About
About TIRZ 13
The Old Sixth Ward Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ 13, or the TIRZ) was established by the City of Houston in 1998 at the request of the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association and property-owner petitioners to attract new investment into the community. TIRZ 13 is funded by an increment tax on new development and is responsible for developing infrastructure and mobility projects within the Zone boundaries, including facilitating improved mobility, enabling economic development and enhancing quality of life through needed public facilities and infrastructure project development.
The Old Sixth Ward TIRZ works to improve the historic Old Sixth Ward neighborhood area and encourage the development of affordable and market-rate residential housing projects through the financing of public improvement projects. The TIRZ contains the boundaries of the Old Sixth Ward and covers approximately 94 acres of land immediately west of downtown Houston.
Goals of the Zone
Bridge the gaps between people and great places while building on the historic street grid
Reinforce the neighborhood’s history, cultural vibrancy, and quality of life.
Formation and Plan Documents
- City of Houston Ordinance Creating the TIRZ
- TIRZ 13 Project Plan
- First Amendment
- Second Amendment
- Third Amendment
- TIRZ Boundary Description
- TIRZ Boundary Englargement Ordinance
- TIRZ Walkability, Accessibility, and Complete Streets Policies 8.27.18
- OSW Traffic Safety Workshop Summary Report, April 2019
Old Sixth Ward Redevelopment Authority – Related Documents
Agreements
About the Neighborhood
Old Sixth Ward predates the automobile. When platted in the 1850s, the district’s 300-foot blocks and dense street grid catered to a community that walked everywhere they needed to go. Today, almost two centuries later, the freedom to walk between businesses, parks, public transit on Washington and Houston Avenues, and 19th century Victorian homes endures, and is part of the neighborhood’s allure for residents and visitors alike.
While the narrow, tree-lined streets south of Washington Avenue contribute to the Old Sixth Ward’s charm, the available right-of-way and aging infrastructure present challenges to maintaining streets that serve a wide range of modes and uses. The TIRZ is here to identify and construct public facilities and infrastructure solutions to meet today’s needs while preserving the unique history.
About Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) in Houston
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) are special zones created by City Council to attract new investment in an area. These zones help finance costs of redevelopment and promote growth in areas that would otherwise not attract sufficient market development in a timely manner. Taxes attributable to new improvements (tax increments) are set-aside in a fund to finance public improvements within the boundaries of the zone.
Improving the Zone
The organization’s key accomplishments include:
- Purchasing the 1912 Dow School to be retained as a community hub, park, and multicultural center; improving Dow Elementary Park
- Designing and constructing The Park for Humans and Dogs, which includes the restored Witch’s Hat turret-turned-gazebo cupola. Preservationists salvaged the iconic turret from the demolished 1899 Allen Paul House from Houston’s historic South End—now Midtown
- Creating and installing historic district street and wayfinding signs
- Installing 4.4 miles of new brick paved accessible sidewalks and curbs
- Rehabilitating public and private sewer lines within the zone
- Rebuilding the road and underground infrastructure and restoring the century-old bricks of Sabine Street, one of Houston’s few remaining original brick streets.
Learn more about TIRZ 13’s projects here.
A nine-member governing board of directors oversees the Old Sixth Ward TIRZ and consists of five city appointees, one school district appointee, one county appointee, state senator, Carol Alvarado (Texas Senate District 6) and state representative, Jolanda Jones (Texas House District 147).