Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Orange, TX

Situated on Adams Bayou, this project preserves more than 250 acres of cypress/tupelo swamp and wooded uplands, in addition to restoring the historic Shangri La Gardens (begun by Lutcher Stark in 1937). A Visitor Center at the entrance orients guests to the site's history and resources. Nature education and research facilities include an outdoor education center, classroom pavilions, and bird viewing blinds, carefully situated within the preserve to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Achieved the first LEED Platinum certification for new construction along the Gulf Coast. Opened to public on March 11, 2008.

in collaboration with Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects and MESA


publications

2009 - Texas Highways (May)
2008 - Texas Architect (Jul/Aug)

awards

2009 - AIA Committee on the Environment, Top Ten Green Project
2008 - AIA San Antonio Design Award
2004 - American Society of Landscape Architects, Louisiana
2004 - American Society of Landscape Architects, Texas
Hester+Hardaway