Awards Nominations

Save the date for the 2023 Development of Distinction Awards: Feb 7, 2023

The ULI Houston Development of Distinction Awards define the standard for excellence in the practice of real estate development in the Houston region. The Award recognizes developments and public open spaces that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability, healthy places, marketing and management.

General Info

Categories

  • Open Space – Space that is primarily considered outdoor such as parks or plazas. Projects may have some structures as relevant.
  • For-Profit Large-Scale – For-profit projects over 100,000 sq/ft
  • For-Profit Small-Scale – For-profit projects under 100,000 sq/ft
  • Non-Profit – Owned and operated by a non-profit. For clarifications or questions, please email us.
  • Historical/Adaptive Reuse – Projects that utilize or incorporate an existing building, or buildings, within the development. There are no minimums for age or limitations of final use of the existing building.
  • Heritage – The Heritage Award honors developments and programs that have been completed for a minimum of 25 years, have stood the test of time. Opposed to the Historical/Adaptive Reuse category, Heritage nominations must still be serving as its original use, and meet all other Award criteria.

Deadline

  • NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED
    • Early Bird – August 31, 2022
    • Last Call – September 16, 2022

Application Fees

  • Early Bird / Last Call – Category
  • $200/$400 – Open Space
  • $150/$300 – Non-Profit
  • $200/$400 – For Profit Small-Scale, Historic/Adaptive Reuse, or Heritage
  • $250/$500 – For Profit Large-Scale

Eligibility

Award Eligibility Requirements & Criteria

  • Worthy of Emulation
    • i.e. Innovative Public/private partnership, Shows leadership in specific category
  • Achieve a high standard of excellence in all areas:
    • Design, Construction, Economics, Marketing and Management.
  • Stabilized operation and financially viable
    • The financial viability of programs and processes, such as growth management strategies and publicly guided development programs, will be based upon the soundness of the investment of public funds and the extent to which the fully-implemented program or process has transformed communities and neighborhoods.
  • Demonstrate relevance to the contemporary and future needs of the community in which it is located.
    • Responsiveness to Societal Needs including Economic Need
  • Attention to Environmental Compatibility, Sustainability and Stewardship/Positive Impact on Community Health
  • NOT already recognized as a finalist in a previous ULI Houston Development of Distinction Awards programs.

Nomination Tips

  1. Nominate projects with an established track record. This award is not intended to help market a vacant or brand-new property.
  2. Financial performance is a required element of any winning nomination. If a submitter does not wish to disclose sensitive financial information, then provide other means of validating performance, such as percent of the project that has sold or leased, achieving or exceeding forecast, or, for non-profits, demonstrated stewardship of resources and achievement of mission or expansion of services.
  3. Include attractive photography of the project showing people interacting with it. DO NOT rely on renderings. Show special elements the judges should consider, such as landscaping that preserved mature trees, public spaces that encourage community interaction, special energy-conserving features, etc. Before-and-after photos are very helpful.
  4. Include third-party validation of your claims wherever possible. Testimonials and other endorsements are very helpful.
  5. Explain how this project has had a positive impact on its surroundings: How does it benefit the larger community? Has it started a trend that has been emulated by other developers? Did it improve the image of an area enough to stimulate additional, high-quality development? Has the project made a positive impact on the health of the community?
  6. Ensure the owner of the property has approved your submission and would allow a tour of judges, should it move to the finalist round.
  7. Review winning projects from past years for inspiration.