Sagaponack’s Madoo Conservancy (618 Sagg Main St., 631-537-8200) has something new to look forward to this spring.
As the beloved nonprofit public garden — once the bucolic private residence of acclaimed artist and founder Robert Dash — readies itself for the upcoming season (slated to open on Friday, April 18), the organization’s new welcome center is on the last leg of construction.
“We’re anticipating it to be ready in the beginning of May,” says Alejandro Saralegui, executive director at the conservancy. Situated on the footprint of two worker sheds that Dash connected back in the 1970s, according to a statement from the nonprofit, the new building is designed by architect Katherine McCoy, with construction being handled by Greg D’Angelo Construction and landscaping by LaGuardia Design Group. The intent of the project is to “highlight both Madoo’s openness to the greater community and reflect new, sustainable building practices,” says the press release.
About a half a million dollars was raised for the project thanks to private donations as well as a grant from Empire State Development.
A nonprofit since 1993, the 1.9 acres at Madoo work as an open-to-the-public garden open Fridays and Saturdays to start, with summer hours taking effect on June 18 (Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.), hosting exhibitions, events, classes and workshops focusing on gardening, floral arranging, painting and more.
According to the Saralegui, the biggest, most noticeable improvement at the new welcome center will be increased accessibility. “The first thing you get at Madoo is three steps,” he says of the old entrance. “We’re creating a new entry to the garden that’s flush to the ground.” The wheelchair-friendly pedestrian walkway will lead to an entrance terrace that will double as an outdoor classroom, spearheaded by Whitemore’s along with Madoo’s own crew headed by Carlos Hernandez. The space will also hold a gift shop along with a new horticultural/reference library, containing between 50 to 75 books on hand to help people interested in identifying and researching the myriad plants found throughout the grounds.
Two new bathrooms, one of which will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, will also be part of the revitalization as will new sustainable elements, like a green roof and gutters that empty into rain barrels for hand watering.
“These improvements are not going to be terrifyingly noticeable,” Saralegui says, noting Dash’s original vision for the interior and exterior spaces are firmly being held in the forefront, noting the Akebia vines and Japanese climbing hydrangea Dash originally planted and had growing up the sides of the old sheds will be returned to their former place on the new construction. “Everything’s coming together. It’s all keeping in the spirit of Madoo.”
