Longwood Reimagined
Longwood Reimagined transforms 17 acres into immersive gardens, blending innovative design, historic preservation, and sustainable landscapes for a world-class visitor experience.
“Bancroft rose to the challenge of delivering Longwood Gardens’ most intricate horticultural and infrastructure work with exceptional skill and care. They collaborated seamlessly with our project teams and trade partners to keep the effort on schedule without ever compromising quality. Their leadership and commitment have made one of the Great Gardens of the World an even more enjoyable place to visit.”
Associate Vice President, Project Management
Longwood Reimagined
Project Stats
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OwnerLongwood Gardens
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LocationKennett Square, PA
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Project TypeCM w/ a GMP
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Design ProfessionalWeiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand
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MarketCultural
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Square Footage17 acres
Bancroft recently completed construction on Longwood Reimagined, transforming Longwood Gardens’ Kennett Square property into a stunning new vision of horticultural excellence. Spanning 17 acres, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience enhances the renowned central grounds, seamlessly connecting them east to west. This expansion offers visitors an immersive journey—from lush, formal gardens to sweeping views of the Brandywine Valley’s open meadows.
At the heart of this transformation is the West Conservatory, a breathtaking 32,000-square-foot glasshouse designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, with gardens and pools by Reed Hilderbrand. Featuring striking asymmetrical, crystalline peaks, the new west conservatory appears to float on water while its Mediterranean-inspired garden thrives as a dynamic, seasonally evolving landscape. Inside, a rich tapestry of plant life unfolds—ground-hugging aloes, laurels, and Greek horehound mingle with towering cypress and century-old olive trees, while delicate plantings are suspended from above. The conservatory itself is a marvel of sustainable innovation, utilizing earth tubes and operable glass walls and roof panels to create a living, breathing environment.
Part of a $250 million transformation, Longwood Reimagined also includes:
- A state-of-the-art education and administration building called The Grove featuring a library and classrooms
- The renewal of the beloved Waterlily Court, initially designed by Sir Peter Shepheard (1913–2002)
- The preservation and planned relocation of six historic Lord & Burnham glasshouses for year-round garden displays
Additionally, as an early milestone in this grand transformation, Longwood’s cherished Orchid House reopened in February 2022 after a $5 million restoration, reviving its century-old splendor.
For more information about Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, visit Longwood Gardens.
Awards
2023 ARCHITECT Progressive Architecture Awards (Awarded to WEISS/MANFREDI)
2025 ENR MidAtlantic Best Projects Award – Cultural/Worship Category and Overall
2025 ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Excellence in Construction Award Winner – Best Commercial Category & Project of The Year
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