architecture firm based in San Francisco, oversaw the design effort. Page [formerly PageSoutherlandPage] designed the park's architecture and Larry Speck was their lead architect. Lauren Griffith Associates. provided landscape and horticultural design services. Artists Margo Sawyer and Doug Hollis were integral members of the design team and produced three works of art for the park. A large team of local and international engineers and specialists supported the core design team. Elmore Public Relations was contracted for marketing and public relations. Ever since the opening in 2008, the park has added upon. An estimate of $1 billion worth of buildings, offices, hotels, and housing projects were added to the park's surroundings. In 2009 the One Park Place opened. A high-end residential tower that houses 346 units. On 2011, the Hess Tower was built, a 29-story office building. On 2016, the Marriott Marquis convention hotel was built north of the park. A hotel that holds over 1,000 rooms. The park earned LEED certification in October 2009. The Kinder Foundation provided $10 million to help fund the $125 million project. In 2020, the chain opened a new location within the Katy/Fulshear district. Design Process Hargreaves Associates and their team of architects, engineers, and artists took thirteen months to design and finalize the park. Notable challenges would be the dense intersection and the intricate design of implementing the garage with the surface park. The park is placed in the center of two juxtaposing cross axes. The linear plaza is lined by a multitude Mexican Sycamore trees and uniquely designed pavement. Due to the straight nature of the path, it supports farmers markets, art fairs and parades. Park features Anheuser-Busch Stage - a performance stage Jones Lawn - a grass lawn for lounging, offering views of the skyline The Brown Foundation Promenade - a shaded walkway, lined with 100-year-old live oak trees Wortham Foundation Gardens - of flowering trees, plants, fountains and works of art Kinder Lake - a lake lined with native wetland plants Gateway Fountain - The fountain offers a view of water activity atop a sloping granite surface to the park The Natural Gardens - wetland and upland gardens extending the length of the park The Landforms - several sculpted grassy knolls with views of downtown Houston McNair Foundation Jogging Trail - tree-shaded promenades on which to stroll to the lake and children’s area Maconda's Grove - where persons can play bocce