HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The Houston Endowment has launched an international design competition for its new headquarters, to be built just west of downtown near Spotts Park and Buffalo Bayou.
The 40,000-square-foot building has a $20 million budget and is scheduled to open in May 2022.
The design competition, organized with Malcolm Reading Consultants, requires interested teams to submit an initial response by July 15.
“Through this competition we seek a design team that can create a headquarters that reflects how we work today. We want a visible presence that communicates our role as a thought leader and a committed, vital force in the city and region, while remaining welcoming and accessible to our community partners,” said Ann Stern, president and CEO. “Over the past 20 years Houston Endowment has made major contributions to greening Houston, and that theme is central to this project.”
“This is an exciting moment for us. It allows Houston Endowment to establish a stronger presence and identity at ground level in the city and to carry forward the tradition of our founder Jesse H. Jones, who was known as ‘Mr. Houston’ for his decades-long contributions to building and developing the city.”
Houston Endowment was founded by Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones in 1937. Jesse Jones was a prominent Houston entrepreneur, real estate developer, politician and civic leader who served in senior national roles in the administrations of Presidents Wilson and Roosevelt. Mary Gibbs Jones was an educated patron of travel and culture who helped bring opera to Houston radio, served on the general council of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and supported efforts such as assisting military widows alongside First Lady Mamie Eisenhower.
Houston Endowment does not engage in active fundraising; its grants are supported by an endowment currently valued at $1.8 billion.
June 20, 2019 Realty News Report Copyright 2019
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