The Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, on the campus of Houston Christian University (HCU), was chosen as a winner of the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) 2023 Landmark Award at a luncheon held on April 21 at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
The annual awards program recognizes the top commercial real estate projects in the Houston area completed in the previous year that help sculpt the look, feel and image of the city. Projects also were evaluated on excellence in land planning, design, construction, economics, marketing and management.
“Houston is our home, and we are greatly honored to be chosen for this significant award, especially as it relates to our commitment to this great city. We are grateful for Jackson & Ryan Architects and Tellepsen and the opportunity they have given us to support Houston and to enhance its historic look, feel, and image,” said HCU President Robert Sloan.
The Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, comprised of a main building modeled after Independence Hall, was chosen over five other finalists in the education category, including Bellaire High School, The Branch School, College of the Mainland – Industrial Careers Building, Fort Bend ISD’s Lakeview Elementary School and The San Jacinto College Anderson – Ball Classroom Building.
The Center’s main building heightens awareness of America’s history and the nation’s founding principles in a unique and innovative way. The authentic design of the structure gives visitors a sense of stepping back in time to the setting where the founding fathers debated and signed the nation’s defining documents – The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The building was also designed as a field trip destination for school children and educators, in the Houston area and beyond, as well as a conference center for civic groups and the business community.
“Independence Hall at HCU not only symbolizes our commitment to teaching our nation’s founding principles but beautifies our campus and city. It highlights the importance of architecture and physical spaces and how they enhance the educational mission of an institution. I hope that this building becomes an inspiration to all who visit our campus and the thousands of commuters who see it from the highway each day,” said Dr. Chris Hammons, Director of the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty.
Tellepsen, the general contractor of HCU’s Independence Hall and surrounding complex, and Jackson & Ryan Architects, the architectural design team, were contracted to work on the multi-million dollar construction project which was completed in August of 2022.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony, held Sept. 15, 2022, signaled the opening of the Center and paid tribute to Dr. Stewart Morris, Sr., HCU Founding Father and lead donor on the project, as well as members of The Morris Family and other key donors.
Projects were recognized in 17 categories ranging from Lifetime Achievement, Education and Multi-Use to Industrial, Community Impact and Historic Renovation.
HBJ featured the finalists and winners of the 2023 Landmark Awards in the April 28th edition of the Houston Business Journal.