The Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza, part of the Houston Public Library in Downtown Houston, recently reopened after undergoing an impressive transformation. Renovations to the inside and outside of the building included the addition of a waterwall, adult reading area, children's reading room, performance stage, jumbo video display and more. B&D Landscape Contractors was tasked with overhauling the hardscape of the Library, turning the page from ordinary concrete surface to enchanting gathering space to be enjoyed by all.

Scope:

• Constructed a 10' by 30' waterwall. The top of the structure features a trough of water that spills over the sides and cascades down a wall of Cafe Imperial Granite. 
• After the completion of the waterwall, we began the granite tile installation portion of the project. A large volume of tile installation was required; it took approximately three months to lay all of the tile in the pattern provided to us by the landscape architect.
• The highlight of the tile installation was laying out 78 pavers engraved with the word “read" in eight different languages, which showcases the diversity of Houston.
• The finishing touches of the project entailed installing Cafe Imperial Granite panels, trim and custom stone caps on concrete planners adorning the property's hardscape.

Houston's mayor Sylvester Turner, along with several members of the Bush family were on hand to celebrate the opening of the Plaza.

VIDEO: Barbara Bush Literacy Center Grand Opening Ceremony Video

General Contractor: JE Dunn

Landscape Architect: Lauren Griffith Associates

B&D Project Manager: Edgar Gonzalez

Timeline: March through October of 2021