Yesterday, 2,500 “vardensocks,” each planted with 3 Sedum Kamtschaticum plants, were placed in 5”x 12″ troughs mounted on a 2-story metal structure that was installed along the west side of the Argyle Parking Garage in late fall. The green wall, located directly across from the new AC Hotel Central West End, is the latest element in a series of recent street and landscape improvements on York Avenue, between Lindell and Maryland. Funding for the project, which has transformed York Avenue from a glorified alley into a handsome gateway to the new hotel and to Maryland Plaza, was provided from the Argyle Garage TIF Special Allocation Fund. The project was administered by the CWE North Special Business District.
The wall was designed by Verdtech, Inc.’s Mark Woolbright, above, shown with his son Matt.
The evergreen plants will produce a golden-yellow flower in the summer, then turn reddish-brown in November and December. They’ll hold that color while dormant, and turn green once again in February each year.
According to Woolbright: “The succulents’ yellow flowers are a big favorite of pollinators and other creatures. That wall is going to create urban cooling, sound attenuation, and provide some nice green space too.”
Assisting in the day-long installation project were Frank McClinton and John Glore with Wilderness Walls.
The plantings, which are watered by a drip irrigation system, should grow to cover the wall in about 60 days. In the meantime, here’s a recent photo, below, of the lush green wall Verdtech installed at M.A.D.E. in the Delmar Maker District 3 years ago. It provides a sense of what we can expect as the new addtion takes root in the Central West End.
Verdtech, Inc., 2641 LaSalle St.
Another longtime CWE resident and I walked by during installation & had a nice chat w Mark. It’s very cool. Pretty amazing how that nondescript stretch of York is transforming.
Wow! That is wonderful. I hope it’s an idea that will take root (pun intended) around the City.
What an exciting new feature to the CWE. I look forward to watching its progress and enjoying the view.
That is awesome! What a great use of space and a terrific way to attract pollinators. It’s a beautiful plant and is stunning when it blooms.