GG GGGGG DOWNTOWN SECTOR SUNSET COFFEE BUILDING Allen’s Landing, Houston’s birthplace and first port, has been a focal point of BBP’s revitalization efforts for many years. Included among decade-old enhancements are rebuilding of the park’s wharf and embarcadero, entry plaza, public art and a terrace. In 2012, BBP came one step closer to enhancing the historic site by finalizing a contract with Houston First, a local government corporation, for restoration of the park’s historic Sunset Coffee Building. Once completed, Houston First will take over ownership and operation of the 12,000-sq. ft. facility from BBP. Designed by Lake-Flato and BNIM architects, the renovated building will include a boating/biking concession, BBP’s offices, exhibition and rental space, and a rooftop terrace.
PROPOSED NORTH CANAL Flood management is an important component of BBP’s Buffalo Bayou and Beyond master plan. Since issuing the plan in 2002, BBP has been working with the HCFCD and Downtown District to study the viability of the plan’s proposed North Canal. Located at the juncture of White Oak and Buffalo bayous, the site is a bottleneck and very volatile during heavy rains. Studies show that if the by-pass channel had been in place during Tropical Storm Allison, flooding in downtown would have been reduced by approximately 4.5 ft. Over the past five years, HCFCD and the City of Houston purchased properties along Commerce Street in anticipation of the North Canal project. With a strong cost-to-benefit ratio, HCFCD is continuing its studies along with major property owners including METRO.
HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS A collaboration with the Houston Parks Board and Greater East End Management District resulted in Houston being awarded a highly competitive federal TIGER grant for bayou hike and bike trails in 2012. With funding of $15 million, supplemented by $4 million in local matching dollars, trails will be constructed along Buffalo and White Oak bayous, and on East End streets linking to the light rail. As part of the process, BBP will build a trail from Smith to Milam in downtown. This $4.6 million link will provide a vitally needed connection from Sesquicentennial Park to Allen’s Landing, and will complete a five-mile stretch of the bayou from Shepherd Drive to Milam Street. BBP contributed $1 million in private funds, donated by a BBP board member, for the TIGER grant match. 8
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