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. This 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).

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.

“We are honored to have Levy Park considered as a finalist for this prestigious award along with the other exceptional finalists,” OJB’s Managing Principal, Chip Trageser, FASLA says. “Levy Park has become a well-loved destination for Houstonians and a must-see open space for visitors. The park offers a series of unique play and entertainment spaces featuring mature 40’ live oaks within the beautiful 6-acre urban site, truly offering something for everyone.”

The redesigned park facilitates a multitude of programming needs for the bustling Upper Kirby neighborhood and for people from throughout Greater Houston. Built with public funds and sustained primarily by private lease agreements, the park features activity and event lawns, performance pavilion, dog park, promenade with seating and games, community garden and rain garden, both which harvest and reuse stormwater. At the heart of Levy Park is a unique children’s park, which offers imaginative interactive sculptures, playful fountains and a 150-foot-long ADA-accessible tree house situated among several large legacy live oak trees that were relocated on-site and provide a magnificent canopy.

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. Throughout design and construction of Levy Park, OJB assembled and led a talented 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