all aboard!

Hermann Park moves full steam ahead with new electric trains

The new electric trains have enhanced one of the park's most popular features.

Hermann Park Conservancy/Facebook

Hermann Park continues its quest to be more environmentally friendly with the introduction of two new electric locomotives on the historic train ride. They begin operation this weekend. It is the first upgrade to the trains since 2008.

“The introduction of the electric trains to the Park represents a leap forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship and visitor experience,” said Hermann Park Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright. “We are deeply grateful to ExxonMobil and the McGovern Foundation for their generous support, which not only preserves but elevates the Hermann Park Railroad as a premier attraction for visitors of all ages.”

Riding the rails through the park has been a part of Houstonians’ visits to the Houston Zoo, Museum of Natural Science, and McGovern Gardens since 1957. Children especially love the chance to tour the grounds in carriages drawn by the miniature locomotives.

The two new electric engines are designed to look like 1863 C.P. Hunting locomotives, just as the previous trains on the railroad did. The biggest difference riders will notice is smoother travel and a lack of fumes blowing back.

Updating the trains was made possible through the sponsorship of ExxonMobil and the John P. McGovern Foundation. Each institution was allowed to name the trains, resulting in the The ExxonMobil Express and the Dr. Jack Express. The latter is named after John McGovern, an allergist whose stewardship of the park with his wife, Katherine, has been responsible for many improvements the area over the years.

“The McGovern Foundation is delighted to dedicate one of the new electric locomotives,” said Julia Mitchell of the John P. McGovern Foundation. “The Foundation supported the original upgrade to the railroad in 2008. We cannot wait to wave to the thousands of smiling Houstonians enjoying their rides in the Park with the Dr. Jack Express leading the way!”

Not to be outdone, ExxonMobil is sponsoring Ride the Rails week. Admission to the railroad will be free from August 31 to September 6, 2024. It’s an excellent chance to sample the benefits of electric vehicles in public spaces.

The switch to electric locomotives compliments the six years of green upgrades to the nearby Houston Zoo for its centennial celebration. The new Birds of the World exhibit includes a state-of-the-art aviary with upgraded irrigation systems for water conservation and new electric infrastructure that helps the zoo save 50,000 kwh per year.

In April, the park debuted the Commons, a 26-acre section features new playgrounds, hiking trails, and renovations to the Historic Fannin Pavilion. Taken together, going to the Hermann Park complex of attractions has never been greener.

Design For All

Famed Texas architecture office opens call for 2026 $20K design grant

Courtesy of Hai Hospitality.

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A leading Texas-based architecture office is offering pro-bono services to nonprofits in the Austin, Houston, and for the first time, Dallas-Fort Worth areas. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) is embarking on its fifth annual Design for All initiative, with applications open now through May 15 at 5 pm.

MHOA is looking for a registered 501(c)(3) located within 50 miles of the approved metros. The nonprofit chosen will receive a grant covering $20,000 of design services; that might include things like a site analysis, a preliminary floor plan, or a proposal for a work plan, according to a press release.

Even if Hosutonians aren't architecture fanatics, they probably know MHOA's work, especially if they're foodies. The office has worked on Loro, Oporto Fooding House, the M-K-T development, the Heights Mercantile development, and other visually-striking buildings.

The goal of the Design for All Initiative is to help local nonprofits deliver more fully on their community work by giving them more functional spaces to work from.

“Working on Design For All projects reminds us why we became designers,” said MHOA senior associate Chet Morgan in the release. “This work serves as a reminder that thoughtful collaboration can unlock new possibilities long before construction begins.”

Last year's recipient was American YouthWorks, which used its grant to update its existing space, which it had "outgrown," according to a release at the time. Other past recipients include Central Texas Table of Grace (2024), Abigail E. Keller Foundation (2024), The Women’s Home and Children’s Assessment Center (2023), and Austin Angels (2022).

“Design For All has become one of the most meaningful ways we connect our work to the communities we care about,” said MHOA founder and principle Michael Hsu. “With our first Design For All project for Austin Angels completing construction this year, we’re especially proud of how the program continues to grow. As we prepare to open applications for this year’s program, we’re excited to meet the next nonprofit that’s prepared to imagine great possibilities with the support of design.”

Interested nonprofits can submit applications through Google Forms.

MHOA offers the following timeline for the process going forward:

Call for Entries – March 10
Questions due – April 10
Q&A posted on website – April 24
Submission Deadline – May 15 at 5 pm
Shortlist Interviews – June 8-19
Partnership announced – June 26

More information about the Design for All initiative, including more specific eligibility requirements, is available at hsuoffice.com.

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