1 post tagged “forest park”
The Jewel Box is open after a $3.5 million renovation and it "glows" again. The glass panes have been repaired and cleaned so the Jewel Box is once again the "jewel" of centrally located Forest Park - making it an easy drive for you, the family and the family Ford.
And the jewel is bright with hundreds of flowers. The permanent floral displays are supplemented with seasonal flowers from the city's greenhouses grown and planted by the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park, the volunteer gardening group, and the Horticulture Section of the Parks Division.
The Jewel Box is open: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $1 but it is free from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday. The Christmas display is currently available for viewing.
The renovation included removing all of the old plants and trees and reconfiguring the planting areas to the sides of the building, leaving the interior free.
Gone are the trees that climbed to the top of the building, obscuring the light. Now the Jewel Box is flooded with sunlight that pours in through the top tiers of glass and illuminates the plants below.
The interior area includes a large fountain and water feature that can be removed for weddings and other events. Large pots line both sides of the pond and baskets of plants hang from the ceiling.
The renovation of the Jewel Box included replacing the mechanical systems, improving the floral display area and adding a catering area so the building can be rented for wedding receptions, corporate meetings and parties. There is a new heating and air conditioning system so it will be comfortable inside in the coldest and hottest weather.
The Jewel Box, located on a 17-acre site in Forest Park, was built by the City of St. Louis in 1936 and is operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. It provides a perfect backdrop if you want to take classy pictures of your classic Ford.
