HOUSTON—The 2017 ULI Development of Distinction Awards jury of three national real estate experts, Ed McKinney, Robert Morgan and Kim Wilson, toured the eight finalists' projects recently. The winners selected will be announced at an awards dinner on January 24, 2017.

Morgan, development director for Greystar Real Estate Partners in Charleston, SC, noted that mixed-use suburban infill developments were present not only in the finalists' projects but throughout the region.

“This is an important evolution of our cities and Houston has several solid examples,” Morgan says.

He and fellow judge Wilson, architecture professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln left impressed with the diversity of not only the projects but also the environments they created and people found in them. Morgan noticed a common theme of complexity in finalists that “told convincing stories with intent” while Wilson pointed to each project's engagement and investment in making Houston “a better place to work, live and play.”

Houston has recorded substantial growth in the last decade with new residents coming from around the country and the world, leading to new developments and infrastructure. The three jurors encouraged carefully planning during further expansions of the region while continuing a focus on walkable infrastructure and embracing what makes Houston unique.

The award finalists in the for-profit category are FMC Technologies Campus at Generation Park by Trammell Crow Company, Southwestern Energy by Patrinely Group, Town Centre–Queensbury Theatre by Moody Rambin. The finalists in the not-for-profit category are The Boys and Girls Club–Richmond-Rosenberg by The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston, MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston) by Jewett Consulting, Houston Zoo: Gorillas of the African Forest by Houston Zoo. The finalists in the urban open space category are Buffalo Bayou Park by Buffalo Bayou Partnership and McGovern Centennial Gardens by Hermann Park Conservancy.

This marks 10 years of the ULI awards program in Houston.

“This is an important evolution of our cities and Houston has several solid examples,” Morgan says.

This marks 10 years of the ULI awards program in Houston.

Instant Insights /

National Jury Visits ULI Development of Distinction Finalists

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