Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Visitor Center

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, situated in Brooklyn, New York, USA, is celebrated for its exceptional deck and interior millwork.

Project Partners

E.W. Howell

E.W. Howell is a renowned construction management and general contracting firm based in New York. With a legacy of excellence spanning over 125 years, E.W. Howell specializes in a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, and cultural institutions. The firm is dedicated to deli

Weiss/Manfredi

Weiss/Manfredi is a distinguished architecture and design firm based in New York City, renowned for its dynamic integration of architecture, landscape, and urbanism. The firm emphasizes innovative and sustainable design solutions that transform environments and enhance community experiences.

The LiRo Group

The LiRo Group is a leading architecture, engineering, and construction management firm headquartered in Syosset, New York. Known for its comprehensive range of services, The LiRo Group specializes in delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for complex infrastructure and building projects.

Used in this project

Black Locust Decking

Project Details

• Project Name: Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Visitor Center
• Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Year: 2012
• Architect: Weiss/Manfredi
• Landscape Architect: Weiss/Manfredi
• Firm (Contractor): The LiRo Group , E.W. Howell 

Product Used: Deck + Interior Millwork

Awards and Recognition LEED Gold

Press 

• LEED Gold article

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The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, is a landmark project that embodies the fusion of architecture, landscape, and sustainability. Completed in 2012, the center was designed by the visionary firm Weiss/Manfredi, who served as both architect and landscape architect, while The LiRo Group and E.W. Howell oversaw construction. The building has since become an essential gateway to the gardens, welcoming visitors with its contemporary design and eco-conscious features. One of the defining aspects of the Visitor Center is its extensive use of deck wood and carefully crafted wood decks, which provide functional outdoor gathering spaces that blend effortlessly with the surrounding botanical environment. For this, the design team selected Black Locust Lumber, widely recognized as one of the best woods for decks thanks to its superior durability, natural resistance to decay, and low environmental impact. The decision to use this material was guided not only by performance considerations but also by a commitment to sustainability and long-term resilience. The project integrates indoor and outdoor experiences seamlessly. The warm tones and textures of the wood deck extend into the interior millwork, creating a continuous aesthetic language that connects visitors to nature at every turn. This thoughtful material choice transforms the building into more than just a visitor hub—it becomes an extension of the gardens themselves. Inside, the millwork provides a tactile warmth, while outside, the deck wood surfaces invite relaxation, exploration, and interaction with the landscape. Sustainability was at the heart of every design decision, culminating in the project’s achievement of LEED Gold certification. The use of Black Locust Lumber for decking and millwork played a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact. Unlike tropical hardwoods, which often come with ecological concerns, black locust is locally and responsibly sourced. It requires no chemical treatment, making it an environmentally responsible option for projects aiming to reduce carbon footprints while ensuring longevity. This makes it one of the best woods for decks not only for its strength but also for its eco-friendly qualities. The Visitor Center has earned praise for demonstrating how architecture can enrich the natural environment rather than compete with it. Its sinuous green roof, sustainable material palette, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces establish a model for future cultural and public projects. The wood deck areas, in particular, have become iconic, offering inviting spaces where visitors pause, reflect, and enjoy the botanical surroundings. As a whole, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Visitor Center is more than a building—it is a statement of how modern design can embrace environmental stewardship while delivering beauty, function, and longevity. By incorporating deck wood of the highest quality and setting a precedent for responsible construction, the project continues to inspire architects, builders, and visitors alike. Through the creative use of Black Locust Lumber, celebrated as some of the best wood for decks in contemporary design, the project underscores the value of renewable resources and the potential of sustainable architecture. Today, it stands not only as a welcoming gateway to the gardens but also as a benchmark for eco-friendly innovation and excellence in urban development.