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Watergarden: Timeline

1980s

The idea for the Watergarden originated in the early 1980s when Edwin and Patsy Singer commissioned New York landscape architect Robert Zion to come up with the design to tie together the somewhat disjointed area between the museums and the new convention center. 

1984
The City Council approved a letter of agreement with the Foundation for Science and Arts for the construction of the Watergarden and parking facility in the Bayfront Science Park.

1986
The original Watergarden design is submitted.

1987
A groundbreaking was held in July 1987.

1988
The formal dedication, which included a black-tie gala, was held on May 26, 1988. 

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1990s

1991
Water leakage was detected and repaired at the Watergarden.

The City Council unanimously voted to allow the two groups to hold their festivals at the site.

1993
Jazz Festival held at the Watergarden.

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2000s

2007
Heavy summer rainfall flooded the Watergarden's pump room, causing major mechanical and electrical problems.

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2010s

2011
The Watergarden was operational again, after 9 month electrical system repair process following heavy rains during the summer of 2010.

2017
Due to Hurricane Harvey, the Watergarden's underground vault flooded and the sump pump was no longer operational.

2018
In June 2018, Type A passed a resolution declaring the project eligible for Seawall CIP funds. The project was added to the Seawall CIP later that year.

Watergarden Feasibility and Cost Estimate Report submitted by LNV (contractor).

2019

The City Council voted to authorize a contract with a design firm. Watergarden Design Notice to the Proceed published. 

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2020s

2020
Project E16458 was split into two. E16458 Restoration of S.E.A. District Water Features – Water Garden. This project was removed from CIP. No funding. A Feasibility study was put together (attached) for a cheaper repair option. 21127 Restoration of S.E.A. District Water Features – Shoreline Fountains.  Given $2-million budget in CIP.

The project was advertised for bid in March 2020, but no bids were received.

2021
The project was re-advertised on October 18, 2021, and the City received responses from two contractors. After a thorough review of the Statement of Qualification and interviews Fulton Construction Inc., was selected as the most qualified design-build contractor.

2022
City Staff presents to the City Council a motion awarding a Design/Build Contract to Fulton Construction Inc., Corpus Christi Texas, and authorizing the design phase services for the design Restoration of the SEA District Water Features in an amount of $375,000.00, located in Council District 2, with FY 2022 funding available from the Seawall Fund.

 

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