Luther Burbank Greenhouse

The Luther Burbank Greenhouse was built in 1889 to house plant breeding and seed germinating work carried out by Mr. Burbank. The greenhouse is a registered local, state, and national historic landmark. ARG Conservation Services was retained to perform conservation and restoration work at the greenhouse.

Over the years, the wood and glass structure had suffered a variety of water-related problems. Rusted bolts, rotted wood, and failed paint undermined the waterproofing system and caused accelerated decay of the greenhouse. The materials conservation treatments were intended to preserve as much of the historic fabric as possible while providing long-term protection of the structure.

ARG Conservation Services disassembled the historic wood mullions and glass of the greenhouse enclosure. Deteriorated wood mullions were repaired with specialized epoxies, and mullions beyond repair were reconstructed using old growth redwood similar to the originals. The mullions were then primed, painted, and reinstalled with each corresponding glass pane in its original position on the greenhouse. The result of the preservation effort is a water tight enclosure that retains the original materials and character of the structure.