Press Release
December 26, 2000
FORT WORTH, TX -- When construction started on Crescent Real Estate’s (NYSE: CEI) latest development in downtown
Houston, 5 Houston Center, company officials were faced with a decision. What could be done with the beautiful
oak trees lining the existing sidewalk on the new 27-story office tower? Being environmentally conscious and aware,
Crescent started to work immediately on the safe uprooting and relocation of the trees.
First, Crescent contacted the Maplewood South/North Civic Association, Trees for Houston, and the City of Houston
Urban Forestry Department to discuss a strategy and destination for the procedure. Then Maplewood Civic Association
selected an esplanade, located at South Braeswood , across from Fondren Middle School, as an ideal new home for
the trees. Next came the task of moving the trees – which proved to be a difficult task as the trees were approximately
14 inches caliper and 25 to 30 feet tall. Each of the 15 trees took approximately five hours to dig up with an
87-inch spade, then each was loaded onto a truck and transported, one by one, 10 miles to their final destination.
The entire procedure took a week to complete.
“This was an excellent opportunity for Crescent to give back to our community and help contribute to the beauty
and environment of Houston,” said Frank Staats, general manager of Houston Center. “We couldn’t have done it without
the help of Grace Heckler of the Maplewood civic association, Kathy Lord with Trees for Houston, Houston City Council
member Mark Goldberg, and Waymon Moore with Fondren Middle School. They all pitched in with us to make sure these
trees were saved.” The cost of moving the trees was shared by Crescent and Maplewood South/North.
Grace Heckler of Maplewood South/North responded, “We are very grateful that Crescent had a vision to save the
trees rather than destroying them. It started with an idea that required a great deal of planning and it wasn’t
an easy task, but it was well worth it. I have had numerous phone calls from people in Maplewood and the HISD commending
us on our efforts. The trees look magnificent, and we are so proud that we had the opportunity to team up with
Crescent and be a part of saving these beautiful oaks.”
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Crescent Real Estate Equities Company, one of the country's largest real estate investment trusts, owns and manages,
through its subsidiaries, a diversified portfolio consisting of Class A office properties, luxury resorts and spas,
and residential developments. Its mission is to expand the dimensions of business for its customers and maximize
value to its shareholders by distinguishing itself as the undisputed leader in each of its businesses. Crescent
will accomplish these goals by providing exceptional customer service and asset quality and by executing a disciplined
real estate investment and operating strategy that focuses on market leadership, innovative growth opportunities,
and outstanding customer, employee and partner alliances.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sandra Porter Director of Public Relations (817) 321-1460 sporter@cei-crescent.com
SOURCE: Crescent Real Estate Equities Company