"It's tough logistically for [the contractor], but absolutely critical for us because the success of the garden is crucial," says Sowd.

Drew Wesling, Matt project manager, says crews are going to dig two to three ft deep into the ground and temporarily move 11,000 cu yds of soil across the vast campus, around staff and visitors, with a convoy of trucks and flagmen.

"This is a challenge because it’s costly, and although they have a big campus, space is at a premium,” says Wesling. He says the project team originally thought about working around the soil but soon realized it that logistically it would be too difficult.

While crews move soil and prepare the site for demolition of an existing 9,000-sq-ft entrance pavilion so new construction can begin, a temporary complex for admissions and gift shop will be erected with hard-shelled tents.

When complete in early 2015, the project will feature numerous sustainable features. The building envelope, lighting, and HVAC systems, will exceed California’s Title 24 minimum requirements by more than 17%; plumbing systems and fixtures will exceed California’s CAL Green requirements by more than 30%; and 75% of construction debris will be recycled.

The new Education and Visitor Center is being funded through private sources with fundraising actively under way.