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.
MCGOVERN CENTENNIAL GARDENS
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A rendering of the new McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, scheduled to open in October 2014. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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A detailed site plan for the McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, scheduled to open in October 2014. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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A rendering of the new rose garden. The rose garden will consist of native, shrub, climbing, and tea rose species in all shapes, sizes, and colors chosen for their sustainability. Trellises and archways, paths and seating areas will afford a fragrant experience for the rose lover to explore garden. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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A rendering of perennial border and Centennial Green in the new McGovern Centennial Gardens, with the 30-foot garden mount rising in the background. Flowering plants adaptable to Houston’s changing weather conditions will keep the perennial borders and pergolas framing the Centennial Green blooming year round. The 350-foot long Centennial Green will be an ideal place to put down a blanket, relax, play, and celebrate. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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A rendering of the arid garden. Drought-friendly plant materials that demonstrate water-saving landscaping techniques will be utilized in the arid garden. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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A rendering of the view of the Centennial Green and Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion from the 30-foot garden mount. The garden mount sits at the west end of the Centennial Green and features a water cascade down the front and an ADA-accessible concrete path that leads to a spectacular view of the gardens below. An installation by local artist Randy Twaddle will greet visitors at the top of the mount. (Courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt/White Oak Studio)
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Character image representing the concept for the interactive family garden where lessons on edible plant choices and gardening techniques will be taught. Children and parents will delight in visiting the vegetable plots, fruit trees, herb beds, and kitchen garden of the family garden.
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Character image representing the concept for the woodland walk which will showcase trees and understory plantings native to Houston and Texas.
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A rendering of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion from inside the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The Pavilion will be available starting in January 2015 to rent for meeting and event space. For more information, email lblack@hermannpark.org. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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A rendering of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion entryway with the garden mount in the background. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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A rendering of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion contemplative garden. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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A rendering of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion contemplative garden with the garden mount in the background. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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A rendering of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion meeting space with the garden mount viewable out of the back window. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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A rendering of the entry to Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion from the new parking lot. (Courtesy Bohlin Cywinski Jackson)
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.