Jan 29

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Hosts Community Gatherings

Continues master planning for the waterway east of downtown from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin

HOUSTON – January 29, 2018 – Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) recently launched a major planning effort to bring a new network of waterfront parks and open spaces along Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector, stretching from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. BBP’s goal for this project is to reclaim the waterfront for East Sector residents and create green spaces that will catalyze the equitable revitalization of their communities. The organization will be sponsoring two community town halls to meet with East End and Fifth Ward residents, and business and property owners to shape a vision for the future of Buffalo Bayou. The meetings, which are being co-sponsored with Houston City Council Members Karla Cisneros and Robert Gallegos and Vice Mayor Pro Tem Jerry V. Davis, are being held:

Tuesday, February 6
6-8:30 p.m.
DeLuxe Theater
3303 Lyons Avenue

Wednesday, February 7
6-8:30 p.m.
BakerRipley
Ripley House Community Center
4410 Navigation Boulevard

“We are committed to a strong community engagement process,” says BBP President Anne Olson. “While we want to hear from a range of stakeholders, we are strongly focused on seeking the input of long-time residents and business owners in the East End and Fifth Ward, two neighborhoods that border Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector.” Olson further points out that BBP is developing a plan that is based on:

Authenticity – Creating unique park spaces that reflect the cultural and industrial legacy of the East Sector
Connectivity – Rethinking how parks and neighborhoods interact by activating the waterfront and connecting it to surrounding neighborhoods
Inclusivity – Establishing a pioneering precedent where green space can catalyze equitable communities
Resiliency – Providing a sustainable waterfront model by limiting environmental or man-made risks while allowing them to adapt in an ever-changing city

The communities of the East End and Fifth Ward have long been separated from Buffalo Bayou, its unique beauty, and exciting industrial context. Long-time East End resident and BBP board member Bolivar Fraga says, “We have a great opportunity to bring together communities north and south of the bayou and connect them to the waterfront and to each other.”

Unlike other parts of Buffalo Bayou, the East Sector was not impacted heavily by Hurricane Harvey due to its higher elevation. Because of this, one of the plan’s areas of focus will be more on long-term resiliency needs such as new housing opportunities.

“We want to not only bring new open space, but also to build a model for resilient, mixed-income residential development that can accommodate Houstonians who were displaced by the storm while enhancing the strong vibrant and culturally rich East Sector,” states Olson.

The high caliber multidisciplinary planning team working on the East Sector plan is led by Michael Van Valkenburg (MVVA), an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm, and HR&A Advisors, an industry-leading real estate, economic development, and public policy firm. Other consultant team members include: Utile(Urban Planning & Design), Huitt-Zollars (Architecture and Civic Engineering), Stantec (Transportation) and Limnotech (Hydrology).

MVVA brings to Houston wide-ranging experience and a proven track record of success in creating acclaimed and economically viable parks and waterfronts such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Hudson River Park in New York City, and Maggie Daly Park and the 606 in Chicago. The firm is also very familiar with Houston as they recently completed plans for The Menil Collection, Hermann Park and Houston Parks Board.

For more than 35 years, HR&A has been working with parks throughout the US and abroad to develop open space real estate strategies, financing plans, programming activation, and sustainable operations and maintenance programs. The High Line and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, Tulsa Riverfront and Dallas Trinity River are among the more than 100 parks that have benefited from HR&A’s talent.

The Buffalo Bayou East Sector planning project has been funded by Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Harry S. and Isabel C. Cameron Foundation, The Carruth Foundation, Inc., The Clayton Fund, Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #18), The Garver Foundation, Greater East End Management District, Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #23), Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., Midway, Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly, The Winston Charitable Foundation and The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

About Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Established in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit organization transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. BBP’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. BBP has raised and leveraged more than $150 million for the redevelopment and stewardship of the waterfront – spearheading award-winning projects such as Sabine Promenade and Sesquicentennial Park, protecting land for future parks, constructing hike and bike trails, and operating comprehensive clean-up and maintenance programs. BBP recently completed the $58 million Buffalo Bayou Park project that includes major destinations, natural landscaping, footpaths, trail lighting, water features and pedestrian bridges. Buffalo Bayou Partnership also seeks ways to activate Buffalo Bayou through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities; volunteer activities; permanent and temporary art installations; and wide-ranging tours and events that attract thousands.

Jan 09

Buffalo Bayou Hurricane Harvey Update – January 2018

Volunteers removing dead trees along Buffalo Bayou last weekend.

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year!! As we begin 2018, we are writing to provide you with an update on our post-Harvey cleanup work and continuing Buffalo Bayou restoration.

Sediment Removal
We are pleased to report that sediment removal in Buffalo Bayou Park is nearing completion. To date, we have collected and hauled off nearly 30,000 cubic yards. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Millis Construction and Sprint Sand and Clay crews for their steadfast work over the past five months. They have done a yeoman’s job for us. Within the next month, we will be removing the sediment at Allen’s Landing as we prepare for post-race festivities for this year’s March 10th Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta (a new ending location).

Before and after sediment removal at Carruth Bridge.

