FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, now a pride of downtown Fort Wayne, began as a shared vision between friends.

Attorney Bill Sowers and Helene Foellinger, then publisher of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, were behind the creation of the conservatory, but Helene’s mother, Esther, came up with the idea. Esther was inspired by the beautiful plants she had seen traveling the world and wanted to share them with people in Fort Wayne who may not have the same opportunities as her.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory opened its doors in 1983 after two years of construction.

The conservatory, which cost about $4.5 million to build, was funded by the city, The Freimann Charitable Trust, The Foellinger Foundation and Sowers. Lincoln National create

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