A Texas Success Story
Discovery Green, our neighbor to the North in Houston, is a great example of how a mixed-use Destination Public Space is both a destination and an economic driver. It is a shining example of how a community designs a space with elements that appeal to broad numbers of residents and tourists. This section of the web site shares more about Discovery Green, its activities, and how it came to be.
How Discovery Green came to be
Discovery Green was developed through a community planning (visioning) process led by the non-profit "Project for Public Spaces" - the public had a voice in what they wanted to see in Discovery Green. PPS leads communities across the nation and throughout the world in community based planning process that transform their Destination Public Spaces into destinations that have economic impact.
Discovery Green - opened in April 2008. See, Touch, Hear, Taste and Explore 12 acres of urban green space featuring a one-acre lake; a children's playground area; interactive water features; a multi-use amphitheater stage and sloping lawn; small and large dog runs; various public art works; Houston Public Library Express office; lawns and lots of great food from The Grove and The Lake House restaurants operated by Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group.
The Destination Public Space has an active Free Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter programming seasons featuring cultural art performances, films, live music, exercise, organic farmers market, hands-on children's activities and writing workshops and more.
(Helpful Links)
Discovery Green Master Case Study
Landscape Architecture Magazine article on Discovery Green
Visitors to the destination public space can enjoy many natural, recreational, art, dining and eco-friendly features including:
- one-acre lake
- children's playground
- interactive water features
- amphitheater stage and slope
- dog runs for large and small breeds
- public art works
- HPL Express
- spacious green lawns
- great restaurants, The Grove and The Lake House
Economic Data about Discovery Green
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 After |
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"Discovery Green, a 12-acre destination Public Space located in downtown Houston, opened on April 13, 2008. With its proximity to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, Discovery Green is an ideal location for Houston's newest attraction."
Web site: DiscoveryGreen.com
Discovery Green
Houston, TX (2005-2008)
Client: Discovery Green Conservancy
The new Discovery Green in Houston is the city's first major downtown Destination Public Space. The project transformed 12 acres of underused green space and parking lots near the convention center into an urban oasis...