The Dawes Arboretum will be blooming along with the spring flowers with a new Welcome Center to enhance how the community experiences Dawes breaking ground in spring of 2026. Using a $17 million investment, made possible through the generosity of trustees, staff, and the Dawes endowment, Dawes will provide the community, visitors and guests with improved year-round access and amenities.
“The Board of Trustees is incredibly proud and excited to be announcing our commitment to The Arboretum’s new welcome facility,” said Henry Hauser, Dawes Board Chair. “And as a family member, I can attest that this investment has been carefully thought out for over a decade, and we are thrilled for what this means for The Dawes Arboretum as well as the positive impact it will have on our greater community.”
- 4,000 – the number of square feet that will provide views of The Arboretum
- 50% - the increase in retail space
- Triple – the amount of restrooms that will be available
- 28 to 30 – the amount of spaces that will be available for staff members
- 100% - the amount of staff members that have donated to The Arboretum at some point
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new welcome center?
The new two-story welcome center will serve as a greeting hub to welcome visitors, members and donors. It will serve as a point of information for exploring The Arboretum and its programs and have restrooms and seating areas to make our visitors experience the most comfortable and accessible that it can be. There will be expansive porch access to view the beautiful colors of The Arboretum, and an expanded gift shop and plant sales area for shoppers and gardeners alike.
Visitors will be able to enjoy improved seasonal access with indoor seating, a lounge area with a fireplace and the sale of light refreshments.
It will offer visual exhibits, historical reflections and the community will be able to benefit from flexible meeting rental space for the community.
The new Welcome Center will also provide more staff offices in the lower level of the building. The upper level with be for the public.
When is the welcome center coming?
The welcome center has been in conceptual development for over ten years, and the current schedule is to break ground in spring of 2026. A team of professionals is in place for architecture, site planning and construction as well as internal staff. It will be approximately 28,000 square feet, and we’re working to achieve a level of SITES and LEED certification.
Where will the new welcome center be located?
The new Welcome Center will be located west of the existing visitors center beside the Natural Play Area. It will be atop the ridge overlooking the Japanese Garden and the meadow.
How is the new welcome center being built?
Funding for the welcome center was supported by an internal capital campaign with Trustees and Staff. As a commitment to the community, Dawes will utilize funds from its endowment to support the nearly $17 million investment.
Will the new welcome center be accessible?
The Dawes Arboretum is mindful of making this new resource and activity center welcoming and accessible for the entire community. We are working closely with experts to ensure compliance with recent guidance for public buildings including such accommodations as new standards for adult changing stations, acessible by walkways, ramps to upper/lower areas and an elevator.
What will happen to the current visitor center?
The current visitor center has undergone an assessment study and will be slated for renovation as The Arboretum’s Discovery Center. The space will double the size of current education and learning space for the public, as well as provide refurbished staff offices and storage.
“Everyone at Dawes is excited about our plans to welcome more visitors, guests, and donors with the hospitality of a new welcome center,” said Executive Director Stephanie Crockatt. "The new space will provide greater access and amenities for all and serve as a fresh opportunity for growth and celebration as we head toward our centennial."