The Civic Issue
Texas Contemporary™ Monthly: Issue 37
Designing the Heart of Communities
As architects, civic projects bring a unique set of responsibilities. There is a larger group of stakeholders, a heightened fiscal responsibility, and an increased project life expectancy.
However, there are also amazing opportunities – to help shape a voice and a vision for those stakeholders, to build the next step in a longstanding path of civic work, and to create spaces that people are proud to own. When done successfully, architecture is unifying. The shared experience, as defined by the users, can become the heart of a community.
Our recent merger with COTERA+REED ARCHITECTS allows us to expand our reach in this area. We are excited to continue their legacy of impactful civic work that enriches everyone it touches.
Waco Mammoth | Waco, TX
This month Robert Garcia, Senior Associate, shares his thoughts on Civic Architecture
Civic Architecture
In South Texas, where scorching temperatures and rapid urbanization prevail, parks are not just luxuries but lifelines, essential for the health, resilience, and cultural vibrancy of communities. From a designer's perspective, parks in this region serve as pivotal spaces where innovative design strategies intersect with environmental conservation, social equity, and cultural preservation.
We have been entrusted by the City of Corpus Christi to work on many parks projects over the past 60 years, most recently the master planning of two of the largest city parks: Cole & Labonte Park. This master planning spans decades of improvements giving the parks a more cohesive and sustainable vision for generations to come. Children will soon be able to keep cool during our hot summer months in the recently completed Cole Park Splash Pad, as well as enjoy the relief from the heat with a large shade structure currently in design at the Cole Park Plaza directly adjacent to the Cole Park Pier.
Growing up in this area for the past 40+ years, I can vividly remember family trips to many parks in the area. I recall events spanning from the Bay Jammin’ Concert and Cinema Series at the Cole Park amphitheater to Easter Camping celebrations held every year on the Nueces River banks at Labonte Park. Core memories were made in my childhood, and I continue those memory making trips with my two children today.
In essence, parks in South Texas are not just green spaces but dynamic landscapes where design innovation meets environmental stewardship and cultural celebration. As designers, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of South Texas by creating parks that are resilient, inclusive, and reflective of the region's distinctive identity.
The LEVY DYKEMA Way, features insights from clients and team members.
This month, we hear from Principal, John Dykema.
Austin Energy District Cooling Plant - Austin, TX
The Shape of Things to Come
It is our privilege to work with great organizations who are focused on improving our communities. From the College Houses Super Co-op and Chabad House to Community First’s Unity Hall to the Art Museum of South Texas, we are proud to have helped create focal points for people – opportunities for them to come together and create connections.
We take great pride in seeing people utilize the spaces we’ve created. Our recent merger with
COTERA+REED ARCHITECTS further expands our capabilities for making architecture in the public realm. It positions us to have an even larger impact on the fabric of our communities. We are excited by the new prospects opened to us by our shared experience and passion. The future looks bright!
Stephen V. Levy