Framework Plan Defined
What is the Framework Plan?
The Framework Plan guides our efforts to unify the Preserve as one organization — operationally, spatially, culturally, and strategically.
Specific focus areas include workplace facilities, architectural preservation, guest welcome and capacity, utilities and infrastructure, and circulation across the entire property. 
The planning team considered long-range impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and energy usage, in addition to a resource-sensitive approach to building. 
Why are we planning now?
The Framework Plan arose from the significant expansion in acreage and infrastructure when the three gardens and natural lands were combined under the organizational umbrella of the Preserve.
This expansion began with noteworthy gifts from the late David Rockefeller Sr. including Little Long Pond and 1,000 surrounding acres in 2015, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in 2018.
The Preserve is now responsible for stewarding and sharing 1,400 acres of culturally important lands and gardens stretching over three miles from Northeast Harbor in the west to Hunters Cliffs in the east.
Mr. Rockefeller Sr. set us on the path to become “One Preserve,” but he left the details for achieving that vision for us to discover.
What inspired our planning process?
We drew on the passion and intelligence of those who loved these lands for generations – the indigenous people, the rusticators, and visionary families.
Our path balances the preservation of these magnificent landscapes with the desire to share them.
Framework Objectives
Unify the Preserve while protecting the character of each unique landscape.
Improve the workplaces with modern infrastructure, safety, and increased capacity for a growing staff.
Steward & preserve resources by protecting fragile systems and reusing historic structures.
Plan for long-range climate change resilience by staying ahead of the curve on sea level rise.
Move to fossil fuel-free operations with investments in non-vehicular modes of transit and green energy systems.
Increase inclusion for those with limited mobility and actively include new communities.
Define and protect the experience so the landscapes are not “loved to death.”
Create transformational experiences by designing more memorable and intuitive sequences.
