CONSERVATORY

·Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's Celebration Plaza

Celebration Plaza is a place to remember special people, feelings and moments.

Proceeds from the purchase of Celebration Plaza bricks are placed in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's Endowment Fund.  Endowment gifts last indefinitely as only the interest is used each year to maintain and enhance the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory - the jewel in the crown of Saint Paul's parks.

Bricks are located on the plaza and walkways surrounding the Conservatory's historic Veranda. Each cream colored brick is engraved with your personalized message.

The cost per brick ranges from $150 - $200 based on the amount of text:

  • Two lines of engraving, $150
  • Three lines of engraving, $200

Download a Celebration Plaza Brick order form.

Bricks ordered now will be placed in Section 6, just southeast of the Conservatory historic entrance (See map below). Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are closed.  

brickmap

Installations

Bricks are installed twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Exact installation dates cannot be predicted because they depend on weather, construction schedules in the park and other circumstances. You will be notified after your brick is installed.

  • Spring Installation: Bricks must be ordered by January 31.
  • Fall Installation: Bricks must be ordered by July 31.
Notes about inscriptions
  • Remember that the limit of 14 characters per line is the absolute maximum.
  • Each letter, space and punctuation mark counts as one character.
  • Only capital letters are used.
  • All lines are centered.
  • Some symbols (such as heart, cross) are available. Please inquire by calling 651-487-8229. Please note that symbols may require extra space, which will mean fewer spaces available for the rest of your inscription.
  • The most common reason for an unsatisfying inscription is trying to fit too many characters into the line. A clean, open, uncluttered look is the most effective.

You may wish to consider the following alternatives:

  • Use fewer words, for instance, first names only, last names only or initials instead of spelling out full names.
  • Punctuation marks (periods, commas, dashes, etc.) can be eliminated if the meaning remains clear.
  • We strongly recommend that you do not leave out spaces between words.
  • Use numerals instead of words in dates; for example, 9-12-91 (7 characters) instead of SEPTEMBER 12, 1991 (18 characters).
  • Use & or + instead of AND.
  • Consider upgrading from a 2-line inscription to a 3-line inscription.
  • Consider donating an additional brick. (we cannot guarantee that bricks will be placed together unless they are ordered together.)

Please check your inscription carefully!

When you receive your confirmation documents, if you find any errors in your inscription, please contact us immediately. Although we make every effort to be accurate and to set up the inscription according to your wishes, typographical errors are possible. If the inscription is correct but you are not satisfied with the look, we will be happy to work with you to modify the inscription. Changes can be accepted up to the date given on your confirmation card.

Click here to download a Celebration Plaza brick order form or contact us at:

Como Friends
Phone:   651-487-8229
Fax:   651-487-8245
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul, MN   55103
ComoMembership@comofriends.org