Following Steele Burden's death June 9, 1995, his close friends formed an informal group to develop the idea of a memorial to his significant contributions to the community. Malcolm Tucker assumed the role of leading the fund-raising drive. Discussions between Tucker, director of Windrush Gardens, and A. Hays Town, renowned architect and lifelong friend of Steele Burden, developed the idea for a memorial Orangerie on the grounds of Burden Center.

The Steele Burden Memorial Account was established. Its mission was to construct and endow the Orangerie, which became a reality in June 1998. The Orangerie enhances Windrush Gardens and the internationally recognized Rural Life Museum, and it serves as a gathering place for those who share Steele Burden's love of art, history, the outdoors and Baton Rouge.

Even though the Orangerie is in Baton Rouge, it will be a nationally and internationally recognized attraction.

An orangerie is a unique structure, part conservatory and part interpretive in construction.They were originally designed to house or protect citrus trees during cold weather, hence the name. Generally, the southeastern exposure of the building is primarily glass, and the northern or northwestern exposure is solid construction. The building is 46 by 27 feet, or 1242 square feet. The main room houses an array of permanent and changing displays of tropical and subtropical plants. Smaller rooms attached to each end of the main room are used for meetings and as quiet spots for meditation.

A. Hays Town volunteered his services in the development and completion of the project. He, more than anyone else, was able to provide the appropriate conceptual touch to the building design.