LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/457513
50 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Round Rock, Texas (pop. 109,821) is about 15 miles north of Austin in what Texans call the hill country. The first records of European pioneers to these parts dates back to the 1830s, a time when Tonkawa and Comanche Indian tribes and Mexicans inhabited the area. The Round Rock city fathers explain the first white settlement was called Brushy, the name given to a nearby creek where the community settled. Brushy opened a post office in 1851, but in 1854 post office officials realized there was already a Brushy, Texas. The settlement was thus renamed Round Rock in 1854 after the distinctive anvil-shaped rock in the middle of Brushy Creek. After the Civil War, Round Rock became a "feeder trail" to the famous cattle-driving Chisholm Trail. The city evolved from cattle to producing lime, brooms and in 1928, cheese. Round Rock did not incorporate until Dec. 21, 1912. In more modern times, Michael Dell founded Dell Inc., here in 1984. TECO-Westinghouse, Dresser and Hospira also established homes in Round Rock. Round Rock, which lies within Williamson County, has been one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., since 2000. It's been voted one of the best small cities to live in, and is looking to address that growth by approving a $58 million, five-year transportation plan. The city fathers decided to celebrate Round Rock's centennial on April 27, 2013, in conjunction with the dedication of the aptly named Centennial Plaza in the southwest downtown area. Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department hired local landscape architects Baker-Aicklen and Associates to assist in the planning, conceptual Above The Bermudagrass lawn is flanked by five 'Austin White' limestone veneered masonry pillars each adorned with signage acknowledging one of the five pillars of the Round Rock community: Heritage, Education, Health, Technology and Leisure. The plaza comes alive after sunset with fixtures lighting the pillars, the shelter, walkways and plaza perimeter. Color- changing LEDs wash the building façades (right), and LED fixtures (Fountain People) illuminate the water wall at the end of the central walkway. (Continued on page 52)