The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland has received a $2.5 million grant for a new, environmentally friendly building.

The grant from the Heinz Endowments underwrites an educational, research and administrative building called the Center for Sustainable Landscapes.

Groundbreaking on the building is scheduled for Sept. 18. The building is scheduled to be open by 2010 and is expected to generate its own energy and treat its wastewater on site.

Design Alliance in Pittsburgh is the lead architect.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation announced a $5 million grant for the building in June.

First Published: September 4, 2008, 3:45 p.m.