Resources
For Community Members
The Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association exists for the purpose of maintaining and improving the quality of life within the Old Sixth Ward neighborhood. On the northside of Washington Avenue, the First Ward Civic Council works to bring neighbors together and better their community. TIRZ 13 falls within the boundaries of Super Neighborhood 22, a coalition of civic clubs and community groups that recommend community improvements to the City of Houston.
For Developers
TIRZ 13 encourages developers who are considering a project in the community to contact sherry@old6wardtirz.org to learn how TIRZ 13 can partner with you on infrastructure improvements. The earlier in your development process you contact us, the better we can assist you in your project.
For Visitors
The historic district is home to the City’s largest collection of Victorian-era homes.
Besides including many historic gems, TIRZ 13 also enjoys nearby attractions like the historic Glenwood Cemetery and the First Ward Arts District. The Arts District is home to a growing number of studios, artists, theaters and Immersive experiences. It’s bordered on the south by Buffalo Bayou Park which includes the nearby Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.
More resources:
- Sawyer Yard’s Silver Street Studios often hosts events and features shops frequented by visitors.
- Preservation Houston often hosts architecture walks featuring notable sites in the Old Sixth Ward. Visit their website for more information.
- Rice University’s “The Old Sixth Ward Historic District”
- Houston History Magazine’s Sixth Ward: Carving Out its Own Place
Studies
The Houston-Galveston Area Council produced the Washington Avenue Livable Centers Study. The purpose of this initiative is to apply the goals of a “livable center” to a specified area through planning studies and implementation projects. A “livable center” is a walkable, mixed-use place that provides multimodal transportation options, improves environmental quality and promotes economic development.
Building off of this study, Asakura Robinson created the WAve Pattern Book to provide direction for the development and public realm aesthetics of Washington Avenue and the adjacent major streets, including Sawyer, Edwards and Houston Streets, within the Old Sixth Ward TIRZ 13.
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.
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.
The Old Sixth Ward TIRZ 13 Phase II Mobility Plan builds upon the “TIRZ 13 Mobility Plan” completed in 2021 by the Old Sixth Ward/TIRZ 13. The Phase II Mobility Plan extends into the historic First Ward neighborhood and identifies strategic key recommendations that will make getting around on foot, using a mobility device, on bike, by bus, or by car, safer, more accessible, and more inviting. All recommendations were identified through an understanding of baseline conditions analysis and through community engagement efforts that aim to achieve three key goals. 1. Safety: Create safe and accessible streets and places 2. Connectivity: Strengthen neighborhood connectivity to key corridors and destinations 3. Livability: Improve the mobility experience
While the study area was outside but adjacent to the TIRZ zone, it’s recommendations for infrastructure improvements directly impact and connect to key corridors in TIRZ 13.
The study was funded through the Houston-Galveston Area Council with a match from the City of Houston Council District H Services funds authorized by former District H Council Member Karla Cisneros. TIRZ 13 was the project sponsor for the Study.
