East Main Street – Round Rock, TX
East Main Street – Round Rock, TX
Transforming Texas One Tree at a Time.
Known for its historic sites and outdoor activities, Round Rock, Texas, faced the familiar challenge of modernizing their downtown while maintaining its historic charm.
The city has successfully bridged this gap with the improvements along East Main Street, creating a more walkable, attractive district. The Downtown Improvement Plan, completed in 2020, has introduced vibrant “parklets” that combine urban design with natural elements, making the street more inviting for pedestrians and businesses alike.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The renovation, designed by Studio 16:19, spans East Main Street from Mays Street to Sheppard Street, introducing six parklets that widen the sidewalk into former parking zones. These feature custom wood decking, comfortable seating areas, and most notably, thriving trees that provide natural shade and beauty.
“It’s a place I come to often just because it feels like home,” says local resident Lauren Stafford, who visits the area often. This sentiment reflects the project’s success in creating an inviting community space that draws people together.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Transforming Texas One Tree at a Time.
Known for its historic sites and outdoor activities, Round Rock, Texas, faced the familiar challenge of modernizing their downtown while maintaining its historic charm.
The city has successfully bridged this gap with the improvements along East Main Street, creating a more walkable, attractive district. The Downtown Improvement Plan, completed in 2020, has introduced vibrant “parklets” that combine urban design with natural elements, making the street more inviting for pedestrians and businesses alike.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The renovation, designed by Studio 16:19, spans East Main Street from Mays Street to Sheppard Street, introducing six parklets that widen the sidewalk into former parking zones. These feature custom wood decking, comfortable seating areas, and most notably, thriving trees that provide natural shade and beauty.
“It’s a place I come to often just because it feels like home,” says local resident Lauren Stafford, who visits the area often. This sentiment reflects the project’s success in creating an inviting community space that draws people together.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
There is more than meets the eye at each parklet. Under the surface are multiple systems from tree cell structures to adjustable pedestals. The GreenBlue Urban tree cells allow the roots to grow and expand, as well as prevent soil compaction.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION
The parklets incorporate several GreenBlue Urban products that ensure long-term success of the street trees:
- RootSpace soil cells
- provide ample room for root growth while preventing soil compaction
- ArborGuy Rootball Anchors
- a safer, more effective alternative to tree staking
- RootRain Aeration/Irrigation System
- ensures proper hydration and air flow to the roots
“There is more than meets the eye at each parklet,” explains Studio 16:19. “Under the surface are multiple systems from tree cell structures to adjustable pedestals. The GreenBlue Urban tree cells allow the roots to grow and expand, as well as prevent soil compaction.”
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT
The trees serve multiple crucial functions in this urban setting:
- Provide natural shade for pedestrians and outdoor diners
- Reduce ambient temperature on hot Texas days
- Add visual texture and natural beauty to the streetscape
Chris Ozuna, an employee at Liberty BBQ, notes the improvement to the overall street experience: “They’re setting up more picnic areas, throwing in some more trees, making it more aesthetically pleasing.”
There is more than meets the eye at each parklet. Under the surface are multiple systems from tree cell structures to adjustable pedestals. The GreenBlue Urban tree cells allow the roots to grow and expand, as well as prevent soil compaction.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION
The parklets incorporate several GreenBlue Urban products that ensure long-term success of the street trees:
- RootSpace soil cells
- provide ample room for root growth while preventing soil compaction
- ArborGuy Rootball Anchors
- a safer, more effective alternative to tree staking
- RootRain Aeration/Irrigation System
- ensures proper hydration and air flow to the roots
“There is more than meets the eye at each parklet,” explains Studio 16:19. “Under the surface are multiple systems from tree cell structures to adjustable pedestals. The GreenBlue Urban tree cells allow the roots to grow and expand, as well as prevent soil compaction.”
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT
The trees serve multiple crucial functions in this urban setting:
- Provide natural shade for pedestrians and outdoor diners
- Reduce ambient temperature on hot Texas days
- Add visual texture and natural beauty to the streetscape
Chris Ozuna, an employee at Liberty BBQ, notes the improvement to the overall street experience: “They’re setting up more picnic areas, throwing in some more trees, making it more aesthetically pleasing.”
ACHIEVING SIMILAR RESULTS IN YOUR PROJECT
Studies show that trees can provide up to $7 in benefits for every $1 invested – but only when planted properly. To replicate Round Rock’s success in your own urban renewal project:
- Right Tree + Right Place: Select native species suited to your space and local environment.
- Right Way: Invest in proper soil cell systems that provide adequate uncompacted soil volume. While traditional tree pits may seem cheaper initially, they often lead to higher long-term costs.
- Long-term Maintenance: Develop a comprehensive urban forestry plan that includes not just planting, but also regular maintenance schedules, drought management strategies, and seasonal inspections to catch and address issues early.
ACHIEVING SIMILAR RESULTS IN YOUR PROJECT
Studies show that trees can provide up to $7 in benefits for every $1 invested – but only when planted properly. To replicate Round Rock’s success in your own urban renewal project:
- Right Tree + Right Place: Select native species suited to your space and local environment.
- Right Way: Invest in proper soil cell systems that provide adequate uncompacted soil volume. While traditional tree pits may seem cheaper initially, they often lead to higher long-term costs.
- Long-term Maintenance: Develop a comprehensive urban forestry plan that includes not just planting, but also regular maintenance schedules, drought management strategies, and seasonal inspections to catch and address issues early.
