City Gardens

City Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri, is a vibrant urban park that beautifully integrates art, nature, and public space.

Project Partners

No public partners for this project.

Used in this project

Site Furnishings

Project Details

• Project Name: City Gardens
• Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
• Year: 2023
• Landscape Architect: NBW Landscape Architects 
• Firm (Contractor): BSI Constructors

Product Used: Bench

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City Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri, represents a landmark project in the reinvention of public urban spaces, blending art, landscape, and architecture into a cohesive and welcoming environment. Completed in 2023, this project embodies the vision of NBW Landscape Architects, who designed the space to be both dynamic and restorative, and BSI Constructors, who executed the construction with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. A defining element of City Gardens is the park’s seating system. Thoughtfully placed throughout the site, the wood benches serve as more than functional amenities—they act as focal points that invite visitors to pause, rest, and engage with their surroundings. Each outdoor wooden bench was designed to complement the park’s modern aesthetic while remaining true to its natural character. By integrating these benches into the flow of walkways, garden spaces, and art installations, the design team created welcoming places for relaxation and community connection. The benches were constructed from premium Black Locust Lumber, widely regarded as one of the most durable and sustainable hardwoods available. Known for its resistance to decay, insects, and harsh weather, Black Locust provides an ideal material for bench wood in outdoor settings. Its longevity ensures that the benches will remain structurally sound and visually appealing for decades, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing environmental impact. This choice of material reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability, as Black Locust is a renewable resource that contributes to environmentally responsible design. Beyond functionality, the benches play a central role in shaping the visitor experience. Whether it is a family enjoying a quiet moment together, an individual reading beneath the shade of trees, or groups of friends gathering during community events, the outdoor wooden benches enhance the social and cultural vibrancy of the park. They provide comfortable, durable, and sustainable seating solutions that are essential to the park’s success as a civic space. City Gardens exemplifies how thoughtful design and material selection can elevate a public park into a lasting urban landmark. By combining artistic vision with natural resilience, the project highlights the value of integrating sustainably sourced bench wood into urban infrastructure. The custom benches from Black Locust Lumber not only reinforce the park’s visual identity but also symbolize a forward-looking approach to landscape architecture—one that prioritizes comfort, durability, and environmental stewardship. As a result, City Gardens stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between designers, builders, and material suppliers. It demonstrates how sustainable materials like Black Locust can transform simple elements, such as wood benches, into meaningful features that enrich the lives of all who visit. The project has created a space where modern design meets natural beauty, and where every detail, down to the carefully chosen outdoor wooden bench, contributes to the park’s enduring legacy.