Dog Park
Hurricane Harvey caused BBP to take a serious look at the sustainability of the Johnny Steele Dog Park, and we have determined it is time to make some adjustments. We are working with SWA, Buffalo Bayou Park’s designers, to develop plans for reducing the frequency that the area goes under water. Foremost among these changes will be the removal of the large dog pond. Decisions about the small dog pond area are still underway. By making modifications, we hope to create a space that dogs and their owners will continue to enjoy, and a site that our park staff can more easily maintain. Our goal is to have many of these improvements completed and the dog park open by late spring, although we expect some work may require more time.

Trails
Our Buffalo Bayou Park maintenance team has begun repairs to trail erosion areas, and this work will continue through the spring. There are several trail segments where BBP will need to hire an outside contractor. In addition, Harris County Flood Control District will be designing plans for major repairs near the Rosemont Bridge, Wortham Fountain and Beth Yeshurun Cemetery. In cooperation with the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, BBP is assessing the erosion damage along the trails in downtown. Please know that the north side trail between Sesquicentennial Park and the University of Houston-Downtown is closed due to severe erosion at a pedestrian bridge location.

Trees and Vegetation
Hundreds of trees were impacted as a result of the storm. While we know now that many are dead it may be several years before we know if larger trees survive. During these colder months, you will see us planting new trees in several park areas. We would like to thank the team at Trees for Houston for its support in our tree planting efforts. Next month, the Redbuds and Bayou Buddies, Trees For Houston’s and BBP’s respective young professional groups, will hold their annual Planting on the Parkway event north of the Police Memorial in Buffalo Bayou Park. More than 150 native trees will be planted.

East Sector
As we highlighted in previous communications, hydrologists on our East Sector master plan consultant team have been hard at work looking at erosion along the bayou’s East Sector. We hope to have this work completed in time for a series of public meetings in the East End and Fifth Ward that we will be holding in February. We’d also like to point out that we are working with the Texas Department of Transportation and CenterPoint to break ground on trail segments east of downtown. You will be hearing more about our East Sector planning and trail work in the near future.

Volunteering
We have had more than 1,000 Houstonians volunteer their time at our post-Harvey cleanup events. We are extremely grateful for the many school groups, corporations andfamilies who have taken the time to help us shovel sediment, remove debris and trim trees. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We will continue needing volunteers as we plant trees and restore Buffalo Bayou Park’s wildflower and prairie areas this spring. To volunteer, please contact Leticia Sierras at volunteer@buffalobayou.org.

Support
In closing, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the generous individuals, corporations and foundations that have made gifts to our Buffalo Bayou restoration efforts. We have had an outpouring of support from new donors as well as longtime BBP friends and for that, we are truly grateful. A very special thanks goes to the Kinder Foundation and Elkins Foundation for their major gifts. We also sincerely thank the many guests at our November gala that made additional commitments to assist with Buffalo Bayou Park’s recovery. Please know our financial needs continue. If you would like to contribute, please contact Leigh McBurnett at lmcburnett@buffalobayou.org or visit buffalobayou.org.

Hard-working BBP Staff
In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the entire BBP staff. Our maintenance crew has worked tirelessly over many months. Needless to say, the conditions have been very challenging. My thanks also goes out to our administrative team who have worked with volunteers, the media and funders. They too have contributed greatly. And thank you to all of you who have lent a hand and encouraging words. It has meant a great deal to us!! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anne Olson
President

Dec 11

East Sector Exhibitions at the Sunset Coffee Building on view through January 29, 2018

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Explore exhibitions by architectural designer Jae Boggess and students of the UH School of Art. Both of these exhibits feature buildings and landmarks located east of downtown Houston along Buffalo Bayou, which is relevant to Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s newly launched East Sector master plan. This major planning effort along Buffalo Bayou going east will incorporate East Sector neighborhoods and existing structures to establish a pioneering precedent where green space can be a catalyst for inclusive growth and community development.

This East Sector-focused exhibition will appropriately on view at Sunset Coffee Building, Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s administrative offices now through January 29th. (Closed from 12/25 – 1/1 and reopens 1/2.)

For more about the Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan here.

Eastside as Found by Jae Boggess
Funded by a grant from The Rice Design Alliance, this photography exhibit documents industrial and commercial buildings east of downtown. In danger of demolition, these neglected and largely vacant buildings help tell the story of Houston as a repeated boomtown and have the potential to define a unique sense of place as these neighborhoods change. Architectural designer Jae Boggess hopes that the exhibit will prompt a dialogue about what will become of our city’s built history.

Encounter: Meeting Points on Buffalo Bayou
Encounter: Meeting Points on Buffalo Bayou is a collaboration between students from the University of Houston Graphic Design and Creative Writing programs with funding support from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. The exhibit features proposals for site-based installations and engagement events to be held on sites along Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector in spring 2018. The installations express an interpretation of the history, economy, resilience, culture and community values of the East End and Fifth Ward communities as they relate to the bayou and green spaces.

Nov 14

Buffalo Bayou Park Selected as a Winner of the Urban Land Institute’s 2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence

For more information, contact: Trish Riggs, 202-624-7086; trisha.riggs@uli.org

WASHINGTON (November 14, 2017)—Thirteen real estate development projects from around the globe have been selected as winners of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence, which is widely recognized as one of the land use industry’s most prestigious awards programs.

