HOPE GARDENS
Hope Gardens was originally part of "Hope Estate", which was owned and run by Richard Hope. Hope was a commander in the British army and was gifted the estates a reward for helping Britain to take control of Jamaica from the Spanish. The original Hope Estate was a vast property, stretching from Newcastle (in the Blue Mountains) down to the sea.
The estate was originally used as a sugar estate, however, in the late 1881, 200 acres of this property were purchased by the government to establish an experimental garden for growing foreign species. It was through the botanical gardens that several exotic species such as coffee and pineapple were introduced to Jamaica. This experimental garden became what is now known as Hope Gardens.
History:
The Royal Botanical Gardens, commonly called "Hope Gardens", occupies 200 acres of land in the Ligunaea Plains of urban St Andrew. The gardens were established in 1873 on a section of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope, one of the original English colonisers who arrived with the invading force of Penn and Venables. Today the gardens are the largest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan region, and are home to Jamaica's most popular collection of endemic and exotic botanical collections. Of particular interest is the Cassia siamea grove by the main entrance, which was planted in 1907, and the other mini-gardens within the park - notably the cacti garden, with its rare varietals; the bougainvillea walk with its magnificent explosions of tropical colours; the annual gardens, with numerous species of exotic flowers; the sunken gardens and the lily pond.
Local Flavor:
Most of the plants and trees, particularly the mango and various spice species found here and in the gardens at Bath, originally came from a captured French ship on its way from Mauritius to Hispaniola in 1782. It is still highly unclear as to where exactly the plants went, but we do know that the Receiver General, one Mr Hinton East, owned and operated a garden near to the gardens at Hope. Since all cargo entering the country had to pass through his hands and be cleared by his office, it is not surprising that years after the fact, the whole collection was deposited in Mr East's garden which later was transplaanted to the Hope Estate.
Famous For:
There are many rare and beautiful species of tropical plants and trees at the Royal Botanical Gardens, including the Hibiscus elatus (blue mahoe), the national tree of Jamaica. Blue mahoe is a small spreading tree with flowers that open in primrose colour in the morning and change to orange and deep red as the day advances.
The estate was originally used as a sugar estate, however, in the late 1881, 200 acres of this property were purchased by the government to establish an experimental garden for growing foreign species. It was through the botanical gardens that several exotic species such as coffee and pineapple were introduced to Jamaica. This experimental garden became what is now known as Hope Gardens.
History:
The Royal Botanical Gardens, commonly called "Hope Gardens", occupies 200 acres of land in the Ligunaea Plains of urban St Andrew. The gardens were established in 1873 on a section of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope, one of the original English colonisers who arrived with the invading force of Penn and Venables. Today the gardens are the largest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan region, and are home to Jamaica's most popular collection of endemic and exotic botanical collections. Of particular interest is the Cassia siamea grove by the main entrance, which was planted in 1907, and the other mini-gardens within the park - notably the cacti garden, with its rare varietals; the bougainvillea walk with its magnificent explosions of tropical colours; the annual gardens, with numerous species of exotic flowers; the sunken gardens and the lily pond.
Local Flavor:
Most of the plants and trees, particularly the mango and various spice species found here and in the gardens at Bath, originally came from a captured French ship on its way from Mauritius to Hispaniola in 1782. It is still highly unclear as to where exactly the plants went, but we do know that the Receiver General, one Mr Hinton East, owned and operated a garden near to the gardens at Hope. Since all cargo entering the country had to pass through his hands and be cleared by his office, it is not surprising that years after the fact, the whole collection was deposited in Mr East's garden which later was transplaanted to the Hope Estate.
Famous For:
There are many rare and beautiful species of tropical plants and trees at the Royal Botanical Gardens, including the Hibiscus elatus (blue mahoe), the national tree of Jamaica. Blue mahoe is a small spreading tree with flowers that open in primrose colour in the morning and change to orange and deep red as the day advances.
