More than two and a half years ago the first mention of the Houston Environmental Center appeared in this column. David Crossley, then CEC President, wrote in October 1997:

‘What if we had a Houston Environmental Conference Center? In a central location, with a nice space that would seat 200 people theater style, or smaller groups in roundtable format. With decent audio/visual equipment and comfortable seating. And a small kitchen. And a media room with a couple of computers and copiers and the other tools that make conferences work. And some offices that some of the 75 Coalition member groups could rent full time at reasonable prices. And some smaller conference and meeting rooms. And a roof where people could go watch the sun set. And a garden outside, a place to walk and do some heavy networking.’

Thanks to David’s leadership, and to that of many others on the CEC board, as well as to the generous support of DuPont and the Houston Endowment, most of that vision has already been made a reality at 3015 Richmond. Along the way, we’ve learned many lessons, such as how to be a landlord, how groups network when they office in the same building, and how a physical place can bring people together.

If 3015 Richmond is Act One in the play called the Houston Environmental Center, here’s a preview of Act Two:

What if we had a Center that was designed for humans, built from environmentally friendly materials, and operated with renewable energy? What if we had a Center that had enough space for any group that needed it? What if we had a Center with enough activity to support a suite of shared services such as tax and accounting help, legal guidance, management and fundraising training, and a copy room for all tenants? What if we had a Center with a media room/library that any citizen could use to learn more about their community? What if we had a Center with a garden that inspired us after a long day of uphill battles?

We all know that amazing things can happen when dedicated people rally around a collaborative vision. There’s much work to be done in Houston, and the environmental community needs a permanent home. Last month the CEC Board of Trustees kicked off the discussion of the next generation Houston Environmental Center. Conversations are starting, ideas are being investigated, and soon plans will be made.

If you’re interested in helping, let me know. It’s time to take the vision of the Houston Environmental Center to the next level.