The winners, each of which demonstrates an innovative, forward-looking approach to design and development, include eight projects in the United States, two in Canada, one in Europe, and two in Asia:

Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain (Developers: Bilbao City Council, Alhóndiga, Center of Ocio y Cultura, Bilbao Ría 2000; Designer: Philippe Starck)
Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston, Texas, United States (Developer: Buffalo Bayou Partnership; Designers: SWA Group, Page)
Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Developers: City of Chicago, Department of Transportation; Designers: Ross Barney Architects [All Phases], Sasaki [Phases 2, 3] Alfred Benesch & Company [Phases 2, 3], Jacobs/Ryan Associates [All Phases] and Collins Engineers [Phase 1])
Downtown Allentown Revitalization District, (including PPL Center Arena Block & City Center Lehigh Valley), Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States (Owners/developers: Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, Hammes Company, City Center Investment Corp. et al.; Designers: Sink Combs Dethlefs Architects (now Perkins+Will), Elkus – Manfredi Architects, et al.)
Emeryville Center of Community Life, Emeryville, California, United States (Developers: Turner Construction Company, Swinerton Management & Consulting; Designers: Nexus Partners, DSK Architects, Mark Seiberlich Concordia, Steven Bingler, MKThink, Steve Kelley)
Half Moon Village, Half Moon Bay, California, United States (Developer: MidPen Housing Corp.; Designer: Herman Coliver Locus Architecture)
Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan (Developer: Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.; Master planner and coordinator: Urban Design Center Kashiwa-no-ha (UDCK); Designer: ZGF, Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Jun Mitsui & Associates Inc. Architects, Studio on Site (landscape architect)
Marine Gateway, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Developer: PCI Developments; Designer: Perkins+Will)
Milwaukee RiverWalk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Developers: The Milwaukee RiverWalk District, Inc., The Mandel Group, Business Improvement District No. 2, The Brewery Works, Inc. et al; Designers: KenKay Associates, Mary Miss, Engberg Anderson Architects, et al)
Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore, Singapore (Developer: Far East Organization; Designer: WOHA)
Pearl, San Antonio, Texas, United States (Developer: Silver Ventures, Inc.; Designers: Lake Flato Architects, Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors, Don McDonald Architects, Sprinkle & Co. Architects, Ford Powell & Carson Architects, Jim Kissling Architecture, Dado Group, Clayton & Little Architecture)
University Center- The New School, New York, New York, United States (Developer: The Durst Organization; Designer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP)
West Don Lands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Master Developer: Waterfront Toronto; Precinct Plan: Urban Design Associates; Developers: Urban Capital [River City], DREAM Unlimited, Kilmer Group [Canary District], Toronto Community Housing; Public Realm & Urban Designers: The Planning Partnership with PFS Studio with &Co., Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc.; Landscape Designers: Claude Cormier & Associates, NAK Design Strategies; Architectural Design – River City: Saucier & Perrotte, ZAS Architects; Architectural Design – Canary District: architectsAlliance, KPMB Architects, Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects, Daoust Lestage, MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, Design/Builder – Canary District: EllisDon Inc., Ledcor Group; Retail Designer: Live Work Learn Play)

The winners were selected by an international jury made up of ULI members representing a multidisciplinary collection of real estate development expertise, including finance, land planning, development, public affairs, design, and other professional services.

“Each of these winners demonstrates a thoughtful, innovative approach to urban development that is adding to the sustainability and livability of the communities in which they are located,” said 2017-2018 Global Awards Jury Chairman Wendy Rowden, president of 42nd Street Development Corp. in New York City. “The attention paid to project detail, flexible design, and neighborhood context were among the factors making these entries stand out. They represent the type of development that will withstand the tests of time and change.”

“Cities are about people—the way we interact, get around, and go about our daily routines. Great cities are made of great places that make the urban experience easy and enjoyable,” said ULI Global Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips. “These projects reflect the highest standards of design, construction, economics, planning, and management. But most important, they are improving people’s quality of life.”

The Awards for Excellence program, established in 1979 and subsequently expanded to a global program, recognizes real estate projects that achieve the highest standard of excellence in design, construction, economics, planning, and management. Widely considered the centerpiece of ULI’s efforts to promote best practices in real estate development, the program recognizes the full development process of a project, not just its architecture or design. The criteria for the awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnerships, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability. Throughout the program’s history, all types of projects have been recognized for their excellence, including office, residential, recreational, urban/mixed use, industrial/office park, commercial/retail, new community, rehabilitation, and public projects and programs.

In addition to Jury Chairman Rowden, the 2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence Jury members were Stuart Ackerberg, chief executive officer, Ackerberg, Minneapolis; Toni Alexander, president and creative director, InterCommunications, Inc., Newport Beach, California; Jeff Barber, principal and managing director, Gensler, Washington, D.C.; Ame M. Engelhart, director, Hong Kong Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Hong Kong; Michael Grove, principal, Sasaki, Shanghai; Sophie Henley-Price, managing director, STUDIOS Architecture, Paris; Lynn Hoffman Carlton, regional director of planning, HOK, Kansas City, Missouri; Lance K. Josal, chief executive officer, Callison RTKL, Dallas; Roger G. Orf, partner, Apollo Management LLP, London; Alex J. Rose, senior vice president, Continental Development Corporation, El Segundo, California; and Rebecca Stone, managing principal, OZ Architecture, Denver.

