Building a Center of Attraction
The focal point of the Green House Venture is a science education and outreach center with approximately 8,000 square feet, located at the intersection of Lawrence and DeTonty Streets. When constructed, it will contain a greenhouse, a classroom, a children's growing gallery, and a teaching lab, all designed to stimulate an interest in science, urban food production, community engagement, sustainability and economic development.
Inside the facility, the Venture will demonstrate a number of sophisticated aquaponic growing techniques involving fish breeding, plant fertilization from fish tanks, soiless beds, and vertical plant growing. Outside, it will feature a weather station, an ozone garden, a shade trellis, a climbing fruit garden, a pollinator garden, and light-weight aeroponic growing on a roof-top terrace. Across DeTonty Street on the I-44 hillside embankment, will be a series of raised terraces for growing native Missouri crops.