Autry Park - Living Above the Bayou
Densification of the Urban Core
With the rapid growth of Houston and further densification of its urban core, let’s take a closer look at some recently completed high-rise mixed-use apartment projects to see what role they may be playing in our city’s urbanization. This new development provides the hustle and bustle of urban life that comes with the ability to walk where you need to go. Density allows you to also enjoy a high concentration of culture and convenience. However, it is still a pretty new concept to Houston. With it, lifestyle hounds are reexamining the suburban sprawl model and flocking to our inner-city neighborhoods.
Mixed-Use Along the Bayou
Located along the banks of Buffalo Bayou in Houston’s newest urban district, Hanover Autry Park apartment tower is strategically positioned along the street edge of a new placemaking urban park. This mixed-use development is master planned to maximize social interaction by bringing together attributes of culture, live music, entertainment, leisure, and commerce in a robust collection of boutique shops and restaurants that animates the street level surrounding the park.
Lush Pedestrian Experience
The 24-story residential tower is a crisp, modern architectural expression that compliments its lush landscape setting along Buffalo Bayou. The complex enriches the pedestrian experience of residents living here, as well as shoppers and visitors, by bringing together a vibrant urban lifestyle and character of a truly metropolitan city all within a tranquil park-like setting. Autry Park also pays tribute to its natural setting by making a strong pedestrian and visual connection to Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston’s 160-acre green space jewel, where residents and visitors have convenient connection to world class hike and bike trails, native gardens, skate park, picnic areas, play areas, Lost Lake, and kayak access to the Bayou.
Large Scale Urban Districts
This development is playing the key role of reinforcing the importance of neighborhoods to those searching for a more cultured, simplified, and convenient urban lifestyle. With Houston at an early stage of urbanization and densification, the design of mixed-use neighborhoods will continue to reshape our city’s skyline for years to come. This neighborhood becomes a part of larger scale urban districts that reinforce mankind’s fundamental need for social interaction and a sense of belonging. Our twenty-first century challenge is to create more walkable urban districts for a less auto dependent and more sustainable future.
About the Author
Scott Ziegler, AIA
As Founding Principal of the firm and leader of the Urban Architecture Studio, Scott’s design experience reflects his belief that inspirational architecture enriches people’s lives, uplifts the human spirit, and provides a constant vision of excellence. As Residential Senior Practice Area Leader, Scott plays an active role in shaping the urban landscape through the firm’s built works and his published writing in professional journals on the subjects of sustainable urban growth strategies and high-density mixed-use developments.