Como Park Bonsai Japanese Garden: Structural & Civil Engineering for Living Beauty

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural and civil engineering services for a 3,000-square-foot addition to the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, MN, designed to showcase the indoor Bonsai Gallery and enhance visitor experience with new pathways and garden infrastructure.

Project Highlights

  • Distinctive Building Addition:
    • New addition features two primary elements: a one-story steel-framed "link" building attached to the existing greenhouses with a proprietary glazed roof, and a two-story Pavilion with a lower level below grade.
    • Link structure uses steel columns on grade beams and concrete foundation walls with conventional spread and strip footings.
    • Pavilion includes concrete foundation walls, strip footings, precast plank at grade, and steel moment frames supporting a glazed roof.
  • Integrated Site Design & Infrastructure:
    • New paver block patio, access drive, and pathway connect the addition to the celebrated Japanese Garden.
    • Civil engineering included grading, drainage, erosion control, utility coordination, and innovative stormwater management using rain gardens and underground detention.
    • Designed and managed removal and realignment of the existing sanitary sewer, resolving conflicts with St. Paul Public Works due to new foundations infringing on the Zoo’s primary sanitary main.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM delivered creative structural and civil solutions for complex site and infrastructure challenges. The team’s coordination with architects, landscape designers, and city engineers ensured the successful integration of new structures, garden pathways, and underground utilities with existing facilities.

Results & Impact

The Como Park Bonsai Japanese Garden Addition elevates the Conservatory’s visitor experience, creating a serene and immersive environment to showcase bonsai artistry. BKBM’s engineering ensured the new addition and site enhancements were beautifully integrated, resilient, and sustainable—supporting both contemporary and historic features of Como Park.