NOTE TO REPORTERS AND EDITORS: Upon request, high-resolution images of the 2017-2018 ULI Global Awards for Excellence winners are available to the media. More information about ULI’s Awards for Excellence program and previous winners is available here.

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information, visit uli.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Oct 23

Buffalo Bayou Hurricane Harvey Update – October 2017

Dear Friends:

Since Hurricane Harvey, Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been focused on cleanup efforts along Buffalo Bayou. We hope this update will provide you with valuable information, show you the challenges that we have been facing, and give you a glimpse of how hard our maintenance staff is working.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK AND DOWNTOWN
As we’ve mentioned previously, Hurricane Harvey left us with the tale of two parks. The upper portion of Buffalo Bayou Park fared extremely well with very little damage, while the lower areas were greatly impacted. Since Harvey, we’ve been hard at work clearing trails, stockpiling large amounts of sediment, removing trash and plastic bags from the trees and repairing lights. Here is a rundown on where we stand:

Buffalo Bayou Park Concrete Trails (Sandy Reed Memorial Trail)
These trails are open from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street. However, we do have equipment working in nearby areas so please use these trails with caution.

Buffalo Bayou Park Asphalt Footpaths

Southside Portion Open: Westside from Carruth Bridge to Rosemont Bridge
Southside Portion Closed: Crosby Outfall to below Eleanor Tinsley Park and from Rosemont Bridge west to McGovern Cascade
Northside Portion Open: West of Great Small Trees area to west of the Scurloock Foundation Overlook and Tapley Tributary to Sabine Street
Northside Portion Closed: Jackson Hill Bridge to Tapley Tributary

Downtown Trails

Southside Trail Open: Sabine Street to Allen’s Landing
Northside Trail Open: Sabine Street to Preston Street (just below the Aquarium)
Northside Trail Closed: Preston Street to University of Houston-Downtown

Please refer to our Buffalo Bayou Guide for locations

RESERVOIR RELEASES AND TRAIL EROSION
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ended the releases from the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs a week ago. Due to the high water levels we experienced for nearly six weeks, numerous footpaths in Buffalo Bayou Park have suffered erosion. We are currently in discussions with Harris County Flood Control District representatives about needed repairs. Other areas along the downtown stretch of Buffalo Bayou also experienced trail erosion.

SEDIMENT REMOVAL

The majority of our maintenance crew’s time has been spent removing silt and stockpiling it for hauling. We have gone through a very thorough process to test the silt, following the policy guidance of the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD). We were pleased to learn after testing that the silt can be handled without special measures, and so, beginning Monday, October 23 Sprint Sand and Clay, with the assistance of Millis Construction, the Buffalo Bayou Park construction contractor, will be hauling off the silt for disposal. We expect the hauling to take several weeks. Please note there also are numerous flood benches in Buffalo Bayou Park that were specifically designed for sediment collection. Sediment removal in these areas is the responsibility of the Harris County Flood Control District.
TREES
Hundreds of trees all along Buffalo Bayou were impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We are clearing downed trees, removing trash (particularly plastic bags), and standing up those that are leaning and can be saved. In some cases, we will not know until spring if the trees will survive.

OTHER BUFFALO BAYOU PARK DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area: Due to needed stair repairs, this site is currently closed. We expect it to be open within the next three weeks.
Johnny Steele Dog Park: This site is closed and will remain closed for several months. Please know we are currently discussing adjustments to this area to prevent the on-going damage and the extensive maintenance hours it takes to maintain this site.
Bike and Canoe/Kayak Rentals: As reported earlier, Bike Barn is fully operational at the Wortham Insurance Visitor Center while Bayou City Adventures has curtailed all boat rentals for the remainder of the year from the Lost Lake Visitor Center.
The Dunlavy: Please stop by The Dunlavy when you are out and about in the park. The popular café was up and running several days after Hurricane Harvey.
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern: We are happy to note that the history tours through this historic water reservoir are taking place Thursday-Sunday. Visit our website at buffalobayou.org to purchase your tickets.

WAUGH DRIVE BRIDGE BAT COLONY
The bats at Waugh Drive Bridge are steadily recovering from Harvey’s flood, staying “Houston Strong.” The bat colony was hit hard and the population is definitely lower, but bats are roosting in many of the bridge’s crevices again. While the weather remains warm (above 50° F), the bats are emerging at or after sunset to hunt for insects across the night sky as usual. Bats roosting at other nearby parking garages and buildings are joining the Waugh Bridge emergence farther down the bayou.

