Redeveloped Levy Park Named Finalist for ULI National Award
The redeveloped Levy Park is adjacent to the new Kirby Grove office building on Richmond Avenue, just west of Kirby Drive in Houston.
HOUSTON – The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has named Levy Park, a major revitalization designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, as one of five finalists for the 2018 ULI Urban Open Space Award, an international competition that recognizes excellence in public space design.
Levy Park is located just west of Kirby Drive, south of Richmond Avenue.
The annual ULI award honors outstanding examples of both large- and small-scale public spaces that have socially enriched their communities and helped revitalize local economies. An international jury representing different aspects of development will select the winner, to be announced during the 2018 ULI Fall Meeting, October 8–11 in Boston.
Since reopening in February 2017, Levy Park’s weekly attendance has risen to more than 7,000 visitors. The park offers a daily schedule of free daytime and evening activities — from concerts and movie nights to fitness classes and photography workshops — welcoming a diverse range of users. The revitalized park reimagines the urban oasis, delivering quality-of-life improvements that residents and workers seek. It has become a destination where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to experience community, play, dine, recharge, find inspiration, and escape the pace of city life.
“The park’s thoughtful design, curated programming, and inclusive spirit have left a lasting impression on all who visit,” said Stephanie Kiouses, Park Director at Levy Park. “We are honored to be included among ULI’s list of transformative public spaces, which recognizes Levy Park’s positive impact on the community.”
OJB Landscape Architecture collaborated closely with the Levy Park Conservancy, the Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority, and the full Levy Park project team throughout the design and delivery of the project.
The park sits beside the Kirby Grove activity center, a mixed-use development that includes the park, a 16-story office tower, and a multifamily building, developed by Midway Cos. in partnership with Houston’s Upper Kirby District.
Levy Park marks OJB’s third urban park to receive recognition from ULI; the firm previously won consecutive ULI Urban Open Space Awards for Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City (2015) and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas (2014).
During the design and construction of Levy Park, OJB assembled and led a team of consultants and contractors, 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 and Irrigation Contractor: B&D Contractors
