OJB Landscape Architecture Unveils 609 Main at Texas Office Tower
Expansive two-tiered green roof enlivens Downtown Houston skyline
Houston – May 18, 2017 – OJB Landscape Architecture, winner of the 2015 ASLA Firm Award, today announced the grand opening of its newest workplace project, 609 Main at Texas, a new 48-story, Class A office tower in Downtown Houston. Hines Interests developed the LEED Platinum-certified project which is the result of a collaboration between OJB, architectural firm Pickard Chilton and architect-of-record Kendall/Heaton Associates.
The 1,050,000-SF office tower is the latest addition to the burgeoning Central Business District in Downtown Houston. A two-tiered, 30,000-SF green roof offers unprecedented views of the urban skyline and a place for office workers to reconnect with nature. A 28-foot tall Greenwall and water feature greet visitors in the building’s main lobby. Hardscape and strategic landscape appointments at the site’s entry plaza and along Main Street enhance connectivity and offer a welcoming environment.
“As Downtown Houston continues to densify, buildings of this caliber offer top-notch workplaces in the Central Business District,” said OJB Managing Principal Jereck Boss. “Amenities such as the two-tiered green roof allow workers areas to decompress, enjoy their lunch outdoors, or host a team meeting in the fresh air. These types of features are increasingly sought in the workplace as being connected with the natural elements is shown to help fuel creativity and decrease stress.”
In keeping with the project’s design goal to be LEED Platinum, the site’s hardscape has been designed to include durable non-glare materials selected for their ability to absorb the bright Houston sun and to clearly define circulation. Native and adaptive species were utilized throughout the site ensuring highly efficient planting that thrives in the urban environment, particularly in the shade and wind that are prevalent on roof gardens. A drip irrigation system results in reduced water consumption while the planting absorbs approximately 70 percent of precipitation hitting the roof. Ipe benches and movable furniture will allow for a multitude of flexible seating options on the roof terrace for the enjoyment of tenants and guests.
To learn more about OJB Landscape Architecture and the firm’s design of 609 Main at Texas visit www.ojb.com.
About OJB
Founded in 1989, The Office of James Burnett began with a focus on creating landscapes that provide unique and unforgettable sensory experiences. OJB’s recent work has focused on the rejuvenation of American cities through the creation of distinctive public park spaces including ULI Urban Open Space Award-winning Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City and Levy Park in Houston. Other notable projects include the artfully planted Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage, CA and forthcoming urban park project East Village Green in San Diego. Follow OJB on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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