Former student helps firm earn UIL award for CityCentre project

A Texas A&M land development graduate helped guide the success of [CityCentre] (http://www.citycentrehouston.com/) , a 37-acre, mixed-use development in Houston, recently cited by the [Urban Land Institute] (http://houston.uli.org/) as an understated canvas for the living, shopping and recreational activities for its residents and visitors.

Jonathan Brinsden ‘92 is executive vice president and chief operating officer of [Midway Companies] (http://www.midwaycompanies.com/index.asp) , developer of [CityCentre] (http://www.citycentrehouston.com/) , which won a 2012 Development of Distinction [Award] (http://houston.uli.org/news/detail/2012-award-winners-released) Jan. 30 from the ULI’s Houston District Council.

Brinsden earned a [Master of Science in Land Development] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/prospective/graduate/#MS-LandDevelopment) degree in 1994 and undergraduate degrees in [environmental design] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/prospective/undergraduate/#Environmental%20Design) and [building construction] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/prospective/undergraduate/#Construction%20Science) in 1992.

The ULI awards jury said that “thoughtful streetscape design and public space make [CityCentre] (http://www.citycentrehouston.com/) feel like it has been here a long time,” adding that it was evident care was given to small details like street trees, signage and benches.

Located on Beltway 8 near its intersection with Interstate 10 west, [CityCentre] (http://www.citycentrehouston.com/) features European-style open-air plazas and green spaces along with upscale retail, dining, apartments, office space and a 255-room hotel.

It was built at the site of the former Town and Country Mall.

Brinsden, who helps guide [Midway Companies] (http://www.midwaycompanies.com/index.asp) ’ overall strategy and operations, advised a group of students crafting leasing proposals in a summer 2011 [Master of Science in Land Development] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/prospective/graduate/#MS-LandDevelopment) class as they crafted leasing proposals after visiting [CityCentre] (http://www.citycentrehouston.com/) .

The Mays Business School at Texas A&M is offering its professional and executive MBA [programs] (http://maysbusiness.tamu.edu/index.php/new-professional-mba-program-from-texas-am-coming-to-citycentre-in-2012/) at a new CityCentre facility.—

The [Urban Land Institute] (http://houston.uli.org/) ’s mission is to provide responsible leadership land development. Its 30,000 members represent every segment of the real estate community, including property owners, investors, advisers, developers, architects, lawyers, lenders, planners, regulators, contractors, engineers, university professors, librarians, students and interns.