The project: Landscape design for the Fairfax City Hall’s front lawn.

The goal: Create a new landscape design to improve functionality and provide ecosystem benefits while also preserving the city’s original vision for the building, constructed in 1951.

Design approach: IMEG worked with the City of Fairfax on the enhanced landscape plan. Complete landscape, hardscape, and stormwater design was provided for a new refreshed pedestrian realm in front of the building and connection to Armstrong Street. IMEG worked with surveyors, city staff, elected officials, various boards, and the general public to provide a full design package for the renovation. The design features significant native plantings with signage to encourage local residents to repeat the use of the native plantings in their yards around the City. Way-finding signage was also provided.

Design features: IMEG’s design included:

• 85% of landscape is native plants and trees to support local ecosystems and reduce maintenance
• New rain gardens to capture excess nutrients
• Efficient automated irrigation system
• Energy-efficient LED lighting
• Landscaping specifically designed to attract pollinating insects
• Installation of new benches made from recycled plastic
• Decorative brickwork paving and improved concrete edging
• Preserving existing magnolia trees in front of the building

The outcome: The design provides ecological improvement through the use of native plants and rain gardens with habitats for pollinating insects. It also enhanced the site’s aesthetics with new plantings, brickwork, and lighting, and increased safety and accessibility, particularly with the new stairs, railings, and connecting sidewalk.