The effort to restore Balboa Park's Botanical Building reached a huge milestone on Wednesday, but the renovations are taking longer than expected.
The cupola — the little domed structure that sits atop the middle of the roof — was reinstalled Wednesday morning. It's the latest step in the $21-million project to restore and revitalize the local landmark. The city contributed $13 million, and the state chipped in another $8 million.
The Botanical Building, more than 100 years old, has been closed to the public since early 2022 as phase 1 of the restoration project began. The building was fenced off, and the thousands of plants that used to be on display were replanted throughout the park, while others were moved to an offsite nursery.
Phase 1 includes upgrades to the structural building, reconstructing the historic window arcades, expanding walkways, adding two new building additions on the north side and interior planting, city officials told NBC 7 last year.
The goal is to restore the building to its original look, similar to how it looked in 1915, when it was built as part of the Panama-California Exposition.
The Botanical Building is undergoing a major renovation, reports NBC 7's Dana Williams.
Although the first phase was originally expected to be completed by December 2023, the renovations are taking longer than hoped.
"It is registered as a National Historic Place, so with the construction process, we had to be very delicate," Edgar Lozano, a senior civil engineer with the city of San Diego, explained. "It wasn't until we stripped all of the wood off that we exposed the steel, and then found a lot of the necessary repairs were actually hidden behind walls or behind the wood."
So far, 1,258 repairs have been made to the steel trusses. The old paint has been removed, and crews are using a new marine coating to make sure it holds up.
Restoration of the building is about 60-65% complete, with most of the west side complete. Now, crews are working on the east side.
The city expects to finish the renovations and reopen the building by late summer or early fall. Then, nonprofit Forever Balboa Park will start restoring all the outdoor gardens.
FAQs
Although the first phase was originally expected to be completed by December 2023, the renovations are taking longer than hoped. "It is registered as a National Historic Place, so with the construction process, we had to be very delicate," Edgar Lozano, a senior civil engineer with the city of San Diego, explained.
Is Balboa Park under construction? ›
When will the Botanical Building and Gardens restoration be completed? Phase 1, which includes the restoration and renovation of the Botanical Building, is scheduled for completion in 2024. Phase 2, which is spearheaded by Forever Balboa Park, is scheduled for 2024.
How long does it take to go through the San Diego Botanical Gardens? ›
- San Diego Botanic Garden. “How many hours do people spend here to see the entire garden?” At this venue you can spend all day and still not see everything. Wonderful walking paths and different plantings are amazing.
Is Botanical Garden free in Balboa Park? ›
Yes! Admittance to the park grounds is free. Once inside the Park, explore the rich gardens and trails. The Botanical Building (currently closed) and Timken Museum of Art are always free.
How old is the San Diego Botanic Garden? ›
Established in 1970, San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) is a 37-acre urban oasis that creates, shares and applies plant wisdom with people of all backgrounds, ages and interests.
Why is Botanical Building closed? ›
The Botanical Building, more than 100 years old, has been closed to the public since early 2022 as phase 1 of the restoration project began. The building was fenced off, and the thousands of plants that used to be on display were replanted throughout the park, while others were moved to an offsite nursery.
Who is in charge of Balboa Park? ›
Balboa Park is managed and maintained by the Developed Regional Parks Division of the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department.
What is the largest botanical garden in California? ›
California Botanic Garden | Claremont
The largest botanic garden devoted to California native plants is California Botanic Garden. Take a walk through these showy penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis).
How much does the San Diego Botanical Gardens cost? ›
General Admission
| Member | Free |
|---|
| Adult | $18 |
| Military, Senior (60+), Student | $12 |
| Youth (3-17) | $10 |
| Child (under 3) | Free |
1 more rowNo pets are allowed at San Diego Botanic Garden. Only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed. California state law prohibits leaving animals in any unattended motor vehicle that endangers their health or well-being.
There is free admission to the permanent collection on the third Tuesday of each month. Balboa Park has a selection of museums that offer free admission every first through fourth Tuesdays of the month. Click here for a schedule of Free Tuesdays. Check each website.
Is Balboa Park dog friendly? ›
Balboa Park has something for everybody, including Fido, from visiting one of the many museums to strolling through one of the verdant gardens. There are plenty of trails, open spaces, and paths for you and your dog to explore. There is also a leash-free dog park called Nate's Point, with plenty of water fountains.
Can you go to Balboa Park at night? ›
Park grounds are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Venue and restaurant hours vary. Please check each location's hours before your visit.
What is the oldest community in San Diego? ›
San Diego's oldest neighborhood is Old Town, the birthplace of San Diego, and California, in 1769.
Who owns the San Diego Botanical Gardens? ›
DPR owns parkland in the City of Encinitas that is leased and operated as the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Is the San Diego Zoo a botanical garden? ›
Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens representing 3,100 species.
What happened to Balboa Park? ›
The 1915–1916 exposition's Food and Beverage Building was rebuilt and reopened in 1971 as Casa del Prado. Balboa Park, and the historic Exposition buildings, were declared a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark District in 1977, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is Balboa Park bigger than Golden Gate Park? ›
While the Phoenix park is certainly huge, even parks such as Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park (1,754 acres) and San Diego's Balboa Park (1,200 acres) are larger than Golden Gate Park.
Which is bigger Balboa Park or Central Park? ›
Balboa Park Is Larger
In reality, Balboa Park occupies 4.85 square kilometers of land, while Central Park sits on 3.41 square kilometers. There are a few reasons Central Park feels larger to many visitors.
What was Balboa Park before it was built? ›
Balboa Park began as 1400 acres of land set aside in 1868 by San Diego civic leaders. Known then as “City Park”, the scrub-filled mesa that overlooked present-day Downtown San Diego sat without formal landscaping or development for more than 20 years.
