As part of our On-Call contract with Connecticut DOT, BL Companies was hired to re-design an extensive planting plan for the existing main level plaza. The original planting plans (designed by others) resulted in bids which came in well over the construction budget. Unrelated to the high bids but compounding the problem was a leaking roof membrane with in the plaza which will needed to be repaired prior to the installation of plant material. Due to these issues, the landscaping had never been installed when the building was constructed. BL worked with the Science Center and the Office of Policy and Management to provide value engineering and landscape architecture for the re-design. Our designs have taken into account the logistical complexities of delivering and installing plant material up to the plaza level in order to procure reasonable bid prices.

Three design options were prepared for bidding to ensure the project fell within the construction budget. A combination of small flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and green roof trays make up the planting plan options. Light weight soil is specified for the planting areas and our designs follow the LEED standards that were achieved for the building such as the elimination of an irrigation system and the selection of native and adaptive plants.

Scope of Work:
Site Inventory & Analysis
Conceptual & Schematic Designs
Design Development Drawings
Contract & Construction Documents
Construction Administration