Bell District
Cedar Park, Texas
Client:
City of Cedar Park
Services Provided:
Urban Design, Land Planning, Policy Planning, Public Space Landscape Architecture, Commercial Landscape Architecture, Implementation, Entitlements, Client Representation
Recognition:
2017 Merit Award in Planning and Analysis for Destination Bell Boulevard. Texas Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects.
2016 Vernon Deines Honor Award for Outstanding Small Town Special Project Plan for Destination Bell Boulevard. Small Town and Rural Planning Divisions Awards Committee, American Planning Association.
The "Destination Bell Boulevard" project in Cedar Park, Texas, aims to transform Bell Boulevard into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that enhances community identity and stimulates economic growth. This ambitious redevelopment includes residential, commercial, and public spaces, featuring a new city library and the reimagined Buttercup Creek Natural Area.
Initial phases of the project include the realignment of Bell Boulevard to optimize traffic flow and create additional development land, the construction of a mixed-use block with high-quality apartments above ground-floor retail spaces focusing on premium restaurants and shops, and the preservation of century-old pecan and oak trees alongside the rejuvenation of Cluck Creek and the transformation of a spring-fed pond into a community amenity.
The primary objectives of the project are to create a distinctive, community-centric area that caters not only to local residents but also draws visitors from the wider metropolitan region, and to boost the local economy through new business opportunities and enhanced property values. Addressing initial challenges such as the economic stagnation and declining revenues in the older central sections of Bell Boulevard, as well as apprehensions from current businesses regarding the redevelopment efforts, the project has implemented mixed-use developments and maintained ongoing engagement with stakeholders to mitigate these concerns.
Lionheart has played a significant role as the design and planning lead, working in close collaboration with the City of Cedar Park, which aggregated parcels to become the largest landowner in the area. The impact of the project is expected to be substantial, improving the community feel with new social and cultural hubs, enhancing the environment through sustainable urban planning, and boosting the economy by revitalizing the area.
The project has received accolades for its innovative approach to urban planning and design, further establishing "Destination Bell Boulevard" as a model for sustainable and community-focused urban redevelopment.
