Molsen Farm Master Plan Receives 2023 ASLA Award of Excellence

Parkhill’s Landscape Architecture team recently received the Award of Excellence for the Molsen Farm Master Plan at the annual Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. This award is the highest honor in the public portion of the Design Unrealized category and the first received in Parkhill’s history.

Molsen Farm, located in Allen, Texas, is an agricultural revival of the last 88 acres of farmland within the city limits. The master plan will create a community center for agricultural education, crop demonstrations, sustainable farming methods, and organic alternatives, all within an urban environment. The master plan will also connect the site to the existing Rowlett Creek Trail System and preserve the existing native pecan grove, riparian forest, ponds, and the tree-lined drive that once served as the entrance to the original homestead.

The design team used four existing pastures as “outdoor rooms” that accommodate various site programming elements. Outdoor areas can be closed off for private events or the Forestry Department’s use without shutting down the farm to the public. In addition, Parkhill incorporated designs for an educational facility, a maintenance facility, a tree farm, a community garden, space for public and private events, farmers markets, and day camping opportunities for local scout groups.

The Molsen Farm Master Plan is an outstanding example of interdisciplinary collaboration between Parkhill’s Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Construction Management Practices. We hope Molsen Farm will serve as a catalyst for future agricultural parks that bring communities together.