Queens Botanical Garden Breaks Ground on New Education Center
Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 16, for the upcoming Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed by the award-winning BKSK Architects.
The Center is a capital project funded by the City of New York through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, the Queens Borough President, the NYC Council, and the Mayor’s Office, with building overseen by NYC Department of Design and Construction. A member of the Cultural Institutions Group, QBG is located on 39 acres owned by the City of New York at the northeast corner of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
The ceremony, held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, included remarks by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, NYC Department of Design and Construction First Deputy Commissioner Eric Macfarlane, QBG Board Chair Raymond Jasen, QBG Executive Director Evie Hantzopoulos, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and New York City Council Member Sandra Ung.
“There are few cultural institutions more important to the health of our borough than the Queens Botanical Garden. Not only is it a space to come smell the roses and enjoy the nature around us, but it’s a proud partner in the fight against climate change,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This state-of-the-art new education building represents a major step forward in that fight as we build a more sustainable borough for future generations to enjoy, while also fostering a further sense of community in North Queens.”
Once complete, the 14,500 square foot Education Center will elevate QBG’s role as a leading destination for environmental education and community programming, serving one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country and beyond.
Designed by BKSK Architects
“This is a milestone moment for Queens Botanical Garden and the communities we serve,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Executive Director. “Thanks to the capital funding from the City of New York and our elected officials past and present, this new Education Center will expand our ability to inspire environmental stewardship and learning across all ages.”
“This education building has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to see it finally breaking ground,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “Once complete, it will be a remarkable addition to the Garden and to our borough, offering year-round programming and educational space for visitors of all ages. Since taking office, I’ve been proud to secure over $3.4 million in funding for this project because I know how vital the Garden is to the people of Flushing and the entire borough. It is not only a sanctuary in the heart of the city, it’s also a place for learning, for connection, and for growth, and this new center will enhance the ability of QBG to serve our diverse community in ways that are meaningful and lasting.”
The Center is named in honor of a transformative gift from the Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Foundation, the largest private donation in the Garden’s history and one of the largest ever made to a Queens cultural institution. QBG also recognizes the many generous donors who are supporting future operations, maintenance, and programming through other naming opportunities including Amerasia Bank, Con Edison, Max and Selma Kupferberg Foundation, Constance Wingate, Raymond Jasen, Pauline Huang and David Wu, as well as other individuals whose contributions will ensure the Education Center’s success.
“We are thrilled to see the start of construction of the Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Education Center” said Sara B. Herbstman, President of the Foundation. “Joan and Norman dedicated their foundation to supporting the education of underprivileged students in New York City. Both natives of Queens, who loved and were active in the Queens Botanical Garden, they would be so pleased to play a part in bringing this special project to fruition.”
Designed to be net-zero ready and on track for LEED Platinum certification, the Education Center will include classrooms, a teaching solarium, a demonstration kitchen, offices and workspace, and demonstration gardens. The building’s design emphasizes sustainability and indoor-outdoor placemaking, integrating seamlessly into the Garden’s landscape. The facility is expected to double QBG’s capacity to serve students and visitors each year, offering enhanced educational programming that fosters a deeper connection with nature.
Designed by BKSK Architects
Con Edison is a proud supporter of Queens Botanical Garden and the community it serves,” said Nancy Shannon, senior vice president, Shared Services, Con Edison. “The Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Education Center, designed to be net-zero, will be an important community asset that reflects our commitments to environmental sustainability and value for New Yorkers.”
“Amerasia Bank is proud to support the future programming and operations of the Education Center through its naming of a state of the art classroom,” said Warren Huang, General Counsel for Amerasia Bank. “Each year, tens of thousands of schoolchildren will be able to engage in high quality environmental education through this innovative and beautiful center.”
“The Max and Selma Kupferberg Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Queens Botanical Garden, and we are delighted to honor our parents’ legacy and commitment to Queens by naming the terrace and lounge after them,” said Saul Kupferberg, President of the Foundation. “We are excited for all it will bring to so many children, adults, and visitors.”
NY State Senator John Liu stated, “The Queens Botanical Garden is a beloved oasis where city dwellers can find a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. This new education building will greatly expand the garden’s impact, accessibility, and reach by offering new ways to teach New Yorkers and visitors of all ages about the natural world and the importance of protecting our environment. Many thanks to Council Member Ung and Borough President Donovan Richards for securing funding for this transformative project that is sure to connect even more people to our cherished green spaces.”
“The new Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Education Center will be a hub for environmental learning and community engagement for generations to come. I’m proud to join Queens Botanical Garden in celebrating this exciting new chapter for sustainability, education, and green space in the heart of Queens,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.
“Many years of planning, hard work, talent, and collaboration led us to this moment. The Board of Trustees is grateful to the City of New York and our QBG team – past and present – more making the dream of an education center a reality.” – Raymond Jasen, Chair, QBG Board of Trustees.
“BKSK has been privileged for nearly 25 years to partner with the Queens Botanical Garden to craft a beautiful, thriving, and sustainable space for all New Yorkers. We are proud that the new Education Center will further the Garden’s legacy as a place where people, plants, and cultures meet.” Joan Krevlin, Partner, BKSK Architects.