At The Korte Company, we believe the job is the boss. Every build requires unique considerations, and a good builder adapts to the job with flexibility and the right tools. In this university construction project, we helped SIUE improve accessibility to their renowned gardens. And we preserved the surrounding area with great care.
The Treetop Pedestrian Bridge was designed to connect visitors to The Gardens at SIUE, a public botanical garden on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Recognized by the Missouri Botanical Garden as a Signature Garden, the 35-acre property includes a variety of natural areas, gardens and sculpture in a landscaped setting.
As guests stroll across the bridge and into the gardens, they experience a dramatic treetop vantage and a unique canopy view of the bike path that passes just below. As part of this feature, we took extraordinary steps to preserve the trees in the immediate and surrounding areas of the bridge.
The Gardens at SIUE comprises existing woodlands, a pond, grasslands and an arboretum on a lush, rolling, 35-acre site. The Gardens is a living laboratory dedicated to supporting the educational and research mission of the University. Environmental sustainability, conservation and stewardship are cornerstones of The Gardens’ vision, providing a unique opportunity to research, implement and demonstrate innovative, green technologies. Gardens, facilities and amenities feature renewable, recycled and sustainability-produced materials.
The Gardens at SIUE is one of three world-renowned Missouri Botanical Gardens Signature Gardens. To retain this designation, each garden is reviewed annually and must demonstrate proper horticultural display and maintenance practices, provide educational programs, and continue to evolve as a public garden.
We’re honored to build for SIUE and an important landmark in the St. Louis region.