+ Project Details

"Like a big tent set up along this southern shoreline of Austin's Town Lake, the Palmer Events Center offers a sweeping gesture of innovation to the entire city."

-Texas Architect

About
Events Center
City of Austin
Austin, TX
132,000 sf

Commissioned to create a master plan and new community center venue for Austin’s Town Lake Park, a centrally located urban park that at the time resembled nothing more than a parking lot for two outdated public auditoriums that anchored the 54-acre site. Despite being a park in name only, it was much beloved by Austin residents for its outdoor events, flea markets, and other gatherings. The site offers access to the water as well as beautiful views of Austin’s skyline. It was a prime parcel of downtown real estate, and diverse groups expressed vocal interests in its planning. The 132,000 square foot Palmer Events Center was a result of a highly collaborative design process that engaged a variety of competing stakeholders.

Designed through a joint venture partnership between Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects, Centerbook Architects and Planners, and Taniguchi Architects & Associates, Palmer became a “Pavilion in the Park” that is more than a functional facility, providing a new amenity for the park that addresses parking and traffic noise in a manner suitable for adjacent neighborhoods. Its design—a simple box with a soaring shade structure—creates an iconic presence on its prominent site. It is functional, provides needed shade, and is a much beloved community destination.

Press and Awards
Texas Society of Architects – Design Award, 2004
AIA Austin – Citation of Honor Award, 2004
Society of American Registered Architects, California Council – Design Award of Honor, 2004
AIA Connecticut – Design Award, 2003
Downtown Austin Alliance – Design IMPACT Award, 2003
Society of American Registered Architects, California Council – Design Award of Honor, 2000
Austin Commercial Real Estate Society – Public Sector Award of Excellence, 2002
Metal Construction Association – President’s Award, 2003
Metal Architecture Magazine – Design Award for Metal Roofing
Two-Star Sustainability Equivalent, Austin Energy Green Building Program