New boardwalk and pavilion bring stability and pedestrian access to Sabine riverfront.
Houston— City of Orange Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion — In May, Studio RED Architects announced immediate availability of the new riverfront boardwalk and pavilion on the Sabine River in the city of Orange, enabling pedestrians to access the riverfront while bringing structural stability to the eroding shoreline.
The design was the result of much collaboration between Studio RED designers Pete Ed Garrett and Bill Neuhaus and former Mayor Claybar, as well as Jeffery Carbo Landscape Architects and Walter Riedel of the Stark Foundation.
“We really didn’t know what the downtown development project was going to be, when we first started,” said former Orange mayor, Brown Claybar. “But the driving force behind it was the citizens had told us they wanted more amenities that would improve the quality of life in Orange and give people things to do. We came up with a plan that used our existing assets, and the design is just amazing. It follows the nautical and industrial background of Orange and embraces that history.”
Stability and Public Recreation
The City of Orange launched the $6.2 million project with the overall goal of bringing stability to the Sabine River shoreline while also creating an urban park setting that would give pedestrians a recreational space with safe access to the riverfront. The pavilion would create a destination for outdoor community events like parades and festivals, drawing on the city’s picturesque setting and rich history to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract commerce to the area.
The city had never done anything like this before and weren’t really sure how they would use it at first. But Studio RED’s experience with theaters and other outdoor pavilions helped create a design that celebrated the industrial nature of the waterfront and plan for its future.
“This is an industrial area with lots of cranes and structures that move and change on a daily basis,” said Pete Ed Garrett of Studio RED. “The pavilion is modeled after that type of equipment. It ties into the look and materials of the area.”
City of Orange Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion Availability
The City of Orange Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion was celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony in May and is now open to the public.
About Studio RED
Studio RED Architects is a Houston-based architectural firm with a reputation for design and excellence in entertainment, commercial and worship facilities. Notable projects include worship centers such as Lakewood Church, performing arts centers such as the Texas Southmost College Music Education Building, and renovation projects such as the LEED award-winning City of Houston Permitting Center.
