HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has announced that Levy Park, a major park revitalization project designed by OJB Landscape Architecture (OJB), is one of five finalists for the prestigious 2018 ULI Urban Open Space Award, a worldwide competition.
Levy Park is just west of Kirby Drive, south of Richmond Avenue.
The annual award recognizes outstanding examples of successful large- and small-scale public spaces that have socially enriched and revitalized the economy of their surrounding communities. An international jury representing different facets of development will select one winner, which will be announced at the 2018 ULI Fall Meeting, to be held October 8–11 in Boston.
Since opening in February of 2017, the Park has seen attendance catapult to more than 7,000 visitors per week. With a daily roster of free, day- and night-time activities, varying from concerts and movie nights to exercise programs and photography workshops, Levy Park welcomes a diverse range of visitors. The revitalization of Levy Park reimagines the urban oasis and provides a quality of city life that many are seeking. It is truly a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come to experience community, play, eat, recharge, be inspired and escape the hectic nature of urban life.
“The Park’s thoughtful design, curated programming, and inclusive spirit have made an imprint on all those who have visited,” added Stephanie Kiouses, Park Director, Levy Park. “We are thrilled to be included as a part of ULI’s impressive list of transformative spaces which recognizes Levy Park’s impact on the community.”
OJB worked closely with the Levy Park Conservancy, Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority and the entire Levy Park project team.
The park is adjacent to the Kirby Grove activity center, which includes the park and a 16-story office building and a multifamily project developed by Midway Cos. In a collaborative partnership between Midway and Houston’s Upper Kirby District.
The redeveloped Levy Park is OJB’s third urban park to be recognized by the ULI, as the firm previously won consecutive Urban Open Space Awards for Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City (2015) and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas (2014).
Throughout design and construction of Levy Park, OJB assembled and led a project team including:
Architect: Natalye Appel + Associates Civil Engineer: Ward, Getz & Associates
Structural Engineer: Matrix Structural Engineers
MEP: Wylie Consulting Engineers
Water Feature Consultant: Fountain Source
Park Consultant: Biederman Redevelopment Ventures
Security/WiFi: 4b Technology
Wayfinding: Minor Design
Soil Consultant: Dirt N Turf
General Contractor: Burton Construction
Hardscape/Landscape/Water Feature/Irrigation Contractor: B&D Contractors
July 31, 2018 Realty News Report Copyright 2018