Texas Community Center Breaks Ground

Timber Lane Community Center / photo courtesy of Shepley Bulfinch

Boston – Shepley Bulfinch announced the groundbreaking for the new 7,500sf Timber Lane Community Center in Spring, Texas.

Working in conjunction with landscape architecture firm, Clark Condon Associates, the new facility will be a gateway into nature, directly connecting the Timber Lane suburban residential community to the ponds, natural areas, and wooded trails of Cypress Creek Park. The project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

The new building brings together Timber Lane and Harris County residents, and aggregates park maintenance, office, constable, nature center, senior center, and community center functions into a single location. Areas for community gathering, education, and celebration are woven throughout the space, encouraging community connection.

It will feature a 204-seat assembly space as well as smaller meeting spaces available for use by the community. Located along Cypress Creek outside the Houston flood plain, the facility can serve as an emergency management center in the event of a natural disaster with generator-ready capabilities and impact-resistant window glazing.

The landscape design concept incorporates nature and the existing forested site to create an inviting gathering place for the community. Tucked in among the trees, the new community center will provide both a physical and visual connection to existing trails, walkways, and natural amenities including an adjacent pond that is home to numerous species of birds.  

Outdoor gathering spaces allow for activities to extend beyond the building and immerse users into the environment. Additionally, wayfinding signage will be installed to direct visitors to the site from an extensive existing trail system.

Clark Condon Associates took the natural cues from the environment and the building’s location to create outdoor spaces that mimic nature and provide a welcoming experience for each visitor.

The project team includes: landscape architect Clark Condon Associates; GC A&M contractors; civil engineer Van De Wiele & Vogler; structural engineer Matrix Structural Engineers; MEP engineer E&C Engineers; and technology specialist 4b Technology Group.