The Woodlands is proud to share that Mark B. Thompson and Associates (MBTA) has been chosen to lead the Woodlands Connects master planning process. The decision follows an extensive search process that elicited responses from over ten different landscape architecture and planning firms from across the state. While there were many strong proposals filled with creative thinking, MBTA was ultimately chosen on the basis of the firm’s proven experience crafting innovative and thoughtful master plans for historically sensitive sites.
Master plan for Fairmount Water Works, prepared by MBTA.
MBTA will head up a diverse team of practitioners with a wide range of professional expertise. The team will include the architects and planners of MBTA, landscape architects from Viridian Landscape Studio, trail consultants from Urban Engineers, and environmental consultants from Meliora Design. The project will be managed by Claire Donato, a principal of MBTA with more than 24 years’ experience. This experience includes her role managing The Woodlands’ ongoing cryptoporticus restoration project; and her preexisting familiarity with The Woodlands is sure to be an asset in the creation of the master plan.
MBTA, a Philadelphia based architecture and planning firm, has previously worked on the master plan for the Fairmount Water Works, the Villanova University master plan, and the restoration of the historic New Milford Water Plant. Viridian Landscape Studio is also based in Philadelphia, and the firm has crafted creative landscapes for the Audubon Center, Bartram’s Garden, and the Philadelphia Zoo among other locations. Both firms are committed to a people-centered approach to design and are dedicated to undertaking a planning process that includes the contributions of the stakeholders and users of The Woodlands.
A successful master plan for a complex site like The Woodlands must take into consideration a multitude of factors, including historic preservation, ecology, and community engagement. This range of factors calls for the assortment of experiences and skills that is represented by the master planning team. As the first stage of the planning process commences, The Woodlands looks forward to realizing a comprehensive, yet realistic, vision of the future that combines the professional expertise of the master planning team with your hopes for the site. Stay tuned to the blog for further updates as this exciting project begins!