Last night, finalists, honorees and guests gathered to celebrate a year of outstanding development in Houston at ULI's 10th annual Developments of Distinction Awards. The program is the centerpiece of ULI’s efforts to recognize developments and public open spaces that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability, healthy places, marketing and management. Here are the big winners.

Open Space - Buffalo Bayou Park

The 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park has quickly established itself as the backbone of Houston. The project transformed this under-maintained corridor into one of the country’s leading parks. It is a desirable recreational amenity for the community and also a sought-after amenity for real estate developers.

Owner: The City of Houston

Developer: Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Architect: SWA Group, Page Architects

General Contractor: Millis Development & Construction

Open Space - McGovern Centennial Gardens

Last night's big surprise was that both Buffalo Bayou Park and McGovern Centennial Gardens won in the Open Space category — organizers said they didn't see any reason why both exemplary projects shouldn't be honored. Adjacent to well-established Houston destinations in the Museum District, the Gardens provide a multi-sensory experience for Hermann Park visitors by creating pedestrian and visual connectivity between the park and its surrounding environment.

Owner: Houston Parks & Recreation Department

Developer: Hermann Park Conservancy

Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

General Contractor: Tellepsen Builders

For-Profit - Town Centre Development

In the For-Profit category, the 2017 award went to the Town Centre development by Moody Rambin and Queensbury Theatre. Adjacent to both CityCentre and Town & Country, the Town Centre One development combines 256k SF of desirable office space with amenities and luxuries of urban living including restaurants, retail and entertainment like the 20k SF community theater on-site.

Owner/Developer: Moody Rambin

Architect: Kirksey Architecture

General Contractor: Gilbane Construction

People's Choice - Southwestern Energy

The 2017 People’s Choice was Southwestern Energy. In the new headquarters campus in Springwoods Village, the developers created a more efficient operations space to enhance teamwork, creativity and innovation while increasing recruiting capability and community presence. The green campus encourages wellness for its employees with walking and jogging trails, an on-site clinic, a locally sourced café and more.

Owner: Southwestern Energy

Developer: Patrinely Group

Architect: Gensler

General Contractor: DE Harvey Builders

Non-Profit - Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH)

MATCH, the new cultural anchor for Midtown, was designed to meet the needs of Houston’s 540 cultural arts groups. With 46k SF of indoor and outdoor multi-use theatrical and exhibition space including four theaters, the MATCH facility is a significant contribution to Houston's arts community.

Owner/Developer: Jewett Consulting

Architect: Studio Red Architects

General Contractor: Durotech Inc

Development Of The Decade - CityCentre

An additional People’s Choice vote was presented in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Development of Distinction Awards. It went to one of Houston’s most transformational multi-use projects: CityCentre by Midway.

2017 finalists also honored during the awards dinner:

For-Profit

FMC Technologies campus at Generation Park, by Trammell Crow

Non-Profit

The Boys and Girls Club – Richmond-Rosenberg

Houston Zoo: Gorillas of the African Forest, by Houston Zoo