Two TBG Projects Named ULI Austin Impact Awards Finalists

We are excited to share that two TBG projects have been recognized as ULI Austin Impact Awards finalists. ULI Austin’s Impact Awards recognize the projects and people advancing development, planning, and community building across Greater Austin.

Violet Crown Trail — Best Public Place Finalist

Violet Crown Trail (VCT) is a vital connection to nature and a cornerstone of Austin’s trail system. Its 13 miles link Zilker Park with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. What distinguishes the Violet Crown Trail is its dual role as both recreational infrastructure and a conservation tool. The trail creates meaningful public access to Water Quality Protection Lands and environmentally sensitive habitats while simultaneously fostering stewardship of the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs watershed.

TBG Partners provided landscape architecture and branded environments services at the northern terminus located in Austin’s iconic Zilker Park.

A moon gate frames the Mile Zero trail entrance and helps guide visitors toward the trailhead from the surrounding area. Donor recognition is thoughtfully integrated throughout the installation, with names incorporated using the organization’s branding colors to celebrate the community support behind the site.

The new Mile Zero trailhead pavilion in Zilker Park facilitates wayfinding needs, interpretive signage, and shaded limestone seat walls provide an area of respite or planning as trail users start their journey.

Paseo — Best Project Design Finalist

Paseo is a 48-story mixed-use tower that brings 557 residences to the heart of Rainey Street while drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s historic bungalows, local character, and pedestrian-friendly energy. TBG provided landscape architecture and urban design services.

Paseo represents a model for high-rise urban development that balances density, design quality, and neighborhood integration—contributing to the continued growth and transformation of Austin’s urban core in the Rainey Street District.

Protecting Natural Resources

The design prioritizes the preservation of heritage trees and existing bungalows that honor the site’s history. During the Downtown Density process, the project team committed to protecting three pecan trees on the property, two protected size and one of heritage size.

TBG’s Matt Yeager commented “The process of saving these trees was extremely technical and required heightened coordination between the project arborist, landscape architect, architect, contractor, and City arborist. Coordination efforts included locating and mapping arterial roots in relation to relocated bungalow columns, coordinating the building overhang with tree canopies, and reconstructing existing portions of concrete sidewalk above the heritage tree’s critical root zone.”

These efforts also led to enhancements to the urban forest and streetscape, including increased soil volume for street trees using soil cells and a native planting palette that better reflects the site’s riparian context. Ultimately, the team improved conditions for the existing trees beyond the original baseline, transforming a complex design constraint into an amenity that enriches the streetscape, supports retail activity, and reinforces the site’s connection to Austin’s natural heritage.