The development framework for Downtown Houston, Converging Culture, Lifestyle, & Commerce recommended both large and small projects that will transform Downtown for the next five, ten, and twenty years.
Our team managed a 16-person Leadership Committee of project implementers; a 166-member steering committee of elected officials, community leaders, and area residents; as well as thoroughly engaged the public using various strategies.
Downtown can support resiliency goals by creating guidelines for development within the floodplain, strengthening the flood readiness of government facilities, continuing to pay attention to “smart” technologies, and improving vital infrastructure.
Downtown can become better connected to its adjacent neighborhoods, nature, enhanced activities, attractions, and engaging places through mobility innovation and great streets.
Developed over 12 months, our team engaged stakeholders in a series of topic-focused meetings, public workshops, online surveys and text campaigns. Public input and expert analysis led to a detailed and adaptable roadmap that identifies stakeholders’ areas of responsibility, designates a phasing strategy and pinpoints funding opportunities for projects and concepts. Plan Downtown centers on ten key recommendations that are grouped within four “pillars” that define the next twenty years of Downtown’s development.
Each pillar is a declarative statement which positions Downtown Houston both within the region and nationally as an urban leader:
Downtown is Houston’s greatest place to define placemaking activities and attractions and proposes the Green Loop, a five mile circular trail which takes advantage of abandoned highway right of way to provide access to downtown and establish new connections with adjacent neighborhoods. Downtown is the premier business and government location solidifying Downtown as the preeminent office location while encouraging the innovation ecosystem to move Downtown into the next century.
Downtown is the standard for urban living and sets new, aggressive goals for residential development and provides support for a collaborative approach to housing with the adjacent central city neighborhoods. Finally, Downtown is the innovative leader in connectivity which positions Downtown to take advantage of innovative transportation technologies. Taken together, the plan’s recommendations provide a roadmap for Downtown Houston’s future.
View the final plan here