Springdale Green is a groundbreaking transformation of a 30-acre remediated brownfield into a thriving ecological workplace campus. The property was subject to regular localized flooding and was over-run with invasive species that resulted in an ecologically barren landscape. Through a highly innovative design process, it is now a biodiverse, resilient urban landscape, seamlessly integrating a campus use while prioritizing environmental health and human well-being.
Historical Context and Site Transformation
Located in the heart of a rapidly regenerating Central East Austin the 30ac remediated Brownfield site had remained underutilized for decades. Overgrown with invasive species, the original site had a collection of old buildings and a highly engineered and channelized urban creek with a 100yr floodplain that covered almost 75% of the property. These presented a host of highly complex challenges for the design team to develop a once-in-a-generation reimagination of this complex site.
The transformation began with the mitigation and removal of acres of invasive species that were choking the site’s natural fauna and flora. Following this effort a phased ecological restoration process was launched, guided by SITES principles, with Vegetative and Soil Protection Zones (VSPZs) safeguarding sensitive vegetation during construction.
Ecological Restoration & Biodiversity
The site was reestablished as a native Blackland Prairie and Riparian Woodland ecosystem, with 15 acres of native seeding, 75,000 plants, and 4,000 new trees. Two centuries-old heritage live oaks were relocated, preserving key anchors of the landscape. To support urban biodiversity, 120 bird boxes, pollinator meadows, and native beehives were introduced, fostering a diverse habitat.
Innovative Stormwater & Water Management
With all buildings being located outside of the floodplain, Springdale Green’s green infrastructure mitigates 100% of on-site and off-site pre-existing neighborhood flooding risks while restoring natural hydrology. Biofiltration basins, raingardens, and floodable meadows help manage runoff, while a 650,000-gallon cistern captures rainwater and HVAC condensate, covering 100% of the site’s irrigation needs and eliminating potable water use. Nearly 70% of the site actively filters stormwater and sequesters over 45 tons of CO2 each year.
Human-Centered Design & Connectivity
A one-kilometer boardwalk immerses occupants in the restored landscape, enhancing engagement while maintaining ecological sensitivity. Designed for wellness, the site features a yoga deck, woodland pavilion, bird blind, and social hammocks, along with over an acre of rooftop gardens, extending the ecological footprint to office spaces.
Sustainability & Resilience Impact
Springdale Green is the first campus in Texas to achieve SITES Gold and is also on track for LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications, confirming its commitment to sustainability. Dark-sky compliant lighting reduces light pollution, while sustainable material use ensures minimal environmental impact. By repurposing a Brownfield site into reimagined workplace Campus and a functioning ecological asset, Springdale Green sets a precedent for urban resilience and regenerative design.
Springdale Green demonstrates that landscape architecture can reverse environmental degradation. Once underutilized and overlooked, the site now invites thousands of occupants to engage with a living, breathing ecological sanctuary, redefining urban sustainability.
Image Captions;
- The site before construction began in 2020.
- The property was transformed into a state-of-the-art campus and biodiversity hub.
- A 1 km boardwalk supports campus health and well-being through restored landscapes.
- The campus demonstrates gold-standard water conservation and flood mitigation.
- Nearly 70% of the site filters stormwater and sequesters 45+ tons of CO2 annually.
- Green infrastructure supports tree health through structural soil systems.
- The campus integrates wellness spaces into a biodiverse landscape.
- Over an acre of rooftop gardens provide green space on every office floor.
- This adaptive reuse campus embodies SITES principles.
- The site is now a biodiverse oasis of restored woodlands and meadows.
- 4,000 trees were planted to restore the riparian woodland.
- The bird blind provides panoramic canopy views.
- Outdoor hammocks offer peaceful retreat spaces.
- The boardwalk provides an experiential, light-touch intervention.
- Campus lighting is fully dark-sky compliant.
- Springdale Green is now an engaging, resilient landscape.
- Once a Brownfield site, it now invites thousands to explore a biodiverse landscape.
Project typology:
Workplace Campus, Ecological Restoration, Remediated Brownfield, Urban infill, Regeneration
All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Landscape Architecture Office: dwg.
All architecture offices involved in the design:
Architecture Office: Gensler
Other credits:
Client: Jay Paul Company
Civil Engineering: Kimley-Horn
Land Use Attorney (PUD): Armbrust and Brown
Electrical Engineering: EEA
Structural Engineering: IMEG Corp
Irrigation: Masuen
Soil Science: Olsson Associates
Ecology: Siglo Group
Geotechnical Engineering: Terracon
Lighting Design: Tillotson
General Contractor: Level 10
