Year End Event 2009
Rudy Delgado and Chris Noack
On December 3rd, 2009 at the Austin Center for Architecture, one individual and one organization were recognized by the Austin Foundation for Archtiecture for their contribution to AFA’s mission, to raise the awareness of the importance of excellence in design for our built environment in central Texas.
Will Wynn
The first recipient, Will Wynn, was regognized by AFA president, Chris Noack, with the following comments:
“Will Wynn is a passionate student, advocate, and leader regarding the built environment in Central Texas, for it is through dramatically improved land use practices that he believes that Austin and its surrounding communities can positively address our communities challenges like traffic, environmental air quality, housing affordability, and environmental protection.
Will brings an architecturally-minded perspective to all he does. Following completion of and Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M, during which he participated in a co-op program and worked at Shefelman and Nix here in Austin, Will decided to enter commercial real estate. Time in Chicago and Dallas working with large development and management firms, eventually afforded Will the opportunity to come back to Austin, firmly set his desire to create livable, walkable communities, and allowed him to found Civitas Investments to focus on historic restoration projects.
In 2000, Will turned his training and experience to work in the public sector as a city councilman, and then served two terms as Austin’s Mayor beginning in 2003. During this time, Will has been a tireless advocate of a livable, sustainable, people-filled downtown as a key to transforming Downtown Austin into the most vibrant urban core in the country. His energy extends to service to many other impactful organizations, including Downtown Austin Alliance, Heritage Society of Austin, and the Urban Land Institute. Will was one of the founding members of Envision Central Texas.
One only has to look around for a moment to see the variety and quality of new development that has occurred under his watch. Downtown is becoming a place to work, live, and play, all with a sustainable tint.”
In addition to Will Wynn, AFA also recognized The Trail Foundation with these comments from Chris Noack:
“In the heart of Austin is the Trail at Lady Bird Lake, a lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. With more than 1.5 million visits a year, the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area.
But the Trail is more than a great pathway—it is a place where Austin thrives. For many citizens and visitors, it represents the best Austin has to offer: outdoor recreation; a scenic, natural environment; and a diverse, vibrant mix of people.
The Trail came to life during the 1970s thanks to a unique public-private civic effort led by the Citizen’s Committee for a More Beautiful Town Lake and its Honorary Chairwoman, Lady Bird Johnson. In 2003, the Town Lake Trail Foundation (now The Trail Foundation) was formed to continue the work of the Citizen’s Committee and ensure that the Trail remains one of Austin’s outstanding places.
Unbeknownst to most Austin Residents, we have the Trail Foundation to thank, with only minor maintenance provided by the City of Austin Funds, for many of our treasures along Lady Bird Lake, including Lou Neff Point and the maintenance of many of the gardens along the trail. Recent activity includes the Between the Bridges improvements and efforts to push forward the completion of the trail with the Boardwalk project. Through fund raising and volunteer coordination, the Trail Foundation also coordinates planting of trees, gardens and vegetation for this gem known as one of the top 10 Urban Greenbelts in the United States.
Excellence n design is not only about the structures and buildings. It is about urban planning – the natural environment. As is often teh case, those resources are often underfunded and volunteers must take on the work. The Trail Foundation has done just that. A well designed and vibrant city core is only successful if the natural backdrop is beautiful, useful and healthy.”
Adree Bober
In addition to the awards, the foundation welcomes Andrée Bober, founder and director of the Landmarks Project, the Public Art Program at the University of Texas.
Ms. Bober shared her views and studies of public art throughout civilization and also shared with us the ongoing and future plans for many of the public art projects slated for the University of Texas Campus here in Austin.
Our thanks to the many and varied attendees of the AFA Year End Event. We hope to see you all at our AFA envents throughout the year and again at 2010 Year End Event!
Board Members Jacqui Dodson and Alan Bell
Board Member John Nyfeler
Board Members Al York, Louise Harpman and guests enjoy conversation with Andree Bober