Balboa Park Botanical Building Restoration

In the heart of Balboa Park, the Botanical Building has remained one of San Diego’s most treasured icons since its debut at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Originally designed by Carleton Winslow, the redwood lath structure was conceived to reflect the beauty and versatility of natural redwood materials within the Spanish Colonial Revival style. At the time of completion in 1915, it was the largest redwood lath structure in the world—a remarkable architectural feat and testament to early 20th-century design and ingenuity.

More than a century later, the Botanical Building has undergone a transformative restoration, reclaiming its original grandeur and safeguarding its role as a cultural and community resource. The design was guided by archival drawings, historic photographs, and a deep respect for its origins. The project restored historical elements such as the arched arcade, ornamental woodwork, and a 2,000-pound cupola. Painstaking efforts brought back redwood interiors and custom millwork, and historically accurate detailing long lost to previous interventions to circumvent damage.

The scope of the restoration extended beyond structural steel and redwood. It also addressed environmental sensitivities—preserving rare plantings and safeguarding a century-old Moreton Bay Fig tree—while integrating modern standards for accessibility and safety.

Today, the Botanical Building stands restored, not only as an architectural star, but as a living, breathing educational space. It offers free access to lush displays of over 2,100 plant species, engaging visitors through environmental programs, school tours, and cultural events. This project exemplifies the power of preservation—how the past, when thoughtfully honored, can flourish in service of the present. The Botanical Building now embodies a San Diego legacy, rooted in heritage and embracing the future.

Additional information provided in a second nomination for consideration:

After more than a century of weather and wear, the historic Botanical Building has been carefully revitalized, bringing it back to its 1915 grandeur while incorporating cutting-edge updates. The once deteriorating structure, with its graceful arcades, Palladian windows, and long-missing romantic pergola, now stands proudly, enhanced with modern features. For the first time in its history, the building includes interior misters, state-of-the-art lighting, and new water features, creating an immersive and dynamic space for visitors.