BOTANICAL GARDEN: Crews Break Ground

Crews break ground Thursday morning for a $11.6-million renovation of the Des Moines Botanical Center.

Some of the planned improvements include upgraded electrical systems, program room renovations, a café, a water garden, and an updated lobby.

The facility will remain open seven days a week until June 30th, when it will close for interior renovations.

Expanded programming and further renovations are also in the works, but will occur in multiple phases over several years.

The Garden officially transferred leadership on January 1st from the City of Des Moines and Des Moines Water Works to the group formally known as Friends of Des Moines Botanical Center.