EAST SECTOR
East of downtown, Buffalo Bayou took quite a hit. Several high banks significantly eroded and as a result, trails have been undermined or failed completely. As part of our East Sector master planning project that kicked off in early fall, our hydrology consultants are working with Dr. Phil Bedient, a Rice University civil and environmental engineering professor and director of the Severe Storm Protection, Education and Evacuation from Disaster Center (SSPEED), to develop an understanding of historical channel evolution and past storm events, develop a suite of combined rain/surge/rise conditions, and gathering, evaluating, refining and applying models. This information will be very valuable when we begin our community engagement process at the beginning of 2018. It also will inform design decisions relating to trail and park construction, and housing development along the bayou.

VOLUNTEERS
We have been truly gratified by the number of volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours to the Buffalo Bayou cleanup. We could not be making as much as progress as we are were it not for the many individuals, corporate volunteers and school groups that are helping us. If you would like to volunteer, please go to our website www.buffalobayou.org.

CONTRIBUTIONS
We also are thankful for the many people who have supported us financially. In addition to generous Houstonians, we have had individuals from throughout the country send us very thoughtful donations and encouraging words, including the staff at Madison Square Park Conservancy in New York City. When this group saw images of Buffalo Bayou in the media they sent requests to their members asking for donations to assist Buffalo Bayou Partnership with our cleanup.

In closing, please know we are working as swiftly as possible to bring back the beauty of Buffalo Bayou. We ask for your continuing patience and support. For those interested in donating to Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Harvey clean-up efforts, please click here. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anne Olson
President

Sep 08

Buffalo Bayou Cleanup Moves Forward After Hurricane Harvey

The Buffalo Bayou Park maintenance team begins cleanup along Buffalo Bayou.

Dear Buffalo Bayou Partnership Friends:

It has been truly heartwarming to see how Houstonians and people from throughout the country have expressed their concern for Buffalo Bayou. While the waterway was greatly impacted by the historic flooding, our organization remains committed to its mission of transforming Houston’s most significant natural resource. Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) oversees revitalization efforts along a 10-mile stretch of the bayou from Shepherd Drive on the west to the Port of Houston Turning Basin on the east. Within this area are high profile greenspaces such as Buffalo Bayou Park, Sabine Promenade, Sesquicentennial Park and Allen’s Landing, as well as a continuous hike and bike trail system. Much of this area BBP maintains and operates. East of downtown, the organization owns property, has constructed approximately four miles of trails and a nature park, and operates a Field Operations office that houses boats used for removing trash and debris from the bayou. Due to the number of inquiries we have received regarding the condition of Buffalo Bayou, we are providing this latest status report.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
Buffalo Bayou Park was inundated with water that rose a record 38.7 ft. at the Shepherd Drive Bridge. The upper portions of the 160-acre park survived remarkably well with only small amounts of debris, and very little damage to the perennial gardens, trees, and prairie and wildflower areas. Trails at these higher elevations are open and we are pleased that so many people are getting out to walk and run. We are extremely fortunate that the Lost Lake and Wortham Insurance Visitor Centers did not take on water. Both facilities are open and the Kitchen at The Dunlavy is operating with normal hours. Food trucks also are back in the entry court at Sabine Street from Thursday-Sunday. Bayou City Adventures has suspended all canoe/kayak rentals for the remainder of the year, and Bike Barn is not operating until further notice.

The bottom two thirds of the park are still under water, and we expect that they will remain so for several more weeks as water is released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. Due to these circumstances, it is difficult for our staff to assess the impact the flowing water has had on the footpaths and landscape in these areas. We do know that the Johnny Steele Dog Park, which is still submerged, will be closed for two or three months.

Staff began cleanup out in the park on September 6, concentrating on areas that could be accessed. Immediate work is being done to clear silt from the upper concrete trails, remove fallen trees, and pick up trash and debris. Damage has been done to the park’s Wortham Fountain and trail lighting system. Staff plans to begin lighting repairs at Lost Lake and The Water Works first and then proceed down Allen Parkway. We have had many inquiries about the Cistern. Water and sediment did enter the site and it is slowly draining. The electrical system seems to be in working order. Another very unfortunate outcome from the flooding is that BBP lost the majority of its equipment (mowers, golf carts, Bobcats, etc.) at its Memorial Drive maintenance yard.

Park users returning to Buffalo Bayou Park

Please know that Buffalo Bayou Park was designed to flood, although we did not anticipate three historic flooding events in 1 ½ years. Working with the Harris County Flood Control District, designers from SWA, the park’s consultant firm, created a landscape that helps channel runoff and provides greater flood water conveyance capacity. Park amenities such as signage, benches, trash receptacles and stair railings were constructed with extremely durable materials such as stainless steel, Cor-Ten and concrete to withstand the enormous amounts of debris that flow down the bayou during major flooding events.

DOWNTOWN TRAILS AND ALLEN’S LANDING
Water is still flowing very heavily from Sabine Street to Allen’s Landing and beyond. There are very few trail segments that are not under water. Thus, until further notice, we ask that the public not use the trails in this section along the waterway.

Allen’s Landing and buildings along lower Commerce Street were inundated with water. We were fortunate that water did not enter our Sunset Coffee Building at street level. The ground level, home to future boat and bike rentals, was submerged but operated as it was designed with flood waters flowing through the overhead mesh doors and out into the bayou. Due to flood damage in this lower area, repairs are needed to the fire alarm system, elevator and other electrical systems.

