Awards | Houston Heights Association Community Improvement Award - Commercial Renovation Winner 2013

Compass TDG Architecture partnered with Ruggles Green (now Bellagreen) to design a series of restaurant locations rooted in the belief that each space should respond authentically to its surrounding neighborhood rather than follow a one-size-fits-all prototype. While unified by a shared commitment to sustainability, community, and hospitality, each location was thoughtfully tailored to its context, resulting in distinct dining environments that strengthen indoor–outdoor connections and enhance the guest experience. This approach has contributed to the brand’s recognition through multiple hospitality awards and continues to guide the evolution of the Bellagreen identity.

At the Heights location, the renovation focused on improving street presence, kitchen efficiency, and accessibility while brightening the overall dining environment. New exterior materials—including brick and stone veneer—were paired with light interior finishes such as white subway tile and mosaic marble. Translucent sun shades enhance outdoor dining areas and entries, while sustainable features such as a rooftop solar array and electric vehicle charging station reinforce the brand’s environmental values. The City Centre location continues this emphasis on outdoor dining, with a simple yet highly functional steel-and-wood shading structure designed to complement the existing building detailing. Equipped with integrated heating, pendant lighting, and operable weather curtains, the structure extends the restaurant’s usability year-round and activates the adjacent public plaza.