(HOUSTON) – To honor his lifelong and unwavering commitment to the city of Houston and to recognize his impact in the global market, the Uptown Houston Board of Directors, with the support of Mayor Bill White, today voted and officially named Houston’s iconic Waterwall Park, the “Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.”
“Gerald Hines’ passion for green spaces has helped Uptown Houston be what it is today, a vibrant and bustling market where people can live, work and play,” said John Breeding, Uptown Houston President. “We are honoring Mr. Hines’ dedication to Houston by naming the park in his honor. Additionally, we will keep this beloved fountain and park open to all residents and visitors.”
Located south of Williams Tower on Post Oak Boulevard, the 64-foot semi-circular Hines Waterwall, surrounded by a beautiful expanse of live oak trees, has been a Houston icon for nearly 25 years. Gerald D. Hines’ vision for green spaces and urban parks played an integral role in the creation of the Hines Waterwall Park.
“We are proud to name the Waterwall Park after someone who has been so important to the development of our great city,” said Mayor Bill White. “But Mr. Hines has done more than that; he has created a special place in the middle of a big city for people to gather and experience both architectural beauty and the great outdoors. This is something Houston will be forever grateful for.”
Previously, the property was privately owned by Hines, the developer, owner and manager of the adjacent Williams Tower (formerly Transco Tower). In December 2008, with the support of Mayor Bill White, the Uptown Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone’s (TIRZ) recognized the opportunity to preserve an important amenity and purchased the Waterwall and the adjacent 2.77 acre park for $8.5 million, a below-market price. This investment by Uptown Houston has made this landmark a public park and ensured its existence in Houston for years to come.
The Hines Waterwall Park is 2.77 acres and features 186 live oak trees. The Waterwall, designed by Johnson and Burgee, re-circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute as it cascades down the inner and outer walls of the fountain. The Hines Waterwall Park has been and will continue to be the centerpiece of Uptown Houston, which seamlessly blends business with pleasure, energy with grace as well as style with substance.
Editor’s Note: For additional or higher resolution pictures of the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, please contact Amanda Modglin at amandam@vollmerpr.com or 713-970-2100.
ABOUT UPTOWN HOUSTON
The Uptown Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone’s (TIRZ) was created to design and implement projects which will mitigate traffic congestion, encourage new development and create park space, all of which will grow Houston’s tax base. The plan for the entire Uptown district includes $235 million for improvements during its 30-year life.
Created in 1987, the Uptown Houston District occupies 500 acres in the heart of the Uptown Houston/Galleria area and provides a variety of services and improvements for the area including traffic operations, public maintenance and beautification, infrastructure improvements, economic development and marketing.
The mission of the District is to continually refine and enhance its unparalleled amenities and exceptional beauty by improving accessibility, enhancing identity and sustaining the vibrant community that is Uptown Houston. Visit us at www.uptown-houston.com or on Twitter at @UptownHouston.