Building a new visitor center within an established botanical garden required careful attention to the surrounding landscape. The improvements needed to support the new facility while preserving existing plantings, maintaining the garden’s character, and providing convenient access for visitors.

Yamabe & Horn provided civil engineering, land surveying, construction staking, and agency coordination. The civil improvements included approximately 3,000 square feet of sidewalk and new water and sewer service connections. Accessible walkways connect the visitor center to the garden’s existing pedestrian network, allowing guests to move between the indoor space and outdoor exhibits.

Utility service coordination was an important part of the design process. Our team worked with the City of Clovis to determine how best to connect the building to the available water and sewer systems while accounting for site constraints and minimizing disturbance to the garden.

Drainage also required a thoughtful approach. Y&H coordinated with the City and Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District to address runoff associated with the new building and paved areas. Grading and drainage design needed to work with the existing site while supporting accessible routes and protecting the surrounding landscape.

Throughout the project, our team worked with the garden’s volunteer-led organization and project partners to carry its vision through design and construction. Surveying and construction staking helped translate the plans into the field and position the improvements within the established grounds.

The completed visitor center gives the garden a welcoming indoor space for education, outreach, and community events. Together with the site improvements, it expands the garden’s ability to teach visitors about landscaping that conserves water and thrives in the Central Valley.

The project received the 2026 ASCE Fresno Branch Outstanding Community Improvement Project Award.