River-Recovered® Heart Cypress
Adds Eco-Friendly Appeal to Bok Tower Gardens Largest Expansion in 87 years.
Antique Wood Adds Warmth and Authenticity to National Historic Landmark
River-Recovered® Heart Cypress is the focal point of Bok Tower Gardens’ new Alexander Discover Classroom and Outdoor Kitchen/Edible Garden, both of which encompass the landmark’s largest expansion in 87 years. The antique wood – supplied by Goodwin Company, pioneers of the River-Recovered® process – adorns the siding, base and trim of the new structures.
The Alexander Discover Classroom is a contemporary meeting space ideal for programs, classroom learning and field trip staging. Our own Jeffrey Forbes recently conducted a seminar on reclaimed wood for building design professionals in this beautiful room.
The 6,400 square foot Outdoor Kitchen/Edible Garden features high-end appliance and a wood fired pizza oven. Festival café string lighting and vine trellises add to its quaintness and appeal. A center island and granite countertop are perfect for chef demonstrations. The Edible Garden is designed to be a hub of horticultural and culinary activity, while complementing Bok Tower Gardens partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Goodwin partnered with Lake/Flato Architects (design architects) of San Antonio, TX; Henkelman Construction Company of Lakeland, FL; and Parlier Crews Architects of Lake Wales, FL (project architects) to complete the additions.
“Heart cypress – especially antique heart cypress – adds warmth to any space,” says Carol Goodwin, President of Goodwin Company. “It is ideal for use outdoors as it will not need to be replaced in a few years like most new growth species. Goodwin was honored to be part of the Bok Tower Garden expansion, and we are excited to support such an important National Historic Landmark.”
Bok Tower Gardens held the grand opening of this new expansion on September 10th, 2016.