"Community Engagement and Revitalization of Civic Buildings: Case Study of the Liberty Park Greenhouse " discusses revitalization study for the Liberty Park Greenhouse, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Liberty Park is the oldest and one of the most prominent historic urban parks in Utah, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. The Liberty Park Greenhouse was originally constructed in 1903, but the main greenhouse was dismantled during World War II and reconstructed in the 1960s as a simplified, utilitarian structure. Additional greenhouses and service buildings were added or expanded in the 1920s and 1940s. For decades, the greenhouse played a central role in producing seasonal floral displays and propagating native plant species for use throughout Salt Lake City's parks and civic landscapes. However, the complex has not been operational since 2020s.

The main objective of this research was to investigate revitalization strategies for the Liberty Park Greenhouse, suitable for transforming the complex into a multi-use, accessible, and sustainable community-centered facility. The research methods included archival research, observations and measurements, documentation of the greenhouse’s historical development, modeling and analysis of existing conditions, as well as community engagement efforts as a qualitative methodology for identifying suitable revitalization strategies and design direction. Community engagement included close collaboration with the Salt Lake City’s officials, as well as the wider community (participants from various city departments, neighborhood councils, nonprofit organizations, and community advocacy groups). Results of these efforts were used to develop a buildings program as well as conceptual and schematic design for a revitalized complex. The resulting design envisions a new public conservatory and greenhouse operations facility that can support education, native plant propagation, and inclusive civic programming while honoring the park’s historic legacy. The design reflects both the community’s aspirations and the City’s goals for reinvigorating Liberty Park as a historic and ecological landmark. This research paper documents the research process, as well as revitalization strategies.

Citation:

Aksamija, A., and Milosevic, S., (2026). “Community Engagement and Revitalization of Civic Buildings: Case Study of the Liberty Park Greenhouse”, Proceedings of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) 2026 International Conference, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA, April 8-11.