Shangri La Botanical Gardens

Project Economics

Finance & Cost

This project was conducted in partnership with representatives of the Stark Foundation, which has a mission to enhance economic development and to “improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas.” This private foundation participated in design discussions and supported and promoted the green goals established by the project team. The Foundation did not seek public financing for the project, but did get political support from the City of Orange, its mayor, and representatives of the public school districts of the region.

The project team found that it was largely transportation expenses that prevented public school children of this region from going on field trips and participating in environmental education activities; the Stark Foundation established a fund to cover those expenses. Because of this program, school groups from grades 1–12 now visit the site almost every day as part of the Nature Center’s programs.

Financing Mechanisms

Grant: Private (foundation)
Procurement process: Design-build

Our thanks to the ENERGY STAR program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to the U.S. Department of Energy, and to BuildingGreen, Inc. for hosting the submission and judging forms.

For more information about the AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects, contact AIA/COTE. For help on how to use this Web site, contact .