Tampa’s Moss Man

When iConstructors of Tampa needed the final “green” touches for an extensive lobby renovation at the downtown Tampa premier Tampa City Center, they turned to PLANTZ and our own “moss man” Keith Lindquist.

“Vertical moss presentations were an integral part of the architect’s vision for the renovation,” said Mark Cooper LEED AP and Vice President at iConstructors, the contractor for the project. “We looked to Keith and PLANTZ to make the vision a reality, and we are very pleased with the outcome.”

Gensler was the project architect for the multi-million dollar renovation, which included improvements to the building’s main lobby and second floor entryway, elevators for multiple tenants, corridors and restrooms, as well as reprogramming of the historic Franklin Street Esplanade and, of course, the new green walls.

“Moss has become very popular as a low-maintenance element for projects with a biophilic design requirement,” said PLANTZ moss man Keith Lindquist. Keith is the company’s director of business development and is charged with spreading the word about how biophilic elements – such as moss and live plants – can be incorporated into office and residential designs.

“It involves reindeer moss, a lichen that grows globally in a wide range of habitats around the world. The project called for various colors and textures, and we sourced the desired moss form several vendors, ranging from Vancouver, Canada, to Waldo, Florida. The pandemic gave us some serious logistical challenges, but it was well in the end.”

The project required nearly 1,000 square feet of moss, consisting of more than 50 panels that were detached from the walls of the lobby and brought to PLANTZ headquarters for application of the various mosses. Once the moss was secured to the panels, they were delivered back to the lobby and installed in their designated locations. After application, some touch-up work was done, but after that the moss needs no further maintenance.

PLANTZ is a Tampa-based plant leasing and landscaping company. Its main mission is to make people happy with plants. Accordingly, the company offers green services that include corporate plant sales and rentals, rooftop gardening, landscaping, rentals for events, and of course, plant and moss wall design. Call on PLANTZ to bring some green to your scene.