Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Once a former landfill, the 23.5-acre site of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable green space overlooking downtown Louisville. Designed by Perkins&Will, the project merges environmental responsibility with community-centered design—offering a serene, welcoming public destination that honors both ecology and renewal.

At the heart of the main gathering area, DEX fabricated a series of custom high-performance concrete elements that support both flow and function:

• Two continuous 50-foot sculptural seating runs
• ADA-accessible segments for inclusive use
• Integrated planters that blend seamlessly with the site’s landscape design

These site-specific components were cast in a DEXterity custom gray finish, providing durability, elegance, and material consistency throughout the space. Each element was designed to withstand outdoor conditions while enhancing the natural beauty and intended serenity of the gardens.

Highlights:

• Sculptural, long-span seating to define shared space
• Fully ADA-compliant concrete bench segments
• Integrated planter forms for softened edges and plant life
• Designed for public interaction and long-term resilience
• Crafted to align with the project’s environmental and community-focused mission

This project stands as a powerful example of how architectural concrete can support sustainable urban renewal, both functionally and symbolically.