Get the Magazine

Sometimes, stage productions require a few runs to finally earn their standing ovations. Houston’s Jones Plaza is a good example. Situated atop a 60-year-old underground parking garage in the middle of the city’s downtown Theater District, the 0.77-hectare space long featured a cluttered design defined by too much bare concrete and clunky shade structures. Now, the park is back with a new look and a new moniker: Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts, named after the socialite and philanthropist who partially funded its revamp. Suddenly, it’s the hottest act in town.

A view of Houston's Lynn Wyatt Square, showing the park's stepped walkways and yellow lampposts in front of the Houston Symphony.
To match the custom RIOS lighting poles, design duo Esrawe + Cadena and public art specialists Creos introduced bright yellow house and swing set...

RIOS Stages a Revival of a Downtown Houston Park

The design firm embarks on an extreme park makeover in the city’s Theater District.

leaderboard-3