Midtown Park​
Midtown Park is a transformative three-acre redevelopment at the heart of Houston’s Midtown District, serving as a catalyst for the city’s broader efforts to reclaim and revitalize vacant and underused urban spaces. This vibrant park features a performance pavilion, central lawn, marketplace, restaurants, art gardens, a dog park, and social game courts—all designed to foster community and activate public life.

A defining aspect of the project is its innovative use of bayou-inspired green infrastructure. Rainwater is collected and stored in a 70,000-gallon subsurface cistern, supporting on-site irrigation and offsetting potable water use. Overflow from the system is directed into the park’s signature bayou water feature, which also functions as a detention basin, enhancing both flood control and ecological value. These layered stormwater strategies not only bring nature into the city but also provide crucial resilience in an area often challenged by flooding.

Built atop a 400-space underground parking garage, Midtown Park presents unique design challenges similar to an intensive green roof. Special attention was given to soil profiling and tree canopy health, ensuring that plantings can thrive and remain resilient in Houston’s climate, including during hurricane events.  The park performed very well through Hurricane Harvey. 
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Midtown Park is the first SITES v2 Silver-certified project in Houston, recognized for its exemplary sustainability measures and innovative approach to urban landscape design. Since its opening, the park has not only become a central destination for residents and visitors but has also spurred significant economic growth, with over $338 million in new private development estimated within three blocks of the site.

This project sets a new standard for urban green space in Houston, demonstrating how sustainable design and resilient infrastructure can drive both community vitality and long-term economic value.

Location:  Houston, Texas
Size:  6 Acres
Client:  Midtown Redevelopment Authority
Scope:  Soil design and restoration, ecological research,  Sustainability and SITES consultant
​Completion: 2017
Project team:  ​Design Workshop, Walter P. Moore, Urban Architecture, Water Design
Awards:  Project Planning Award, APA Texas, Parks & Natural Areas Award, Honorable Mention, Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), Honor Award, Design (Constructed), ASLA Texas, Development of Distinction, Open Space Category, ULI Houston, Award of Excellence, Finalist, ULI Americas, Development of Distinction, People's Choice Award, ULI Houston, Honorable Mention, Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, Honor Award Urban Design, ASLA National, 2018 SITES Silver
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