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Sawyer Yards
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Please provide a summary description of the project. ULI will use this description for publication. Please avoid predictions ("will be a gathering place for years to come") and stick to fact. This might touch very briefly on the following, which you will have a chance to describe later in more detail:

  • Size
  • Number of people served
  • History
  • Project goals
  • Physical description
  • Major features/amenities
  • Relationship to the community

Sawyer Yards is an arts destination of industrial warehouses transformed into built-for-purpose creative workspaces that are now home to one of the largest working artist communities in the country. This exceptional art community is complemented by creative businesses, public galleries, unique dining, and entertainment venues—all brought to life through an active schedule of special events. Densely occupied by art studios, galleries, restaurants, unique fitness concepts, breweries, and a public art plaza, this area has become an important local art and entertainment destination. The campus is comprised of multiple industrial buildings repurposed as over 400 creative workspaces and galleries where a wide range of artists create and sell their work. An outdoor plaza called Art Alley exhibiting 12 large-scale public murals acts as the backdrop for the heart of the campus. Several indoor galleries regularly host free art walks, exhibitions, and markets, offering the public unique access to a myriad of styles of fine art, fine craft, artisan jewelry, and handmade goods. The large-scale public events hosted in the Silver Street Studios event space also serves as a major weekend draw, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. The Sawyer Yards project is the culmination of a decade of organic and market-driven growth and is now managed through a partnership of three distinct development entities – The Deal Company, Western General, and Lovett Commercial. The project’s overall design and development continues in phases, tapping a range of architecture and design firms for innovative solutions to challenges. 

Please provide a summary description of the program. Please avoid predictions ("will transform the community") and stick to facts. This description might touch very briefly on the following, which you will have a chance to describe later in more detail:

  • Scope
  • Number of people served
  • History and impetus for the program
  • Goals
  • Major outcomes, results, or impact
  • Major challenges overcome
  • Relationship to the community and community engagement
Describe the history of the land and key milestones in the development of the project.
Sawyer Yards is located in Houston's historic First Ward. Today, the term “First Ward” has come to refer to the area bounded by Washington Avenue to the south, I-10 to the north, I-45 to the east, and Sawyer Street to the west. Founded in the 1800s, the First Ward has historically been a working-class neighborhood. With its location close to Market Square, Buffalo Bayou, and two parallel railroad lines, the First Ward served as a major artery for the shipment of goods in Houston’s early days. Many First Ward residents worked for the railroads or in shops that served that industry. Today, the two train lines are a historic reminder of this aspect of the neighborhood’s history. The First Ward's economic base was heavily industrial for much of its history, and industrial service companies including Matheson and Tejas Materials still employ hundreds.

In 2005 with the conversion of a 75,000 SQFT warehouse surrounded by a still-thriving rail yard, debuted as Winter Street Studios received the first art studio ordinance granted in Houston. Shortly after, remarkably unhampered by one of the worst real estate markets in recent history, Spring Street Studios was fully leased within months of opening. At that point, the uncovered market demand and vision to move forward and construct a dedicated creative community gained momentum.
Describe the history of the program and the relevant history of the places the program impacts. Describe key milestones in the development of the project.
Describe the physical building or space in more detail. Describe the sub-spaces and their relationship to one another.
Just three minutes from Houston’s downtown business district, Sawyer Yards is defined by twenty-four city blocks of industrial warehouses, revived and reimagined as an anchor for the city’s vibrant art scene. All the structures have been reclaimed rather than rebuilt, respecting the buildings’ original character. Inside, the raw expanses of the buildings remain intact but improved by high-quality gallery lighting, secure spaces, and open areas designed specifically for artists and other creative entrepreneurs. Sawyer Yards continues to add artisanal eating, drinking, retail, residential, and recreational opportunities for tenants and visitors.
Please indicate the total area of the site.
What percent of the total project area is open to the public regularly?
If multiple developers, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: City of Springfield Redevelopment Authority; Springfield Investors I
Jon Deal; The Deal Company

Steve Gibson; Western General

Frank Liu; Lovett Commercial
Please indicate the owner(s) if they are not the same as the developer(s). If multiple owners, please separate their names with a semicolon.
Jon Deal; The Deal Company

Steve Gibson; Western General

Frank Liu; Lovett Commercial

Todd Johnson; J5 Equities
If multiple primary designers, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: Best Studio; Buildings + Buildings
Bill Neuhaus, Liz Ann Cordill; Studio Red Architects

Keiji Asakura with Asakura Robinson; Asakura Robinson

Ludwig Fontalvo Abello; StudioLFA

Lettie Harrell; LH2 Architecture

Robert Morris / Rudy Colby; Colby Design
If multiple primary creators, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: City Redevelopment Authority; Community Development Partners
If multiple primary implementers, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: City Redevelopment Authority; Community Development Partners
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Sawyer Yards

Category

Project > Open - All Project Types

Winner Status

  • Finalist
  • Winner