Awards Nominations

Save the date for the 2023 Development of Distinction Awards: Feb 7, 2024

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 Large-Scale – Owned and operated by a non-profit, over 100,000 sq/ft
  • Non-Profit Small-Scale – Owned and operated by a non-profit, under 100,000 sq/ft
  • Historical/Adaptive Reuse – Projects that utilize or incorporate an existing building, or buildings, within the development. The original site improvements must be at least 50 years old.
  • Moonshot Award – The term “moonshot” comes from the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon, a goal that seemed nearly impossible at the time but was ultimately achieved through extraordinary effort and innovation. Submissions in this category do not (and in most cases) won’t have been completed projects. This new category has been created to celebrate developments and open spaces that may have not been fully realized yet and are ambitious and groundbreaking; often associated with radical innovation and transformational change. At ULI Houston, we work to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. These innovative ideas may positively impact the region’s quality of life. They may change the way we conduct business in making construction more affordable, financing possible or positively affect other areas of development. These ideas uphold the ULI mission and would help continue conversations about what will make our region and our industry a better place.

Deadline

  • Check Back Summer 2024 for nominations information

Application Fees

Early Bird / Last Call – Category

  • TBD

Nomination Forms

DEVELOPMENT OF DISTINCTION AWARD

 

Example application, for reference only. Nominations must be submitted through the online form, which will be opened in Summer 2024.

MOONSHOT AWARD

 

Example application, for reference only. Nominations must be submitted through the online form, which will be opened in Summer 2024.

Eligibility*

Award Eligibility Requirements & Criteria
* For Development of Distinction Award categories

  • 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.