Zilker Botanical Garden Greene Room

Last spring, we completed some much‑needed renovations to the Zilker Botanical Garden Greene Room. Take a look at photos taken after the restoration. The Greene Room, formerly known as the “Garden Room” recognizes Magnolia Gracie Neighbors Greene who was a pioneering conservationist and co-founder of the Travis Audubon Society dedicating her life to promoting nature education and protecting Texas wildlife.

The room was originally constructed in 1964 as a covered open-air patio. It was enclosed with glazed walls in 1970 to create an air-conditioned meeting space known for its distinctive wooden beams, expansive glazed walls, solarium style design and broad views of Austin’s southern skyline. Over time, the beams deteriorated and the roof was showing signs of failure, prompting a full replacement in 2025. See photos of the Green Room before the renovation.

Greene Room FY 2025 Renovations

• Rebuilt the distinctive wooden beams and support structure with new steel members to meet code and prolong the lifespan. Steel members were wrapped in wood to preserve the room’s original character.

• Replaced the aging roof and installed new, durable flooring.

• Upgraded all windows for improved energy efficiency and natural lighting, paying careful attention to edge conditions to replicate the unique seamless panorama view.

• Installed new light fixtures to enhance brightness and reduce energy use.

Designed in a solarium style, the Greene Room features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light and views of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden and the Austin cityscape. The layout includes a 200‑square‑foot foyer and a 360‑square‑foot main room, making it an intimate and flexible gathering space. Since reopening, the room has resumed hosting community events like monthly plant swaps and can be rented by the community.