emersion DESIGN and Great Parks are working together to modernize their facilities at the Shaker Trace Seed Nursery, at Miami Whitewater Forest. This site specializes in preserving the ecological and genetic integrity of the region through native plant propagation of local genotypes. These anticipated improvements will build capacity for the facility to support the conservation mission of Great Parks while expanding the role that the nursery fulfills in educating the community about native plants, ecology and restoration.

In-depth and interactive user interviews dug into the seasonal operational flow of the nursery, and programmatic needs in the future that come with expanding educational outreach.

The project is planned to be a demonstration of sustainable practices and is currently pursuing Net Zero Energy through reduced footprints, targeted EUI design on envelope and HVAC systems, and on-site solar offsets. Adaptive Reuse of the existing drying barn on site will look to preserve and tell the story of the agricultural history of the site and provide a flexible gathering space for community educational programming. This exciting endeavor will demonstrate reuse best practices, and reduction in carbon footprint.