EAST SECTOR
East of downtown, Buffalo Bayou experienced significant erosion and bank failures resulting in the collapse of some trails. Our Field Operations headquarters was impacted with the loss of a boat, floating dock, and various equipment used for bayou cleanup operations. A dock used by the Rice Crew Team and Texas Dragon Boat Association also floated away due to the flooding.

MOVING FORWARD
While Hurricane Harvey has greatly impacted Houston’s historic waterway, Buffalo Bayou Partnership will not be deterred. Please know that our maintenance team will work as diligently and swiftly as possible to repair the damage that has occurred along the trails and parks that we maintain and operate. We ask for your patience.

We all realize that the storm has greatly impacted thousands of Houstonians and they will be focused on rebuilding their lives. However, as the weeks and months proceed, we do hope that you will take time out to visit Buffalo Bayou and other greenspaces throughout our city. Whether it’s a walk, run or time of contemplation, the parks and trails are places where people from all walks of life come together.

While you will be seeing our staff out and about in Buffalo Bayou Park and along downtown trails, please know that we also will be working behind the scenes to analyze and document the flooding and erosion impacts downstream as part of our Buffalo Bayou East Sector master planning effort. Through this new project, we are in a unique position to play a major role in demonstrating how Houston can be developed sustainably and holistically, with resilient neighborhoods integrated with open space. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is committed more than ever to our mission and to the broader civic values that our city needs as it moves forward to rebuild our great city.

Sincerely,

Anne Olson
President

Aug 24

Flooding and the Effects on Johnny Steele Dog Park

The Johnny Steele Dog Park will close when the water level in Buffalo Bayou is elevated caused by heavy rain. Buffalo Bayou not only serves as a watershed for urban water runoff, it is fed by the Addicks and Barker reservoirs west of Houston. After a heavy rain event, both of those reservoirs need to drain accumulated water to make room for any future weather events. The higher water level affects the dog park ponds, and Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s maintenance team is unable to access the area for cleaning until the bayou returns to its normal level.

Since the amount of rain and the speed at which the reservoirs drain varies, it is difficult for us to have a specific timeline or prediction as to when Buffalo Bayou will return to its normal levels. Once it does, however, we work to expediently restore the dog park so it can open to the public as soon as possible. During these times, please refer to a couple of resources – the first is our website, buffaloybayou.org. We list closure information and other park alerts on the homepage for easy reference. Another resource is a flag pole we have installed near the northwest corner of Studemont and Allen Parkway. When the dog park is closed, we fly a red flag to indicate the closure. When the dog park reopens, the alert will be updated on our website and the flag will come down.

Although these high water events have a more lasting impact on the dog park, the trails are first to reopen after a high water event. When the dog park is closed, we hope Buffalo Bayou Park’s 5 miles of trails are a nice alternative for you and your dog to enjoy in the interim.

Jul 27

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Announces Launch of Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan

Revitalizing the waterway east of downtown from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin

HOUSTON – July 27, 2017 – Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is launching a major planning effort along Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector that will continue the non-profit organization’s legacy of transformative parks, trails and open space. In revitalizing the waterway east of downtown (from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin), BBP seeks to establish a pioneering precedent where green space can be a catalyst for inclusive growth and community development.

“At its heart, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is about creating parks, trails and bridges to bring Houstonians outdoors,” says Tom Fish, BBP Board Chair. “Here in the East Sector, we have an opportunity to bring together communities north and south of Buffalo Bayou that have long been disconnected from the waterfront and each other.”

Buffalo Bayou Partnership has assembled a high caliber group of consultants to develop this very important master plan for Houston and its East Sector neighborhoods. Working with BBP on this important planning initiative will be a multi-disciplinary consultant team led by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA), an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm, and HR&A Advisors, an industry-leading real estate, economic development and public policy firm. Other consultants include: Huitt-Zollars/formerly Houston’s Morris Architects (Architecture & Civil Engineering), Utile (Urban Planning & Design), Greenberg Consultants (Urban Design), Nelson/Nygaard (Transportation), and LimnoTech (Hydrology).

MVVA brings to Houston wide-ranging experience and a proven track record of success in creating acclaimed and economically viable parks and waterfronts such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and Hudson River Park in New York City, and Maggie Daly Park and the 606 in Chicago. The consultants also are very familiar with Houston as they have recently completed plans for Hermann Park, The Menil and the “Beyond the Bayous” plan for the Houston Parks Board.

For more than 35 years, HR&A has been working with parks throughout the US and abroad to develop open space real estate strategies, financing plans, programming activation, and sustainable operations and maintenance programs. The High Line and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, Tulsa Riverfront and Dallas Trinity River are among more than 100 parks that have benefited from HR&A’s talent.

“While we want to build off our past projects such as Buffalo Bayou Park, Sabine Promenade and Allen’s Landing, we realize that we are dealing with an entirely different context,” says Anne Olson, BBP President. “We not only want to reinvigorate the waterfront but bring equitable revitalization opportunities to the East Sector neighborhoods.” Olson points out that the Second Ward has been designated one of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s “Complete Communities.”

