Joby’s Landscape in Winona is expanding, and the Winona Board of Aldermen gave the green light on architectural designs for a new building.
According to owner Joby Jackson, his landscape and nursery business is adding on to its existing building. The modern design was created by John Wayne VanHorn and will be constructed out of steel shipping containers with windows and doors cut and cased. The outside will be painted.
The new expansion will include a coffee shop and sweet shop, office space, and bathrooms. The design includes containers for bulk landscaping supplies and a parking area.
Jackson presented the plans to the board at a special-called meeting Monday night.
“I promise you will be proud of it,” Jackson said. “It will be an asset out there.”
Joby’s Landscape is located on the east side of Highway 51 just north of Jones Street.
The board voted unanimously to approve the plans for the expansion.
Alderman David Ware asked Winona City Attorney Adam Kirk if the board’s decision to allow the expansion to move forward with a steel storage containers will create a precedent in the city. Currently, the city requires a brick front facade on buildings unless the board grants an exception.
Kirk said the board will have to take into account the use of each individual project.
“It is opening the door to it, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” Kirk said. “The board will deal with it as it comes along.”
The board of aldermen will meet Tuesday, October 6 at 5 p.m. at Winona City Hall.
