The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC) and Town Center Improvement District (TCID) have announced plans for Waterway Square, a major urban park now under construction in the heart of The Woodlands Town Center.

The project is being jointly funded by TWDC. TCID and the Town Center Owners Association (TCOA). Waterway Square is located on The Woodlands Waterway®, just east of the Waterway Avenue Bridge and the AAA Four Diamond The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center

TWDC is also constructing 24 Waterway Avenue. which at 13 stories and 308,206 square feet, is the largest speculative, mixed use building ever constructed by the developer.

Waterway Square will provide a pedestrian-friendly central gathering place and hub of activity that will enliven The Woodlands Waterway®, and create a spectacular view for employees in the surrounding office buildings, those living in urban residences on The Waterway, and those visiting, shopping and dining in Town Center,” said Alex Sutton, president of TWDC. We’ve hired designers that are renowned for creating spectacular public places and given them the best space available on The Waterway. plus the most coveted natural elements to work with in Texas – plenty of water and trees.”

The project encompasses a one-acre public plaza with unique water features and greenspaces. “Water jets, waterfalls and cascades are designed to create a variety of displays and effects ranging from the subtle flow of water over a stone waterwall to dancing columns of water, to “boomer” jets that can shoot water 60 feet into the air.’ said Alan Ward. principal of Sasaki Associates, Inc., designers of the park. Sasaki is also the designer of the 2008 Olympic Green in Beijing, China.

Fountain water, lighting and music systems are choreographed and programmed to create a full range of effects from quiet to exuberant,’ Ward said. Taking advantage of the site’s topography, the plaza is designed with upper and lower terraces that relate to surrounding streets and The Waterway. The difference in elevation is accentuated by a 120-foot long waterwall, flanked by stairs and stepped water cascades at each side of the Square. A waterfall drops from an upper fountain to a pool along the lower terrace. An interactive fountain, designed for water play by children and adults alike, will be composed of 30 water jets set into a fanciful mosaic pavement design by renowned artist Dixie Friend Gay.”

The water features were designed by Aquatic Design and Engineering, Inc. of Oakland, FL, designers of several major water features for Disney Resorts and Orlando City Hall in Orlando, FL. Waterway Square will also include a grove of shade trees where people may gather for outdoor dining and relaxation. In the near future, two additional office buildings, one nine-story and one six-story, a boutique hotel, a luxury condo tower and additional upscale shops and restaurants will be added at Waterway Square.

Source:
Woodlands Development Company
Town Center Improvement District