If you’re searching for an ideal place to bring a date – a place with class, grandeur and… If you’re searching for an ideal place to bring a date – a place with class, grandeur and enticing smells – venture over to Phipps Conservatory, free with your student ID, and soon to be about $37 million better.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ceremoniously broke ground on Monday to begin construction on a $36.6 million expansion, scheduled for completion in fall of 2004.

“We are planting for a future that will bring Phipps into full flower,” Richard Piacentini, executive director at Phipps, said. With those words, participants in the groundbreaking planted individual palms, signaling the start of the project.

Phase one of the construction, known as the Second Century Campaign, consists of creating a sunken walkway, replacing the current entrance with Romanesque pillars and developing a welcome area, capped by a glass dome, reminiscent of Phipps’ Victorian heritage.

In addition, plans include the installation of a 75-seat, casual cafe, expanded gift shop and visitor lockers.

Construction of the Tropical Forest, a two-story education and administration building that will be connected to the current facility by a skywalk, will complete phase two of the expansion.

Students often use the research and educational facilities, according to Pam Reddy, who is in charge of marketing for Phipps.

Well-known philanthropic organizations such as the Heinz Corporation and Sara Scaife Foundation provided funding for the Second Century Campaign. Their combined contributions of over $27.2 million exceeded the Phase One fundraising goal by more than $3 million.

Expansion of Phipps may bring the conservatory, and the city, more than just visitors – building planners hope the visitors will bring their wallets, as well.

“Visitors will generate about $10 million in direct and indirect economic benefit to the region each year,” said Dr. Al Biglan, chairman of Phipps’ Board.

Phipps will remain open during the expansion process, and visitors will be directed to an alternative entrance.