BBP is committed to a plan that is based on:

Authenticity –Creating unique park spaces that reflect the cultural and industrial legacy of the east sector
Connectivity – Rethinking how parks and neighborhoods interact, activating and connecting the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods
Inclusivity – Establishing a pioneering precedent where green space can be a catalyst for inclusive revitalization.

Bo Fraga, a BBP board member and East End resident, says BBP is committed to a strong community engagement effort and input from a range of stakeholders. ”We plan to work hard to involve as many people in ways that are engaging, thought-provoking, and fun,” says Fraga.

This past week a Community Stakeholder Committee, comprised of East End and Fifth Ward residents and civic leaders, met for the first time. This group will offer advice and recommendations throughout the planning process.

The Buffalo Bayou East Sector planning project has been funded by Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Carruth Foundation, Inc., The Clayton Fund, Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #18), The Garver Foundation, Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #23), Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., Midway, Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly, The Winston Charitable Foundation and The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

Jul 27

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Anuncia el Lanzamiento del Plan Maestro para el Sector Este del Buffalo Bayou

Se revitalizará el Bayou al este del centro, desde la US 59 hasta la Cuenca de Navegación del Puerto de Houston

HOUSTON – 27 de julio, 2017 – El Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) de Houston está lanzando un importante esfuerzo de planeamiento para el Sector Este del Buffalo Bayou que continuará el legado de esta organización sin fines de lucro de transformar parques, senderos y espacios al aire libre. Al revitalizar el bayou, o la vía fluvial, al este del centro –desde la autopista US 59 hasta la Cuenca de Navegación del Puerto de Houston (Port of Houston Turning Basin), BBP busca mostrar un ejemplo sin precedentes de cómo el espacio verde pueda ser el catalizador del crecimiento inclusivo y del desarrollo de las comunidades.

“En su corazón, Buffalo Bayou Partnership se enfoca en la creación de parques, senderos y puentes para atraer a los houstonianos a disfrutar al aire libre”, dijo Tom Fish, Presidente de la Junta Directiva de BBP. “Aquí, en el Sector Este, tenemos una oportunidad de reunir las comunidades del norte y sur de Buffalo Bayou que por mucho tiempo han estado desconectadas de la costa y entre sí mismas.”

Buffalo Bayou Partnership ha reunido a un grupo de expertos de alto calibre para desarrollar este importante plan maestro para Houston y los vecindarios del Sector Este. Trabajarán con BBP en esta destacada iniciativa: un equipo multidisciplinario de consultores liderado por Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA), una empresa de paisajismo reconocida internacionalmente; y HR&A Advisors, empresa líder de bienes raíces industriales, desarrollo económico y políticas públicas. Otros expertos consultores incluyen a: Huitt-Zollars/antes Houston’s Morris Architects (Arquitectura e Ingeniería Civil), Utile (Planeamiento Urbano y Diseño), Greenberg Consultants (Diseño Urbano), Nelson/Nygaard (Transporte), y LimnoTech (Hidrología).

MVVA trae a Houston su amplia experiencia y un historial comprobado de éxitos en la creación de parques y espacios frente al agua económicamente viables como el Brooklyn Bridge Park y el Hudson River Park en Nueva York, así como el Maggie Daly Park y el 606 en Chicago. Estos expertos también conocen Houston muy bien, ya que recientemente completaron los planes para el Hermann Park, The Menil y el plan “Beyond the Bayous” para la Junta de Parques de Houston (Houston Parks Board).

Por más de 35 años, HR&A ha trabajado con parques en todo el país y en el extranjero para desarrollar estrategias de bienes raíces en espacios abiertos, planes de financiamiento, activaciones de programación y programas sostenibles de operaciones y mantenimiento. The High Line y Brooklyn Bridge Park en Nueva York, Tulsa Riverfront y Dallas Trinity River están entre los más de 100 parques que se han beneficiado del talento de HR&A.

“Si bien es cierto queremos construir basándonos en los proyectos ya terminados como el Buffalo Bayou Park, Sabine Promenade y Allen’s Landing, nos damos cuenta de que nos encontramos ante un contexto totalmente diferente”, dijo Anne Olson, Presidenta de BBP. “No solamente queremos revitalizar los espacios frente al agua, sino también traer oportunidades equitativas de revitalización a los vecindarios del Sector Este.” Olson señala que

el distrito Second Ward ha sido designado por el Alcalde de Houston, Sylvester Turner, como una de las “Comunidades Completas”.

BBP está comprometida con un plan basado en:

Autenticidad – Creando espacios de parques únicos que reflejen el legado cultural e industrial del Sector
Conectividad – Reinventando cómo los parques y los vecindarios interactúan, activando y conectando el área frente al agua y los vecindarios que la
Inclusión – Mostrando un ejemplo sin precedentes, en el cual el espacio verde puede ser un catalizador para una revitalización inclusiva.

