The South Main Alliance’s City Builder Awards

With the City Builder Award, the South Main Alliance recognizes those who have created, sustained and enriched this extraordinary area of economic vitality, intellectual capital and uncommon beauty.

With the Houston’s H.E.A.R.T. City Builder Award, SMA recognizes those who have created, sustained, and enriched this extraordinary area of economic vitality, intellectual capital, and uncommon beauty.  In 2008, we honored The McGovern Collection – An Urban Legacy recognizing the lifetime of achievements and generosity of Dr. John P. McGovern

The 75th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM  (2007) – 75 years celebrating Texas ranching history; advancing  Texas’ agricultural excellence; building an unparalleled volunteer base; providing exciting entertainment; and contributing to educational opportunities of thousands of youngsters.

Saluting the Citizens of Houston and Harris Country (2006, SMA’s 30th anniversary) -- recognized for their extraordinary response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Salute to Volunteers (2005) – Thousands of volunteers past and present build the character of Houston.  Museum docents, hospital candy stripers, blood donors, garden club members, Rodeo committee members, elected officials, and appointed board members are some of the many volunteers who enrich the South Main area with work and by example.

Houston Museum District (2004) – Houston’s Museum District is formed by 16 individual museums with diverse characters and missions all located within a mile and one-half radius of Mecom Fountain.   Welcoming 6 million visitors annually, the Museum District is one of Houston’s most important tourism destinations and educational resources.  Furthermore, the museums’ distinctive architecture and beautiful grounds create one of the loveliest areas in Houston.

Rice University (2003) – For 91 years, Rice University has attracted the best and brightest students to Houston, recruited and retained an exceptional faculty that excels in both teaching and research, catalyzed the exchange of ideas by bringing world leaders to Houston, contributed to Houston’s emergence as a high-technology center, and earned a place at the top of every list of best values in higher education.  Almost one-third of Rice alumni remain in Harris County, immeasurably enriching all aspects of our economic, civic, and cultural life.

Bob McNair (2002) – Bob McNair is the architect of professional football’s return to Houston with the award of the National Football League’s 32nd franchise to the Texans in 1999, the start of play at the spectacular new Reliant Stadium in 2002 and the Super Bowl coming to Houston in 2004.  Furthermore, Bob McNair is a civic leader who serves the South Main area on the Boards of Trustees of Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Texas Medical Center (2001) – The City of Medicine created by the 42 member institutions of the Texas Medical Center is one of Houston’s and Texas’ most important economic assets – creating the jobs, technology and knowledge base that are critical advantages in this century of global competition.  Many member institutions are known world wide for innovative science and quality care.  The Texas Medical Center is an outstanding legacy of the many who epitomize American’s greatest generation – advancing science and education to the benefit of our citizens and the world community.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (1999-2000) – This outstanding organization not only brings together one of the biggest rodeos in the country, but each year gives back millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving youngsters throughout Texas.  During its 65 year history the Rodeo has brought millions of visitors to Texas, played an important role in making the Astrodome a major visitor destination and is a key partner in creating Reliant Park as an international sports and exhibition complex.

Dominique de Menil (1997-1998) – Known as one of the most important patrons of modern art, the late Dominique de Menil gave more than her art collection to her adopted home in Houston.  She established the Menil Collection as one of the premier museums of modern art in the world.  Her thoughtful leadership shaped this urban environment, established a strong foundation for many key cultural and educational institutions and put Houston on the world stage for advancing humanitarian concerns.  Her legacy is a Houston made more wise, more tolerant, more beautiful by her actions and example.

Mrs. Wesley West (1995-1996) – Mrs. West exemplifies the tradition of visionary leadership and individual generosity.  Organizations that work to enhance parks, the performing and visual arts, education, health care and neighborhoods in the South Main area have benefited from her steadfast support.  She has been one of the most outstanding benefactors in the State and sets an example of the wealth of our heritage.

(Former) Mayor Bob Lanier and Elyse Lanier (1994-1995)  – As mayor of Houston, Bob Lanier focused private sector know-how and effective consensus building to lead Houston in rebuilding the central City and its neighborhoods.  Houston’s first lady was a full partner in this effort, championing the arts, parks, tourism and beautification by tirelessly raising public awareness and private donations.  The Lanier team raised Houston’s profile nationwide and increased citizen appreciation of a beautiful and livable city.