In 2019, Phipps a former Pittsburgh public works building into its Exhibit Staging Center (ESC) with a dynamic, modernized design and the ambitious goal of achieving three of the world's most rigorous building standards: Living Building Challenge (achieved June 2023), LEED® Platinum (achieved April 2022) and WELL Platinum (achieved June 2021). As an addition to the guest experience, the ESC offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservatory’s historic and future flower shows. Phipps now hosts three Living Building projects on its site, each showcasing a different construction type: new (CSL), modular (SEED) and retrofit (ESC). The resulting “living campus” is the first multi-facility living system of its kind in the world.

Photo © Paul g. Wiegman