The Urban Land Institute, an international advocate for responsible land use, awarded Devon Energy Center its 2015 Global Award for Excellence in recognition of the development’s transformative impact on downtown Oklahoma City. Devon was chosen from 22 finalists from Asia, Europe and North America.

The ULI promotes responsible use of land to create sustainable, healthy communities around the world. It focuses on more than architecture and design. It considers how the developments enhance their communities.

Through its award, the institute credits Devon for inspiring new construction of high-rise buildings and for paving the way for businesses to relocate their operations and employees downtown. Since Devon broke ground in 2009, hundreds of new housing units have been built, scores of new restaurants have opened, streets have been overhauled and parks have been renovated.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens was one of the downtown parks to be renovated. As a result, it too was recognized by the Urban Land Institute.

The ULI honored the gardens with its 2015 Urban Space Award for being an outstanding public destination that enriches the downtown community. The 17-acre park competed against five other finalists for the international award, three parks in the United States, one in China and one in Singapore.

Large-scale real estate developments can have an invigorating effect on surrounding communities. For example, the corporate headquarters Union Pacific Railroad built in Omaha, Nebraska, and the Bank of America development in Charlotte, North Carolina, re-energized investment in those downtown communities.

The quality of Devon Energy Center and Oklahoma City’s downtown are important to the company’s long-term success.

To recruit and retain the best employees, companies must offer an enjoyable workspace that is conducive to success. Quality of life in surrounding communities is also a consideration. Oklahoma City has improved in many ways in recent years, and this award represents international acknowledgment of one piece of that positive change.

To earn this year’s award, Devon’s headquarters competed against developments in cities around the world, including Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, New York, Washington, Denver and Seattle.

Published: October 2015