersive journey—from lush, formal gardens to sweeping views of the Brandywine Valley’s open meadows.

At the heart of this transformation is the West Conservatory, a breathtaking 32,000-square-foot glasshouse designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, with gardens and pools by Reed Hilderbrand. Featuring striking asymmetrical, crystalline peaks, the new west conservatory appears to float on water while its Mediterranean-inspired garden thrives as a dynamic, seasonally evolving landscape. Inside, a rich tapestry of plant life unfolds—ground-hugging aloes, laurels, and Greek horehound mingle with towering cypress and century-old olive trees, while delicate plantings are suspended from above. The conservatory itself is a marvel of sustainable innovation, utilizing earth tubes and operable glass walls and roof panels to create a living, breathing environment.

Part of a $250 million transformation, Longwood Reimagined also includes:

  • A state-of-the-art education and administration building called The Grove featuring a library and classrooms
  • The renewal of the beloved Waterlily Court, initially designed by Sir Peter Shepheard (1913–2002)
  • The preservation and planned relocation of six historic Lord & Burnham glasshouses for year-round garden displays

Additionally, as an early milestone in this grand transformation, Longwood’s cherished Orchid House reopened in February 2022 after a $5 million restoration, reviving its century-old splendor.

For more information about Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, visit Longwood Gardens.

Awards

2023 ARCHITECT Progressive Architecture Awards (Awarded to WEISS/MANFREDI)

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