Project Description
Thirty years ago, a small contingent of ambitious Houstonians witnessed firsthand the positive impact botanic gardens were having in different communities around the globe. Their determination and dedication eventually resulted in the Houston Botanic Garden, a crown jewel in the city’s revitalization of its green spaces.
In January 2015, the goal of bringing a botanic garden to Space City became a reality when the Houston City Council unanimously approved a long-term lease agreement and partnership with the Houston Botanic Garden to transform the former Glenbrook Golf Course.
Located near Hobby Airport, the 132-acre Houston Botanic Garden offers easy access for the greater Houston region and the opportunity to develop the garden around the Sims Bayou. Before the construction of the Garden, the area saw very little investment in green spaces or cultural amenities.
The Garden was designed so visitors would be inspired to explore the spacious grounds. Upon entering the Garden’s gate, the live oak-lined Botanic Lane, which offers an immediate calming effect on visitors, provides a glimpse of what lies beyond. Once inside, the Garden includes eight different facets, each of which serves an educational component: Global Collection Garden, Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, Culinary Garden, Pine Grove, Community Garden, Woodland Glade, Stormwater Wetlands, and Coastal Prairie.
The Garden also features 2.5 miles of walking and hiking trails, a lagoon, and a nature play area for children.
Global engineering firm Walter P Moore was involved in the initial site review and served a critical role on the building team that created the more than $100 million master plan for the Houston Botanic Garden. Construction on Phase I of that master plan—which incorporated existing natural features and elements to mitigate potential flooding—commenced in spring 2019 and was substantially completed in fall 2020.