BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP
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Mission Statement
Buffalo Bayou Partnership creates and stewards welcoming parks, trails, and unique spaces, connecting Houstonians with our city’s most significant natural waterway.
About This Cause
Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s (BBP) mission is to revitalize and transform Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. Founded in 1986 by Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is comprised of civic, environmental and business representatives whose director nominees are approved by the Mayor of Houston and Harris County Judge. Over the organization’s 29-year history, the BBP board and staff have raised and leveraged more than $150 million in private and public funds for the redevelopment and stewardship of the bayou – spearheading award-winning projects such as Sabine Promenade and Sesquicentennial Park, protecting land for future parks, constructing hike and bike trails, and operating a comprehensive clean-up program. Buffalo Bayou Partnership also seeks ways to activate Buffalo Bayou through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities; volunteer activities; permanent and temporary art installations; and wide-ranging tours and events that attract thousands. Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s guiding document, the Buffalo Bayou and Beyond Master Plan lays out a vision for the bayou corridor from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. Since issuing the document in 2002, BBP has worked diligently and strategically to implement the plan’s recommendations. We are proud that our restoration and revitalization work has adhered to this plan’s overarching goals and planning concepts by balancing conservation and development and creating projects that serve multiple purposes – recreation, flood management and ecosystem restoration. BBP’s recent successes include: Buffalo Bayou West Sector (Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street) Nearing completion is the $58 million Buffalo Bayou Park project. BBP, the Kinder Foundation, Harris County Flood Control District and the City of Houston are collaborating to transform the 160 acres of green space along Buffalo Bayou between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street. To date, park users have seen first-hand the completion of pedestrian bridges at Jackson Hill and the Police Memorial; installation of lighting, benches, trash receptacles and water fountains; native prairie plantings, which will germinate over time; tree plantings; and asphalt footpaths. Construction is also complete at Eleanor Tinsley Park and the Johnny Steele Dog Park. Landscaping around the Wortham Fountain is finished, and construction of major destinations including Lost Lake (Allen Parkway at Dunlavy Street), The Water Works (at Sabine Street) and the Nature Play Area is well underway. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will maintain and operate Buffalo Bayou Park. Annual maintenance will be approximately $2 million, which is provided by the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ #3). Buffalo Bayou Partnership hired Park Director Gregg Burks in 2013, and has begun full-scale maintenance and operations of completed park areas. In addition, BBP has opened the maintenance and operations facility; hired 15 park staffers; developed safety guidelines and Best Management Practices; initiated a security program, including bike patrol; developed a volunteer program as well as a partnership with Harris County Correctional Department; finalized a contract with Clark Cooper Concepts for operation of a special event space and grab and go food service; and selected canoe/kayak and bike rental vendors. Buffalo Bayou Partnership The entire Buffalo Bayou Park project will be completed this summer, and BBP will present a grand opening celebration on October 3rd. Buffalo Bayou Park will have a lasting impact on the landscape of our great city and define Houston for generations. Allen’s Landing Redevelopment and Sunset Coffee Building Restoration Central to the continued revitalization of historic Allen’s Landing is restoration of the Sunset Coffee Building, one of the few remaining industrial buildings on Buffalo Bayou and a contributing structure within downtown’s Main Street/Market Square Historic District. As directed by our master plan, Buffalo Bayou Partnership purchased the long vacant Sunset Coffee Building in 2003. For over a decade, BBP worked to raise money for renovation of the 12,000 square foot building and finalized an agreement in 2013 with Houston First Corporation to contribute the remaining funds needed. Once construction is complete, Houston First will take over ownership and operation of the facility. Designed by the nationally recognized architecture firm Lake | Flato, along with local architect BNIM and landscape architect SWA Group, the Sunset Coffee Building will be Buffalo Bayou’s premier recreational and cultural center. The building will house BBP’s offices, a rooftop terrace, a canoe/kayak/bike rental facility, and an outdoor plaza. Renovations are scheduled to be complete in late 2015. Hike and Bike Trail Development The organization is currently focusing on vital trail connections through downtown. There are already numerous trail segments east of downtown, but right now the trail unfortunately ends with a concrete wall at Allen's Landing. One of the bayou’s most unique trails is being constructed under a network of downtown streets. Connecting Smith Street at Sesquicentennial Park to Milam Street near Allen’s Landing is the $4.6 million “TIGER” trail which has been funded through the highly competitive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant program administered by the Federal Highway Administration. BBP contributed $1 million in matching funds which were donated by a BBP board member. Equally exciting downtown trail links are in the planning stage. There are two trail segments. One is to be located on Harris County and Harris County Flood Control District properties. This $7.2 million trail is funded by private donations and City of Houston funds. The second trail will be located on an easement donated by CenterPoint Energy and will cost $985,743. To date, BBP has raised $500,000 in private funds and is working to raise the additional funds needed. Buffalo Bayou East Sector (U.S. 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin) Land Acquisition and Hike and Bike Trail Development Hike and bike trail development, along with land acquisition, is a major focus for the organization in Houston’s East End. To date, approximately 45 acres of property have been purchased and assembled and several miles of trails have been constructed. BBP has also worked for many years to secure easements from more than 20 private and public property owners in the neighborhood for hike and bike trail development. Presently, BBP is working with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) to construct a trail across a former railroad bridge and along the bayou at Clayton Homes, Houston Housing Authority property. Buffalo Bend Nature Park Transformation of the 10-acre Buffalo Bend Nature Park in the East End is nearing completion. BBP made initial improvements to this former dumpsite in 2009, including three storm water filtration ponds that mimic a wetland ecosystem, a natural amphitheater and approximately 10,000 wetland plants and native trees planted by hundreds of volunteers. With a $500,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife grant and matching funds from private donors and Harris County Precinct Two, the park’s owner, the following Phase II enhancements are under construction: hike and bike trails, wetland boardwalk, observation deck, interpretive signage, and amenities such as benches and trash receptacles. Once construction is complete, Buffalo Bend Nature Park will be open to the public and will fulfill the community’s requests for a natural green space that offers passive-recreation and environmental education opportunities for multi-generations. In addition, BBP recently acquired an adjacent property and easement with the goal of connecting 23 acres of open space from Buffalo Bend Nature Park to the City’s Hidalgo Park. Located near the Port of Houston Turning Basin, Buffalo Bend Nature Park will serve as an important eastern trailhead for the Buffalo Bayou greenway. Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan With more than $100 million in capital investments having been, or about to be, completed in the western and downtown sectors, it is time that BBP make a comparable level of investment along the bayou’s east sector. While bayou enhancements and community revitalization is occurring, what is lacking is a comprehensive urban design plan. Timing for such a plan is critical. BBP needs to build off the momentum that has been created in the west and downtown bayou sectors. It also needs to “catch up” with the real estate development and gentrification that is taking place along the bayou’s east sector. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is working to produce a comprehensive Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan. The organization’s intent is to take the visionary recommendations from the 2002 Master Plan to a more refined level of planning. The Buffalo Bayou East Sector Master Plan will focus on: park amenities, urban infrastructure needs (utilities, street rights of way, sidewalks and parks), and transportation. A strategic economic development and financing strategy will also be an important component of the planning effort. Through its efforts to transform and revitalize Houston’s historic waterway, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is strengthening public health, spurring economic development and preserving the environmental and cultural history of Houston for generations.