Sep 30, 2024

Breaking Ground on Dow Gardens’ New Welcome Center

We’re excited to announce that Spence Brothers has officially broken ground on Dow Gardens’ New Welcome Center in Midland, Michigan. Partnering with WTA Architects, we are proud to manage the construction of this facility, which will blend modern amenities with Alden B. Dow’s architectural vision, enhancing the experience for all visitors.

For over 125 years, Dow Gardens has welcomed guests to enjoy its natural beauty. The New Welcome Center will feature expanded parking, a café, improved restrooms, and updated exhibit spaces to accommodate the 225,000+ annual visitors. Designed to reflect Alden B. Dow’s philosophy of seamless integration with nature, this new space will enhance accessibility and comfort for everyone.

Building on Legacy

Spence Brothers, with 131 years of construction expertise, is honored to be part of this project. “We’re proud to partner with Dow Gardens, contributing to our community’s growth while preserving its unique beauty,” said Herb Spence, Chairman and CEO.

Key features of the New Welcome Center include:

Strengthened Presence: The Welcome Center will strengthen its presence near Eastman Avenue, making Dow Gardens more visible.

Visitor Capacity: Designed to accommodate 200,000 to 250,000 annual guests, the new Welcome Center will offer ample space for our growing number of guests.

Venue Enhancements: Improvements aimed at enhancing the experience for those seeking a venue for special occasions including family gatherings, weddings, and business meetings with a garden opportunity.

Convenient Access: The new drop–off lane will provide easier access to the entrance supporting a seamless arrival experience for all guests.

Increased Parking: Expanded parking facilities will accommodate the influx of guests, making parking more convenient when visiting Dow Gardens.

Amenities: The Welcome Center will feature a café and meeting room spaces, creating new opportunities for community engagement and enjoyment.

Updated Facilities: Guests will enjoy an updated gift shop, welcome desk, and exhibit spaces, all designed to enhance the overall guest experience.

Improved Restrooms: The addition of increased number of bathrooms, including an adult changing space/family bathroom and a “Nursing Room”, will support comfort and accessibility for all guests.

Looking Forward

As Spence Brothers embarks on this exciting project, we are dedicated to ensuring that Dow Gardens continues to be a place of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration for generations to come. The new Welcome Center will be a space where the community can gather, explore, and create memories, all while preserving the rich legacy of the Gardens.

We look forward to sharing updates as we move forward with this extraordinary project, and we’re excited to help shape the future of Dow Gardens for years to come!

View the full press release HERE.

For more information, please contact:

Carolynn Paten, Director of Programming and Guest Services | cpaten@dowgardens.org | 989.631.2677