February 27, 2004

FosterPlants, Inc. has completed the installation a  private roof-top terrace garden atop an ultra luxury condominium in Miami Beach, Florida.

The project, a private residence, is unique in that the plants and custom fabricated containers were too large to be transported to the roof-top in elevators, down hallways and through doorways. Accordingly, a giant crane was used to transport the materials from the street, up and over the building to the terrace atop the 17 story building.

Steve Foster, President, FosterPlants, Inc. says "This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking projects that we have undertaken in the 20 years that we have been in business. The tremendous amount of planning and coordination that was required to pull this off without totally disrupting Ocean Drive in the peak tourist season was both exhilarating and exhausting"

A smaller crane was used to facilitate assembly of the giant crane and the north end of Ocean Drive and 15th Streets were closed for several hours during assembly and disassembly of the large crane. The sight of the giant crane hoisting the plants and containers up and over the building created quite a spectacle for tourists and locals alike.  "Everyone wanted to know what was going on and who we were doing this for. Of course, due to confidentiality and security issues, we're not able to say" said Foster.

Forty custom fabricated, cast stone containers with wrought iron details were shipped from southern California to a Florida warehouse facility, where they were later transferred to a 40 foot flat-bed trailer and then transported to the project site early on installation day. "Coordinating the delivery of plants, containers and supplies such as soil, Mexican beach pebbles and installation equipment — all to arrive on installation day, at a specific time, was overwhelming at times" said Foster.

The project,  in development stages since November of 2003 includes low voltage lighting and drip irrigation systems that were designed and installed by FosterPlants prior to the installation of the shell-stone floors.

Designed by Richard Lopez, Vice President of Design and Operations for FosterPlants and Foster, the project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget, with installation taking 5 days. "Steve planned everything to the 'T' and with a very diligent and capable installation team, we were able to execute our plan in record time. Everything went off without a hitch and we actually completed the project in fewer days than planned" said Lopez.

For further information, please contact Steve Foster at 305-962-0990

Project images may be viewed at the following link: http://www.fosterplants.com/ph672.htm

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