Atlanta, Georgia-based landscape architecture firm HGOR was founded in 1992 and since then, it has operated with a philosophy of addressing the social, economic and environmental issues of each project.
In its 25 years of business, HGOR has worked on projects in 34 states and six countries and developed solutions for campuses, parks, mixed-use spaces and more. The firm has received over 80 planning and design awards. HGOR’s team has over 150 years of experience collectively and strives to meet the needs of its clients with a stewardship of the environment.
Looking back on its investment in future generations for Legacy Month, HGOR is highlighting five of its projects that have had a lasting effect on their communities.
Photo: HGORUPS Headquarters – Atlanta, Georgia; 1996
Photo: HGORThe UPS Corporate Office’s design represents a commitment to site preservation and development. The master plan for the 3-acre site preserves the natural hardwood forest and dramatic relief of the property, making the most of it.
Phase One consisted of half of the planned one million square feet of parking and office space. Two wings sit along ridge lines for a view of a ravine and creek. The master plan also has worked to ensure the placement of future development does not affect interconnected forest systems.
Disturbed areas from construction have been revegetated with native species to creat a low-maintenance forest environment. This project has won a number of national awards for design and environmental sensitivity.
Those awards include a merit award from the Georgia chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Award of Excellence from the Building Stone Institute.
Photo: HGORWichita Waterwalk Park – Wichita, Kansa; 1998
This project focused on the revitalization of the existing riverfront park to become a major public gathering space and active water recreation spot near downtown. According to HGOR, the park blends the urban fabric to a recreated natural edge along the riverfront.
The Waterwalk Park is a link to an overall park master plan along the Arkansas River. Hughes, Good, O’Leary & Ryan, Inc. was responsible for providing design development plans for all hardscape and landscape features for Waterwalk Park.
Photo: HGORCoolidge Park – Chattanooga, Tennessee; 1999
This riverfront park was created out of the teamwork of HGOR and the River Front Development Committee. The design efforts and master planning concentrated on optimizing the green space near the Tennessee River, which HGOR views as a fundamental aquatic asset.
The master plan creates major open space, stabilizes the river front area and increases connectivity with an extensive walkway system. Coolidge Park features pedestrian-oriented connectivity, helping it be part of the Tennessee Riverwalk, a 13-mile long public waterfront greenway.
The space features an ambiance that is appreciated by both tourists and locals. The surrounding community has also experienced an improved streetscape and public park.
Coolidge Park includes an antique carousel, an interactive water feature and docking facilities. The park also serves as a venue for concerts, festivals and special events thanks to its location in the hub of Chattanooga’s entertainment district.
HGOR received honorable mention for decorative and durable designs from the Concrete Pavement Awards in 2000 and the President’s Award from the ASLA Southeast regional chapter in 2002 for this project.
Photo: HGORColumbus Street Scape – Columbus, Georgia; 2003
Working with the City of Columbus and the local architectural firm of Hecht, Burdeshaw, Johnson, Kidd and Clark, HGOR revitalized the city’s historic uptown business district. The design was developed in conjunction with a committee of stakeholders and provided sidewalk, street and park improvements. These acted as catalysts for redevelopment and unified the character of the district. Also, the project improved existing connections between the primary retail district and the historic residential and waterfront areas.
Photo: HGORGlenwood Park – Atlanta, Georgia; 2003
A 28-acre property, HGOR provided landscape architecture services for all public areas in Glenwood Park. The HGOR team collaborated with Dover, Koal & Partners town planners to use new urbanist principles while designing the public spaces and streetscape for the master plan.
Some of the public areas include a 2-acre oval park and Brassfield Square serving as an active town center. The design elements help support the proposed Beltline Inner City Transit Line.
A Development of Excellence Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission was awarded in 2005.
