In celebration of the Park’s milestone birthday in 2014, Hermann Park Conservancy is transforming the 15-acre site where the Houston Garden Center previously stood into the new McGovern Centennial Gardens and building a grand entry pavilion and event space, the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion.
To donate to McGovern Centennial Gardens, click here.
In celebration of the Park’s milestone birthday in 2014, the 15-acre site where the Houston Garden Center previously stood is being transformed into the new McGovern Centennial Gardens. Scheduled to open in October of 2014, the new McGovern Centennial Gardens will delight visitors with traditional features like a rose garden, and new areas to explore, such as an interactive family garden, an arid garden, a 30-foot garden mount, and a sculpture promenade featuring public art donated by countries around the world.
Following national searches, a renowned design team was assembled by Hermann Park Conservancy to create the new Gardens. Hoerr Schaudt, the Chicago landscape architecture firm, collaborated with White Oak Studio in Houston on the gardens’ design, with Dr. William C. Welch of Texas A&M University consulting. A new entry pavilion, the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, was designed by architect Peter Bohlin of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, famed designer of the glass Apple stores worldwide.
Gardens have long been an important element in Hermann Park. These intimate spaces can be a gathering spot for the community, a place for children to learn and connect with nature, and a setting to showcase the beauty and culture of an international city.
The McGovern Centennial Gardens aims to capture the full potential of the site as a community resource. Relocated parking areas will open up the space, increase accessibility, ease traffic flow, and preserve the number of parking spaces. New pedestrian and vehicular entrances from Hermann Drive will enhance access from neighboring residential areas and cultural institutions, including the Children’s Museum, the Health Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. New public restrooms and an exercise station will be added for the convenience of walkers and joggers using the Marvin Taylor Trail. The McGovern Centennial Gardens will be free and open to the public.
Hermann Park Conservancy broke ground on this exciting project on Wednesday, September 18, 2013. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2014, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information about the celebration, click here.
For updates as construction progresses on the new Gardens, follow the Hermann Park Conservancy blog, Bloom News.
All garden renderings courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt and White Oak Studio. All pavilion renderings courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
To learn about naming opportunities and more, please contact development@hermannpark.org.