The Mason Sebastian Ott Memorial Prayer Garden is located at St. Pius X High School, a private, Catholic college-preparatory high school in near northwest Houston, just outside of Loop 610. The meditation garden was commissioned by the Ott family in collaboration with the school, where Mason was a junior (Class of 2002) when he passed away suddenly after a brief illness. Located at the front of the school and dedicated in Mason’s memory as well as other students who died while attending, the garden is considered a sacred space on campus, serving as a serene, outdoor sanctuary for contemplation and prayer, while reinforcing the school’s lasting values of faith, spirit and service.

M2L Associates worked closely with the school and Mason’s parents, Linda and Terry Ott, to honor their son and bring the memorial garden to fruition. Collaborating with artist Jack Stenner on the central architectural feature, M2L designers created a complete site plan and design concept that included an impressive water feature with reflecting pool, extensive hardscaping, lush landscaping and irrigation. With a focus on a living garden centered around running water that would bring healing and comfort, the design team used concentric circles and extensive boulder, marble and paver work to create a space with lasting form and function.

The garden is surrounded with natural beauty — shade trees, native plantings and blooming perennials — proving a compelling and peaceful backdrop that has stood the test of time. Today, the school uses the space to gather for larger prayer or reflection events and to release school statements of faith and healing in the wake of community or national events.