Design Wild had an amazing time partnering with The Actor's Fund and Breaking Ground, two groups that bring affordable housing and great services to performing artists across New York City and the country. We designed a rooftop garden for the Dorthy Ross Friedman Building on 10th Ave with a focus on space for residents to relax, eat, commune and enjoy the spectacular views. During our installation day, a brave group of residents and staff joined us to plant this space in the rain! We know that a shared investment and working side by side always brings stewardship and love to a previously underutilized space.

In May, we were joined by tenants, building a staff, and programming staff and together we brought some awesome wild to their rooftop. Even in the rain, this dream team took charge and created beautiful spaces, sharing stories, and bringing spirit to their work.

After our hard work and the sun came out!

This garden was planted in honor of the untouchable Bette Midler, her work in Hello Dolly on Broadway, and the show's generous donation to the Actors Fund. Bette, in case you don't know, has been an incredible supporter and champion for gardens in our city and is the founder of the New York Restoration Project that does wonderful work bringing gardens to tons of communities throughout NYC since the 90's with a mission that 'Nature is a fundamental right of every New Yorker'. That's something we feel strongly about too!

These are the projects that remind us why we care so deeply about bringing together people and plants!

Before we began, the space had a few sparse containers and was begging for some more greenery.

With the help of many hands, we were able to transform the space into a much friendlier welcoming place to eat, commune and enjoy the views.

And in the midst of it all, we were lucky enough to hear from some community members about what their experience was like...

TENANTS SPEAK UP ABOUT THE GARDEN