Chrysalis Lake Wins Awards for Sustainable Design and Recreation Hub at Prairieland Village in Bridgeland
Chrysalis Lake, an innovative centerpiece of sustainable design and recreation at Prairieland Village in Bridgeland, was recently the recipient of two prestigious awards. The Houston Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and the Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence (WISE) awards, as well as PaperCity Magazine, recognized the lake and surrounding area for its commitment to sustainability and unique design, according to a release issued by developers.
Chrysalis Lake comprises a 22-acre lake and 39.5 acres of forests and meadows that function as a natural habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The design further promotes biodiversity by installing over 58,000 pollinator-attracting plants along the lake's border. Furthermore, as a result of its green stormwater management system, the lake helps remove up to 90% of pollutants before the water gets released into the lake, contributing significantly to improving air quality and stormwater management.
Justin Bower, Director of Community and Environmental Planning at H-GAC, praised the development, stating that Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. received the highest scores in the WISE Awards category for projects exceeding $200,000 for their Chrysalis Lake project. "This project contributes positively toward improving water quality by using landscaping design and low-impact development strategies to manage stormwater runoff and enhance greenspace," Bower said.
In addition to the H-GAC and WISE recognition, Chrysalis Lake was also awarded the Commercial Landscape Award from PaperCity Magazine, a publication that celebrates innovation in fashion, architecture, and interior design. The SWA Group, landscape architects for Bridgeland, Howard Hughes Holdings Inc., and others were recognized for their collaborative efforts in creating the award-winning design.
Drew Davis, a judge for the PaperCity Magazine awards, praised the development as a “fantastic” effort that deftly combines different design objectives in an elegant way, including public waterfront trails, supporting pollinator populations, controlling stormwater runoff, and water and air quality.
Chrysalis Lake and its surrounding areas serve as a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species and provide a recreational and educational amenity for Bridgeland residents, exemplifying Bridgeland and Howard Hughes' commitment to creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly spaces that improve the lives of residents. With these awards, Chrysalis Lake continues to set a precedent for future sustainable developments in the region.