DEVON HOUSE
Devon House was built in 1881 and originally belonged to George Stiebel, a man who became Jamaica's first black millionaire from gold mining projects in Venezuela. The property subsequently had several owners and was due to be sold to developers in the 1960s. However, the Jamaican Government caught wind of the development plans and in 1965 placed a restriction order on development under the National Trust Act.
The Jamaican National Trust then set about restoring the property. Devon House was officially opened to the public in 1968 and from 2002 has been run by the Devon House Development Company which is responsible for the re-development of Devon House.
RESTORATION PROGRAMME 2008
The Devon House Development Limited was started in 2002 to oversee the redevelopment of the Devon House property - a designated national monument since September 1990. The Ministry of Tourism as part of its efforts to ensure that Devon House remains a signature attraction for Kingston, has in 2008, approved contracts totaling $60,000 million for the re-development of this premiere heritage site.
Devon House underwent its first restoration in the 1960’s under the supervision of Tom Concannon assisted by Raymond McIntyre. In 1974, the Mansion was refurbished for the second time in the Victorian style. The interior was refurbished by Mr. Sergio Dello Strologo and Mr. Raymond McIntyre undertook the task of restoring the Mansion from a gallery to a private dwelling. During this time the crystal chandelier in the ballroom dating from George Stiebel’s time was found broken in two parts. It was restored by John Thompson, an engineer working with APEC Consultants. The restoration of the antique furniture located for the house was done by Mr. Robin Morris. In 1984, the Mansion was opened to the public.
With previous re-development programmes undertaken in 1969, 1982, and 1987 and now in 2008, the former glory of this national landmark is of primary importance. In 2006-7 work was conducted on a new garbage house, the Devonshire (which now has three multifunctional rooms), the driveway and the parking areas. APEC Consultants has overall responsibility for the redevelopment of the site.
Re Development Work:
Extensive repairs were carried out to the historic mansion as serious rotting was taking place throughout the Mansion’s wooden frame. The roof will be re shingled and the exterior of the Mansion repainted. The Wedgewood ceiling in the ballroom is also to be restored. Work was previously conducted on the east veranda and later continued on the west verandah and entrance area. The Mansion’s furnishings have also been re upholstered and restored where necessary.
Landscaping was upgraded on the entire property. The East Lawn was replanted to ensure colorful cover, particularly for the hosting of functions. The irrigation system has also received a complete over haul.
The Jamaican National Trust then set about restoring the property. Devon House was officially opened to the public in 1968 and from 2002 has been run by the Devon House Development Company which is responsible for the re-development of Devon House.
RESTORATION PROGRAMME 2008
The Devon House Development Limited was started in 2002 to oversee the redevelopment of the Devon House property - a designated national monument since September 1990. The Ministry of Tourism as part of its efforts to ensure that Devon House remains a signature attraction for Kingston, has in 2008, approved contracts totaling $60,000 million for the re-development of this premiere heritage site.
Devon House underwent its first restoration in the 1960’s under the supervision of Tom Concannon assisted by Raymond McIntyre. In 1974, the Mansion was refurbished for the second time in the Victorian style. The interior was refurbished by Mr. Sergio Dello Strologo and Mr. Raymond McIntyre undertook the task of restoring the Mansion from a gallery to a private dwelling. During this time the crystal chandelier in the ballroom dating from George Stiebel’s time was found broken in two parts. It was restored by John Thompson, an engineer working with APEC Consultants. The restoration of the antique furniture located for the house was done by Mr. Robin Morris. In 1984, the Mansion was opened to the public.
With previous re-development programmes undertaken in 1969, 1982, and 1987 and now in 2008, the former glory of this national landmark is of primary importance. In 2006-7 work was conducted on a new garbage house, the Devonshire (which now has three multifunctional rooms), the driveway and the parking areas. APEC Consultants has overall responsibility for the redevelopment of the site.
Re Development Work:
Extensive repairs were carried out to the historic mansion as serious rotting was taking place throughout the Mansion’s wooden frame. The roof will be re shingled and the exterior of the Mansion repainted. The Wedgewood ceiling in the ballroom is also to be restored. Work was previously conducted on the east veranda and later continued on the west verandah and entrance area. The Mansion’s furnishings have also been re upholstered and restored where necessary.
