Of the many wonderful projects honored by ULI Houston with its 2014 Development of Distinction Awards, James Berry Elementary School truly stands out.

Developed and owned by the Houston Independent School District, Berry Elementary is more than just a school. It’s a project that changed the community.

The new Berry Elementary was built in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood in Northeast Houston, replacing a run-down and outdated building. The new school’s construction had an overwhelming effect on the neighborhood, as the community worked together to fix up housing and clean up an adjoining park.

Since the opening of the new school, attendance has soared to 98 percent and enrollment is at an all-time high. Berry Elementary credits the new school with boosting teacher morale and dramatically reduced sick days. The school went from below average to a Magnet School of America’s 2013 Merit Schools of Distinction. The school achieved LEED certification, while coming in $500,000 under budget.

The design team included Gensler (architects), Gamma Construction Company (general contractors), Charles D. Gooden Consulting Engineers (civil engineers), Ingenium, Inc. (structural engineers), and Wong & Associates Inc. (landscape architects).

Learn more about Berry Elementary and the other winners of ULI Houston’s 2014 Development of Distinction Awards.