Sesquicentennial Park: Phase IIB | Houston, Texas

Along Buffalo Bayou and adjacent to the Theater District, an 8.2-acre park celebrates the City of Houston's 150th anniversary

The final phase of a park project to celebrate the City of Houston’s 150th anniversary, Sesquicentennial Park is located in downtown Houston along Buffalo Bayou, adjacent to the Theater District. This 8.2-acre park includes a large open lawn for outdoor performances and gatherings, a formal promenade parallel to the bayou, an overlook view of the downtown skyline, art and architectural features and native landscaping throughout.

In collaboration with Team HOU and nationally renowned artist Mel Chin, RHA developed the design and structure of seven 75-foot pylons. The towers represent the seven pillars that Houston is built upon: agriculture, energy, medicine, manufacturing, philanthropy, technology and transportation. The artwork of 1,050 schoolchildren born in Texas’ sesquicentennial year was incorporated into the illuminated, laser-cut stainless steel panel structures.

Working with artist Dean Ruck, RHA helped to develop three art pieces that use motion sensors, ceramic photographic panels, air compressors and recorded sounds. The pieces—titled "The Big Bubble," "Site Seeing" and "Sounds from the Past"—celebrate the common man, the history of the bayou and the role it continues to play in the life of the city.