shaker trace seed nursery
In partnership with Great Parks of Hamilton County, emersion DESIGN modernized the Shaker Trace Seed Nursery at Miami Whitewater Forest to expand native plant propagation, improve operational efficiency, and support future growth. The project includes a new greenhouse and seed storage facility, along with the restoration and adaptive reuse of a historic 100-year-old drying barn.
The revitalized barn serves as a flexible community education space while providing habitat for a returning bat colony. Designed to advance conservation and sustainability goals, the project is targeting LEED Platinum, Sustainable SITES Gold, and Net Zero Energy certifications through high-performance building systems, reduced site impact, and on-site solar energy production.
20,000 SF
$13.5 Million
Human Nature – Landscape Architecture
Arcadis – Civil Engineering & Site Surveying
CMTA – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Technology Engineering
S&ME – Environmental
Crawford – Cost Estimating
Pepper Construction – Construction Manager
Pursuing Net Zero Energy through reduced footprints, targeted EUI designs on envelope and HVAC systems, with on-site solar offsets.
The complex will showcase the benefits of native plantings, and the overall site is designed to demonstrate sustainable practices and serve as educational tools.
The Shaker Trace facility will serve as a benchmark for Greak Parks’ new sustainability standards for future facilities.
LEED Gold (Pending)
Sustainable SITES Gold (Pending)
Net Zero (Pending)
