Como Park in Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

A Glasshouse Becomes a Reality

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

— A Proud Heritage —

A Glasshouse Becomes a Reality Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By McGhiever, December 11, 2023

1. A Glasshouse Becomes a Reality Marker

Inscription.

By 1913, the Park Commission realized there was no longer enough room to grow the numerous plants for Como Park. Because of this, they allocated $50 for new greenhouse blueprints. Nussbaumer's dream of a year-round display glasshouse became a reality. Nussbaumer worked with Toltz Engineering to design the Victorian era style glass structure and support greenhouses.

King Construction Company of North Tonawanda, New York was awarded the contract to build the conservatory complex for $58,825. On Sunday, November 7, 1915, the Como Park Conservatory opened to the public for the first time. People from around the world came to see this horticultural castle filled with tropical plants and colorful chrysanthemums.

— The Sunken Garden — Prior to 1926, the South Wing was one level. Under City Landscape Architect, George L. Nason, the South Wing was lowered. Visitors now stood on an overlook to view the garden below. A keyhole shaped reflecting pool bisecting the lower level added aquatic plant displays to the now Sunken Garden. Today, the Sunken Garden features five seasonal flower shows.

Erected by Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 44° 58.94′ N, 93° 9.129′ W. Marker is in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It is in Como Park. Marker can be reached from Estabrook Drive. The marker is at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, on the 1936 Administration Building at the east end of the zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul MN 55103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sparky Show & Toby the Tortoise (here, next to this marker); Como Zoo Today (here, next to this marker); The Zoo Expands (a few steps from this marker); The Early Years (a few steps from this marker); Como Park Begins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Picturesque Landscape (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Melan Arch (approx. 0.4 miles away); Como Park's Early Years (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Paul.

Additional keywords. botanical garden

Marker at middle of three on north end of Administration Building at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By McGhiever, December 11, 2023

2. Marker at middle of three on north end of Administration Building at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

The Como Park Conservatory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By McGhiever, September 16, 2012

3. The Como Park Conservatory

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.