Landscaping was upgraded on the entire property. The East Lawn was replanted to ensure colorful cover, particularly for the hosting of functions. The irrigation system has also received a complete over haul.
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EMANCIPATION PARK
THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMANCIPATION PARK FROM DUSTBOWL TO TROPICAL OASIS
The development of Emancipation Park reads like a famous Cinderella story. For decades, the Liguanea Park stood dusty and bare, bereft of any beauty or character. It was essentially a vast open piece of land where many six-a-side football matches were played and Jamaica Carnival revelers could be seen gyrating to the riveting sound of the soca beat preceding the big road march in April.
Then along came its fairy godmother, the National Housing Trust (NHT), committed to transforming the seven-acre dustbowl into a tropical oasis in the heart of Kingston. The NHT Board of Directors together with the former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable PJ Patterson, visualized creating a park in the city where Jamaicans and visitors alike could relax and play. This was however not going to be like any other park, it would instead be a masterpiece of beauty with exquisite plants, lush gardens and rejuvenating water features.
The team to develop this project was carefully handpicked by the NHT, which spared no resources in providing Kingston with a world-class landmark. The project team was given a tight deadline of three months to execute the project and turn the dream of creating a beautiful park into reality.
Architect Kamau Kambui, armed with detailed research of Jamaica's history chose to create the Park with an influence of Afro-centric designs, hence the significant presence of Adinkra symbols from West Africa being sited throughout the Park. Kambui, noted that these symbols along with the various water features would serve to awaken the spirit of Jamaicans and allow them to reconnect with their rich African heritage.
The main entrance of the Park located at the corner of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard, was specifically designed to depict "the birth passage and the process of traveling back to our roots" said Kambui.
Also worthy of note is the Park's professionally designed 500m jogging track that has enticed joggers and other fitness enthusiasts who start their daily fitness regime from as early as 5a.m. each day.
After much determination and the relentless effort of all involved in the development of the Park, it was officially opened on July 31, 2002 in commemoration of Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1 each year. Since it's opening, Emancipation Park has received hundreds of visitors of all ages each day. It is the perfect setting for a family picnic or a day out with that special someone.
The development of Emancipation Park reads like a famous Cinderella story. For decades, the Liguanea Park stood dusty and bare, bereft of any beauty or character. It was essentially a vast open piece of land where many six-a-side football matches were played and Jamaica Carnival revelers could be seen gyrating to the riveting sound of the soca beat preceding the big road march in April.
Then along came its fairy godmother, the National Housing Trust (NHT), committed to transforming the seven-acre dustbowl into a tropical oasis in the heart of Kingston. The NHT Board of Directors together with the former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable PJ Patterson, visualized creating a park in the city where Jamaicans and visitors alike could relax and play. This was however not going to be like any other park, it would instead be a masterpiece of beauty with exquisite plants, lush gardens and rejuvenating water features.
The team to develop this project was carefully handpicked by the NHT, which spared no resources in providing Kingston with a world-class landmark. The project team was given a tight deadline of three months to execute the project and turn the dream of creating a beautiful park into reality.
Architect Kamau Kambui, armed with detailed research of Jamaica's history chose to create the Park with an influence of Afro-centric designs, hence the significant presence of Adinkra symbols from West Africa being sited throughout the Park. Kambui, noted that these symbols along with the various water features would serve to awaken the spirit of Jamaicans and allow them to reconnect with their rich African heritage.
The main entrance of the Park located at the corner of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard, was specifically designed to depict "the birth passage and the process of traveling back to our roots" said Kambui.
Also worthy of note is the Park's professionally designed 500m jogging track that has enticed joggers and other fitness enthusiasts who start their daily fitness regime from as early as 5a.m. each day.
After much determination and the relentless effort of all involved in the development of the Park, it was officially opened on July 31, 2002 in commemoration of Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1 each year. Since it's opening, Emancipation Park has received hundreds of visitors of all ages each day. It is the perfect setting for a family picnic or a day out with that special someone.