Published Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The Bill Gerhardt Family Center for Mission and Vision
On Wednesday, October 7, friends of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens gathered at 1706 E. Broad Street to celebrate an exciting milestone in the Conservatory’s history: the dedication of the Bill Gerhardt Family Center for Mission and Vision. Named in honor of Bill Gerhardt, whose service as a member of the Conservatory’s Board of Trustees, Chair of the Facilities and Grounds Committee, founder of GreenScapes Landscape Co., and longtime supporter of the Conservatory’s Growing to Green program has helped shape the organization’s growth and success for nearly two decades, the Center stands as a testament to his leadership and commitment to the Conservatory.
The Center was made possible through his extraordinary philanthropy, including the funding needed to purchase, renovate, and operate the building, ensuring that financial constraints would not stand in the way of this meaningful expansion of the Conservatory’s campus. During the dedication, guests enjoyed remarks, tours, and a reception in the beautifully restored four-level home, which now serves as a place where future plans, bold ideas, and strategic innovation can take shape. Inspired by the North Star Master Plan vision, the Center represents an investment in the future of both the Conservatory and the community we serve.
Originally built in 1904 for Othniel and Ella Gwinn and their five children, the beautiful history of the home reflects the character and craftsmanship of its era. Unique stained-glass details throughout the home reflect personal touches of the Gwinn family. Othniel and his brother, W.W. Gwinn, founded the Gwinn Brothers Milling Company, which operated in Huntington, West Virginia, from 1889 to 1962.
The opportunity to preserve and reimagine this historic property emerged in 2024. Previously home to the Institute for Human Services, this was a rare chance to expand the Conservatory’s campus while stewarding a historic piece of the neighborhood. Today, the Bill Gerhardt Family Center for Mission and Vision provides space for long-range planning, collaboration, and the development of future initiatives. It also serves as a welcoming home for staff relocated from the main Conservatory during the largest construction project in the organization’s history. Looking ahead, the Center will support exploration of expanded educational opportunities, workforce development programming, and other initiatives that advance the Conservatory’s mission.
For Bill Gerhardt, the vision for the property began a few years ago. Reflecting on his first visit to the home in 2024, he shared,
“When I toured the building in 2024 with Bruce Harkey, I was impressed by the beautiful interior as well as the size of the space. I knew from 20 years of being on the Board we needed quality office space to recruit, hire and train new leaders in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture and Park Administration. My other priority was to preserve our precious park green space. I literally decided that day to find a way to acquire 1706 E. Broad St. I am so proud of this achievement and so thankful to be able to help Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens continue to grow for future generations.”
Moments like this show what is possible when community members believe in the Conservatory’s future. We are incredibly grateful to Bill Gerhardt, whose leadership, generosity, and steadfast commitment have left a lasting mark on the Conservatory. As Chair of the Facilities and Grounds Committee, he has helped guide every major capital project completed by the Conservatory since 2008, lending his expertise and vision to transformative investments across campus. His support of the Bill Gerhardt Family Center for Mission and Vision reflects that same commitment, creating a place where bold ideas and future opportunities can take root for years to come.
As we look ahead, we are thankful for the Board members, donors and community partners whose generosity makes bold ideas like this one possible. Supporters like you help create a Conservatory that is growing in more ways than one, through new spaces, expanded learning opportunities and a shared commitment to the future.
