Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1539742
HOUSTON PAPERCITY DESIGN AWARDS P aperCity honored Nancy O'Connor Abendshein with i t s Vi s i o n a r y A w a r d f o r Expanding Houston's Green Space for her leading role in bringing forth Houston Botanic Garden. Jill Barry, the garden's president and CEO, presented the award. Discussions about the formation of Houston's first botanic garden began three decades ago. In 2002, the nonprofit was incorporated, with the goal of creating a world-class botanic garden that would become a major cultural destination and an oasis of plant life and natural habitats. Houston Botanic Garden arose on the former site of the historic 132-acre Glenbrook Golf Course on Sims Bayou. The garden commissioned West 8, an internationally known urban design and landscape architecture firm headquartered in the Netherlands, to create an ambitious 30-year master plan. Despite challenges during COVID, Houston Botanic Garden exceeded its initial $35 million campaign goal. The public grand opening took place in September 2020. Houston Botanic Garden inspires and connects visitors with a collection of 1,200 taxa of tropical, subtropical, and arid plants from every continent except Antarctica. Rich plant life is showcased throughout the Global Collection and Culinary gardens. These displays evolve with the seasons as the horticulture staff develops new gardens, replaces plants, and increases biodiversity. In-depth cultivars and species of Louisiana iris, amaryllis, and banana trees are among the garden's calling cards. Marking its five-year anniversary this fall, the garden is approaching 500,000 visitors. With five annual festivals and rotating exhibitions (including Bay Area sculptor Kristine Mays' recent show "Rich Soil"), the garden has become a beloved addition to Houston's much needed green space. PAPERCITY VISIONARY AWARD FOR EXPANDING HOUSTON'S GREEN SPACE Nancy O'Connor Abendshein 90