Current Capital Improvement Projects

Oak Park Conservatory Tropical Room Project

Project Summary

On June 21, 2010, the Park District of Oak Park began the process of removing the lead paint from the steel frame of the historic 1929 Oak Park Conservatory Tropical Room. The Tropical Room is one of three exhibit rooms at this popular tourist attraction that houses plant specimens dating back to 1914. This project consisted of removing or pruning and covering all of the plant specimens in the room. All of the ironwork was cleaned, primed and painted with special material which encapsulates any traces of paint left behind. All paint chips and dust were collected and disposed of properly. Air monitoring was performed throughout the Conservatory to gauge air quality during lead abatement.

This is the third and final exhibit room to receive lead abatement before the paint significantly chips, chalks or peels. The Fern Room was abated in July 2002 and the Desert Room in 2006. Additionally, the East Growing House was abated in 2007 and the West Growing House in 2009.  This proactive measure helps ensure that the Oak Park Conservatory continues to provide a safe and healthy recreation and leisure education experience for the nearly 30,000 patrons who view the exhibits annually.  Restoration of the historic entrance and many greenhouse improvements were also completed as part of this project.

About Lead-Based Paint

In 1978, lead was banned from paints. Lead-based paint is not dangerous if it is properly maintained, however, when lead-based paint deteriorates, chalks or is disturbed during remodeling or repainting, it can create a dust. Most lead exposure from paint occurs from breathing paint dust containing lead. In 1996, while seeking routine painting bids for the Conservatory, it was discovered that the interior steel superstructure of the greenhouses contained lead paint. JMS Environmental Associates, Ltd. obtained 19 lead air samples, which were analyzed for contamination from lead-based paint. No lead was detected in the air samples. Soil tests also passed the strictest HUD guidelines for acceptable lead content.

Conservatory Availability

Project Team

The Working Group for this project is comprised of Don Maynard of Garapolo Maynard Architects; Jim Tuinenga of TEM, Inc.; and Mike Grandy, Henrietta Yardley and Neil Adams from the Park District of Oak Park. Through a public bid process, the following contractors completed the corresponding work: 
Colfax Corporation - lead abatement and painting.
Hummert International - greenhouse upgrades and glazing.
Oak Electric - electrical.
Gilchrist Plumbing - plumbing.
Pat McDonald - wood, masonry and steel work.
Mechanical Concepts of Illinois- radiant heat.

The total project cost is $299,513 which was funded by the Park District’s Capital Improvement Budget.  

Dust Management

The lead paint coating was removed by Colfax Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, a certified lead abatement contractor who completed work in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding lead abatement. During the project, air monitoring was performed throughout the Conservatory by TEM, Inc. to gauge air quality. Soil samples were taken before and after project completion. Dust partitions were installed around each work area to restrict dust to the operational portion of the building and to restrict the public from entering the work area.

Timeline