Preserving History: The Story of Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Smith Building
As Boyce Thompson Arboretum celebrates its centennial year, there’s no better time to reflect on the rich history and legacy of the Smith Building. This historic structure has stood the test of time, serving as a beacon of botanical education and conservation for the past century. As we commemorate this milestone, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
The Smith Building is not just an architectural marvel; it is a space for learning and conservation. The Smith Building’s greenhouses showcase a diverse array of plant species from around the world. From rare succulents to endangered cacti, these greenhouses are a treasure trove of botanical wonders, offering visitors a glimpse into the beauty and fragility of our planet’s plant life.
The Origins of the Historic Smith Building
The Smith Building at Boyce Thompson Arboretum holds a rich history that dates back to its original construction in 1925. It was designed and built by the American company Lord & Burnham, utilizing native rock quarries, showcasing the beauty of its natural surroundings. The construction of the 3,6000 square foot building was completed on August 11, 1926.
In 1979, the building was named the William T. Smith Building after the longtime chair of the board and CEO, who served from 1963 to 1986. This naming honors his significant contributions to the Arboretum’s growth and development.
The Smith Building was a multifunctional marvel, designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind. Serving as the Arboretum’s first administration building, visitor center, research laboratory, and greenhouses. As the years passed, the Smith Building required updating to meet the evolving needs of the Arboretum and its visitors. Renovations and enhancements were made while preserving the building’s historical integrity.
Restoration and Preservation of the Smith Greenhouses
One of the notable features of the Smith Building is its display greenhouses dedicated to succulent plants. These greenhouses were part of the original construction, with the East Greenhouse originally planted with cacti and the West Greenhouse planted with succulents from other plant families.
By 2018, the original greenhouses had deteriorated to the point where visitors could no longer enter them, and the historic cactus collections were in danger of damage. To address this critical issue, Boyce Thompson Arboretum partnered with a company specializing in the restoration of Lord & Burnham greenhouses. With the aquired the engineering plans, tooling, copyrights, trademarks, and assets for all Lord & Burnham greenhouses, the restoration would be authentic to the original design while incorporating modern materials and upgrades for energy efficiency and plant protection.
Restoring these nearly century-old structures was no easy task. Many of the plants living in the greenhouses were old, rare, or endangered. Specialized care and restoration were needed, to protect the plant collection as the greenhouses were dismantled and rebuilt. Despite the challenges, the results were worth it.
On October 17th, 2021, a members-only preview was held to showcase the new beds and plantings in the display greenhouses before opening to the public on October 18th. This renovation was made possible through generous contributions to the Smith Building and Greenhouse Renovation Campaign.
Thanks to the support of donors, Boyce Thompson Arboretum has been able to preserve and operate these historic structures, displaying and protecting some of our planet’s endangered and iconic desert plant species. Today, these greenhouses continue to house a variety of rare and unusual succulent species, with the East House hosting succulents native to the eastern hemisphere and the West House hosting those native to the western hemisphere.
Visit the Smith Interpretive Center and Greenhouses
We invite you to come and see the Smith Building in person. Walk through the same greenhouses that have inspired botanists, horticulturists, and nature enthusiasts for generations. Experience the beauty of these historic structures and learn about the important role they play in plant conservation and education. Plan your visit today and be a part of our ongoing mission to preserve and protect our natural world for future generations.