Bo Fraga, miembro de la junta directiva de BBP y residente del East End, comentó que BBP está decidida a lograr una fuerte participación comunitaria y a escuchar ideas de varias partes interesadas. “Planeamos trabajar duro para involucrar a muchas personas para que participen de diferentes maneras que sean atractivas, estimulantes para intercambiar ideas y divertidas”, dijo Fraga.

La semana pasada, se realizó la primera reunión de un Community Stakeholder Committee (Comité de Líderes Comunitarios), compuesto por residentes de los vecindarios East End y Fifth Ward, y de varios líderes cívicos. Este grupo ofrecerá consejos y recomendaciones durante el proceso de planeamiento.

El proyecto de planeamiento de Buffalo Bayou East Sector ha sido financiado por Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Carruth Foundation, Inc., The Clayton Fund, Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ#18), The Garver Foundation, Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #23), Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., Midway, Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly, The Winston Charitable Foundation y The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

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Sobre Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Establecido en 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) es una organización sin fines de lucro que transforma y revitaliza el Buffalo Bayou, el recurso natural más significativo de Houston. El enfoque geográfico de BBP abarca el área de casi 30 kilómetros cuadrados del Buffalo Bayou, desde Shepherd Drive hasta Port of Houston Turning Basin. BBP ha recaudado y utilizado más de $150 millones de dólares para la reurbanización y administración de los espacios frente al agua, encabezando proyectos galardonados como Sabine Promenade y Sesquicentennial Park, protegiendo terrenos para futuros parques, construyendo senderos para caminatas y ciclismo, y llevando a cabo amplios programas de limpieza y mantenimiento. Recientemente, BBP completó el proyecto Buffalo Bayou Park de $58 millones de dólares, que incluye importantes áreas renovadas, paisajismo natural, senderos, alumbrado, estaciones de agua potable y puentes peatonales. Buffalo Bayou Partnership también busca maneras de activar el Buffalo Bayou a través de amenidades para peatones, paseos en bote y ciclismo; actividades para voluntarios; instalaciones de arte permanentes e itinerantes; y una variedad de recorridos y eventos que atraen a miles de personas.

Jun 08

The vision, passion and design behind Buffalo Bayou Park revealed in new book, From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park

HOUSTON – May 25, 2017 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), the non-profit organization leading the transformation and revitalization of Buffalo Bayou, released a commemorative book that uncovers the story of the award-winning Buffalo Bayou Park.

From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park takes you through the concepts, people, and unique public private partnership that shaped Buffalo Bayou Park into one of this country’s great urban greenspaces. “Our whole heart was put into the development and completion of the park,” says Anne Olson, president of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “It is exciting to re-experience the ideas, plans, details and engineering concepts in full view, on paper, inside a beautifully designed book.”

From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park was generously underwritten by the Kinder Foundation, the catalyst funder for the transformation of Buffalo Bayou Park. Coauthored by Sandra Cook, Anne Olson and David Theis, the book was designed by Pentagram in Austin and features spectacular photographs by Jim Olive, Katya Horner and others.

The book also includes historical images and maps, along with fascinating insights into the thoughtful design behind the park’s success. From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park highlights the greenspace’s enriched native landscape and wildlife habitat, wide range of trail improvements, creative lunar cycle lighting scheme, multi-faceted destinations and their architectural considerations, plus major public art installations.

The book is now on sale ($40 plus tax) at Buffalo Bayou Park’s Visitor Centers at The Water Works (105 Sabine St.) and Lost Lake (3422 Allen Parkway) or online at buffalobayou.org. Distributed by Texas A&M University Press, the book will soon be available from fine booksellers.

Brazos Bookstore and Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host a public reception with those involved in the book’s creation on Tuesday, June 27th.

WHAT: Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) and Brazos Bookstore as we unveil the commemorative book, From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park.
Stephen Fox, who wrote the foreword, will provide a brief history of Houston’s planning and the importance of the iconic greenspace, Buffalo Bayou Park.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 7-8pm

COST: FREE and open to all

WHERE: Brazos Bookstore (2421 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005)

About Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Established in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit organization transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. BBP’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. Thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations, individuals and government agencies, BBP has raised and leveraged more than $150 million for the redevelopment and stewardship of the waterfront – spearheading award-winning projects such as Buffalo Bayou Park and Sabine Promenade, protecting land for future parks, constructing hike and bike trails, and operating comprehensive clean-up and maintenance programs. Buffalo Bayou Partnership also seeks ways to activate Buffalo Bayou through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities; volunteer activities; permanent and temporary art installations; and wide-ranging tours and events that attract thousands.

Follow Buffalo Bayou Partnership

www.buffalobayou.org

www.facebook.com/buffalobayou

@buffalobayou

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Buffalo Bayou Park Selected as a Winner of the Urban Land Institute’s 2017-2018 Global Awards for Excellence

Buffalo Bayou Hurricane Harvey Update – October 2017

Buffalo Bayou Cleanup Moves Forward After Hurricane Harvey

Flooding and the Effects on Johnny Steele Dog Park

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Announces Launch of Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Anuncia el Lanzamiento del Plan Maestro para el Sector Este del Buffalo Bayou

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The vision, passion and design behind Buffalo Bayou Park revealed in new book, From Rendering to Reality: The Story of Buffalo Bayou Park

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