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Case Study: Preston Centre Sunken Garden
Discover how EMI transformed a forgotten downtown basement into an award-winning urban oasis with intricate hardscapes, custom soil blends, and over 1,500 plantings—right in the heart of Columbus.
Urban Retreat, Columbus OH
The Preston Centre Sunken Garden is a standout feature in the revitalization of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Completed in summer 2024, this 6,000-square-foot green space was developed in the former two-story basement of a historic bank lobby. Our team at EMI led the full-scale installation of both the sunken garden landscape and surrounding hardscape, transforming an underutilized urban cavity into a lush, inviting public oasis. This project also included street-level plantings and landscape design around an adjacent restaurant, extending the aesthetic appeal and walkability of the site.
Drawing inspiration from high-profile urban landscapes like the High Line in New York City, this garden was designed to evoke a park-like feel in the heart of the city. The installation included over 1,500 perennials, 200 shrubs, and 46 trees, along with 4,330 square feet of porcelain pavers, 300 square feet of natural bluestone, and a sophisticated koi pond stocked with aquatic plants. The result is a dynamic, multi-level environment where nature and design harmonize to create a modern retreat for visitors, residents, and patrons of surrounding businesses.
Tour The Garden
Hear from Project Manager Josh Holmes as he shares the vision, challenges, and craftsmanship behind the award-winning Preston Centre Sunken Garden. From tight urban logistics to custom soil mixes, Josh walks us through what made this build both complex and rewarding.
Key Project Highlights
This project required innovative construction methods and complex logistics due to the below-grade setting and limited access. Over 1,200 cubic yards of custom-blended soil were craned into place, and 50 tons of drainage aggregate were installed along with 400 linear feet of drain tile to ensure long-term plant health. The team also installed 485 linear feet of granite street curb and 650 linear feet of granite planter curb to frame the garden beds and walkways.
Heavy equipment access was restricted by a narrow stairwell, requiring 18 large trees (each with a 3.5–4" caliper) to be hoisted in by crane. Additionally, microclimates created by glass-walled surroundings meant each plant had to be placed with precision to ensure optimal light and heat conditions. From selecting a unique Hindu Pan tree to carefully integrating a rare monkey puzzle tree, this project pushed our team to apply deep horticultural knowledge and close collaboration with the design team.
Despite its challenges, the Preston Centre Sunken Garden stands as a testament to our ability to deliver award-winning commercial landscaping in complex urban environments. The Preston Centre sunken garden was widely recognized in 2024: it earned Gold at the 2024 NALP Awards, was named Project of the Year by OGIA, and received the prestigious Craftsmanship Award from the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio for its exceptional design and execution.
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Let EMI’s Design & Build team transform your commercial property with expert landscape architecture and installations, from serene natural spaces to functional hardscaped areas—and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for vibrant green landscapes or durable, functional outdoor environments, our team creates tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to get started on your custom landscape design and build project.
