Projects
Current Projects and Plans
Click on a project’s boundary in the interactive map to learn more about projects currently underway, completed projects and future projects. You may also find project descriptions organized in the tabs above.
We invite you to follow the projects in which you are interested.
Phases of Project Development
Overview
TIRZ 13 maintains a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) — an annually-updated, five-year plan that identifies and prioritizes projects to improve public infrastructure for the City of Houston.
TIRZ 13’s accomplishments through the CIP over the past 20 years range from streetscape improvement and beautification to critical infrastructure and maintenance projects and affordable housing support to enhance the quality of life in this historic area and functionality of the Zone. Additionally, 33% of the Old Sixth Ward TIRZ’s revenue is dedicated to affordable housing.
Studies
TIRZ-led studies are used to identify opportunity areas for critical infrastructure improvement and economic development in a certain Zone. A study helps determine the public benefit and return on investment for a potential project or projects.
TIRZ studies can help attract new investment and promote business growth in the Zone.
The TIRZ 13 Mobility Study was created to provide recommendations and guidance to the TIRZ that maximize the benefits generated from investments in mobility and prioritize meaningful projects based on costs, impacts, and timelines. The recommendations were based on the outcomes of a detailed assessment of the district and provides a critical tool for the TIRZ to prioritize in invest in projects that advance actionable opportunities aimed at improving the district for residents, workers and visitors. For example, this plan’s goals directly impacted work on Sabine, Hemphill and Silver Streets, among others.
Accomplishments At-A-Glance
Featured projects include Historic District and streetscape initiatives to bolster the sustained appeal, walkability and safety, quality of life improvements such as green space and cultural enrichment projects to enhance livability and critical infrastructure improvements such as sewer line rehabilitation projects.
New-Brick Sidewalks
4.4 miles of historically appropriate new-brick paved accessible sidewalks and curbs have been installed within the residential zone. The new sidewalks bring an additional character that complements both the existing sidewalks and the charm of the zone. In conjunction with the sidewalk project, the board also has adopted a Walkability, Accessibility, and Complete Streets Policy.
Sabine Street is one of Houston’s few remaining original brick streets. The bricks where carefully removed and stored while the infrastructure was corrected. Infrastructure included new layers of concrete and sand, correction of underground sewage and storm drainage systems. This project of $1.6 million paved the way of the installation of new brick sidewalks throughout the zone.
To complement the charm and character of the
district, new lights were installed that are more appropriate to the district.
Trees
The Old Sixth Ward TIRZ has engaged Trees for Houston for consultation and watering services in connection with the new trees and expansion of tree planting activities as the budget allows. Dozens of trees around the community have been planted, location includes Union St, Sawyer St, Memorial Dr, and Washington Ave.
Sawyer Park & the Park for Humans and Dogs
A collaboration between neighborhood residents, architects and engineers resulted in the artfully fenced park on the west side of Sawyer Street, just south of Washington Avenue.
The popular park accommodates dog-owners and pedestrians with greenspace and added art elements.
Designers configured the space with the restored Witch’s Hat turret-turned-gazebo cupola as its central element. Years earlier, preservationists had salvaged the iconic turret from the demolished 1899 Allen Paul House from Houston’s historic South End—now Midtown—and it lives on in a new spot but remains in the historic center.
Memorial Silver Triangle Park
The TIRZ financially supported the construction of Memorial Silver Triangle Park, an oak-tree draped sliver of land located between North Memorial Way and Memorial Drive. The design incorporates seating, gathering and green space and sidewalks.
Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts Project (MECA) at the Dow School
The TIRZ purchased the 1912 Dow School to be retained as a community hub, park and multicultural initiative at the center of the residential sector of the zone. MECA, a community-based nonprofit organization committed to the healthy development of underserved youth and adults through arts and cultural programming, academic excellence, support services, maintains the original historic character of the building and operates as a community-based nonprofit.
The TIRZ purchased the 1912 Dow School to be retained as a community hub, park and multicultural initiative at the center of the residential sector of the zone. MECA maintains the original historic character of the building and operates as a community-based nonprofit.
Because of the Old Sixth Ward TIRZ involvement, the property is deed restricted in a manner that, (1) protects the historic character of the Dow School building; (2) requires the property owner to be a non-profit corporation exempt from federal taxation; and (3) restricts the use of the building to cultural and educational purposes that primarily promote a public purpose of the City.
Dow Elementary Park
Redesign and implementation of Dow Middle School Park, the space adjacent to MECA on the west side of the building. Now under construction, the existing park fronts White Street between Kane and Lubbock Streets and was completed in early 2020.
Rehabilitating Public Sewer Lines
Rehabilitation of many common, private sewer lines within the zone. Common lines were a source of frustration to many residents, and the Old Sixth Ward TIRZ project gave them the opportunity to obtain a new sewer line connecting their residence to a public line within the public right of way. The organization partnered with the City of Houston Public Works Department to accomplish these improvements.
Rehabilitation of public sewer lines within the zone in a project that has totaled more than $2.3 million.
Potential Projects
The Board invites your suggestions and comments on Future Projects. The TIRZ/Redevelopment Authority uses this list to identify needed projects for the zone. This is a list of potential projects; not, a list of scheduled projects. Inclusion on the list does not mean that the resources are available to implement the project. Please view the potential projects list here: Potential Projects List
Please send any feedback to sherry@old6wardtirz.org.
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