john jacob observation tower at sheldon lake environmental learning center
A project for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the John Jacobs Tower provides a long sought after feature for the Sheldon Lakes Environmental Learning Center. This state park, located just 17 miles east of downtown Houston is the site of an old fish hatchery and water reservoir that has become a prime birdwatching spot on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. The tower has two viewing platforms, providing panoramic views of the surrounding reservoir and coastal prairie, as well as views to downtown Houston and the San Jacinto monument.
Access to the viewing platforms is via a unique winding stair that provides constantly changing perspectives, as well as an electricity-regenerating solar-powered elevator. Materials were chosen for both durability and sustainability. The unique structural design utilizes re-purposed oilfield piping, which carries forward a design theme seen in other park structures.
*Designed by Howard Hill with a previous firm.
*photos by Jud Haggard
Access to the viewing platforms is via a unique winding stair that provides constantly changing perspectives, as well as an electricity-regenerating solar-powered elevator. Materials were chosen for both durability and sustainability. The unique structural design utilizes re-purposed oilfield piping, which carries forward a design theme seen in other park structures.
*Designed by Howard Hill with a previous firm.
*photos by Jud Haggard