Location Houston
Client City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department and OST/Alameda Corridors Redevelopment Authority
Architect Perkins and Will
Contractor Prime Contractors
Civil Engineer Gunda Corporation
Mechanical Engineer Rice Gardner Consultants
Structural Engineer MMSA
Aquatics Designer Waterscape Consultants
Landscape Architects M2L Associates
Built by former slaves in 1872 to commemorate Juneteenth (the emancipation of African Americans in Texas), the newly redesigned and rebuilt Emancipation Park encompasses 10 acres in Houston’s Third Ward. Consistent with a 1938 master plan by Hare & Hare, major commemorative elements are placed along a central plaza. The pool house renovation includes a perforated steel canopy that serves as a sound and view buffer from the street and becomes signage for the park. The community center renovation opens the existing facade to more daylight and creates a forum for community discourse. The new recreation center includes a gymnasium, fitness center, and multipurpose room. The park will use solar hot water panels above the canopies and ground source heat pump HVAC systems in order to reduce energy consumption and meet sustainability goals.