By 1913, the Park Commission realized there was no longer enough room to grow the numerous plants for Como Park, so it allocated $50 for new greenhouse blueprints and made Nussbaumer's dream of a year-round display glasshouse a reality. Nussbaumer worked with Toltz Engineering to design the Victorian era style glass structure and support greenhouses, and King Construction Company of North Tonawanda, New York, was awarded the contract to build the conservatory complex for $58,825. On Sunday, November 7, 1915, the Como Park Conservatory opened to the public for the first time, drawing people from around the world to see this horticultural castle filled with tropical plants and colorful chrysanthemums. Prior to 1926, the South Wing was one level, but under City Landscape Architect George L. Nason, it was lowered so visitors could stand on an overlook and view the garden below. A keyhole shaped reflecting pool bisecting the lower level added aquatic plant displays to the Sunken Garden, which today features five seasonal flower shows.
