108/110/114 Main St.
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration and repair of the Brewster, Rafael and Dorrance Buildings located at 108, 110 and 114 Main St., respectively. The scope of work being proposed includes a complete restoration of the existing façades, including repairs and re-glazing of the original windows, repairs to the masonry and plaster façades, removal of the non-original fire escape on the front of the 110 Main building, and the installation of a new storefront at 114 Main to closely mimic the original storefront on this building.
Historic Preservation and Restoration Reimbursement of $454,413.
Complete
AC Hotel by Marriott – 723 Main St.
Economic Development
Redevelopment of the Houston Bar Center building located at 723 Main Street for its conversion into a 185-room upscale AC Hotel by Marriott. The grant will be reimbursed at a level of 50% of the tax increment generated on the project site for ten years after completion. Notable details include the restoration of the Zoe Theater, installation of energy efficient glass entry doors and a complete cleaning and illumination of the exterior façade.
Complete
Allen Parkway
Capital Improvement
The reconfiguration of Allen Parkway to improve public safety and enhance connections to Buffalo Bayou Park.
The project’s overall scope included:
• realignment and repaving of the roadway, with main eastbound and westbound travel lanes shifted southward to a low utilization frontage street
• creation of 140 parking spaces adjacent to Buffalo Bayou Park, in the right-of-way area formerly occupied by westbound travel lanes
• upgrades to storm drainage
• two new and one restored signalized intersection
• one new pedestrian-activated traffic signal at the crossing between Allen Parkway Village and Eleanor Tinsley Park in addition to pedestrian crosswalks at Dunlavy, Taft, and Gillette
• a new east-to-westbound u-turn vehicular bridge over an Allen Parkway underpass at Waugh
• extensive median landscaping and irrigation, including 200+ trees
• addition of LED street lighting
Total project cost $14,300,000.
Allen Parkway Construction Memo
Complete
Alley Theatre
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Exterior facade renovations that include pressure washing and sealing the existing skin, replacing roof, replacing exterior glass and lighting improvements.
Historic Preservation and Restoration Reimbursement of $2,000,000.
Complete
ARCHITECTURE CENTER HOUSTON
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of the exterior façades to accommodate for the conversion of the space to the new Architecture Center Houston (ArCH). No existing original materials are proposed for removal.
Historic Preservation and Restoration Reimbursement of $400,000.
Complete
Aris Market Square
Downtown Living Initiative
Construction of a 33-story residential complex complete with 25 residential floors and 8 floors of garage parking. The 274-unit complex will also feature 10,000 square feet of retail.
Complete
Bagby Street Improvements
Capital Improvement
Through Design Phase I, the Authority worked to analyze the Bagby Street corridor in terms of existing and future traffic conditions such that the Authority can consider future capital improvement projects to reconstruct the roadway and associated infrastructure within the right-of-way. The traffic impact analysis and preliminary engineering study are complete.
Bagby Street Improvement Plan – Final Report
The Authority has engaged a civil engineering firm to lead Phase II, project engineering and design. The project will include pedestrian enhancements, beautification elements, the addition of signature lighting and bike facilities, and an upgrade to the corridor’s storm sewer and drainage system. The design phase is expected to take one year followed by an estimated two-year construction phase.
As a component of this project, the Authority and the City of Houston General Services Department will create a development plan that reimagines the west side of Downtown to better support core civic functions and establishes a framework for future mobility, government, commercial and residential redevelopment.
The total project budget is $28,800,000.
The Authority hosted a Project Open House on Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 5:30-7 PM at the Julia Ideson Building Reading Room. 550 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002. The presentation can be viewed at the link below.
Bagby Public Open House Presentation
Final design review was presented with area Stakeholders, including proposed phasing plans for construction, this Thursday, September 19, 2019. The Authority is preparing documents for permitting and contract procurement through the fourth quarter. The presentation is available in PDF format below.
Bagby Street Improvement Project Presentation
The project kicks off construction on January 11, 2020 and is expected to be complete in December 2021 (press release).
Complete
Block 334
Downtown Living Initiative
Construction of a 5-story, 207-unit, above grade residential development with two levels of basement parking.
Complete
Buffalo Bayou Park
Economic Development
The Authority contributes to the maintenance of the park and supports continuous improvement by renovating the project area: waterways, park amenities, trails, flood control, and the like. As well, the Authority is contributing to the construction and amenities of the Downtown Gateway portion of the Buffalo Bayou Park Trails as it moves eastward from Allen’s Landing.
Active
Byrd’s Lofts Windows
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Replacement of historic steel framed windows with replicate windows.
Complete
Citizens Bank Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of the National State Bank Building for continued office use by preserving, replacing and installing original period and style features.
Complete
Commercial National Bank Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
The Commercial National Bank was renovated in 2000 and is considered one of the largest surviving neoclassical buildings remaining in Houston.
Complete
CRAFT BEER CELLAR
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of the street entrance at the corner of Franklin and Travis for commercial use. This includes removal of current fill-in, the addition of doors, repairs on stonework and the restoration/ build-out of stairs with handrail. The restored entrance will help emphasize the use of a pedestrian corridor from Market Square Park to the Bayou along Travis.
Historic Preservation and Restoration Reimbursement of $20,000.
Complete
GreenStreet
Economic Development
Multi-level mixed-use development: retail, entertainment and office; bounded by Dallas Street to the north, Polk street to the south, Main Street to the west and Caroline Street to the east.
Complete
Holiday Inn
Economic Development
The historic Hotel Savoy, located at 1616 Main St., is undergoing renovation into a 212-room Holiday Inn in addition to streetscape enhancements which include the replacement of sidewalks, windows, doors, and canopies.
Complete
Hotel Alessandra
Economic Development
Construction of a 25-story, 225-key, full-service luxury hotel featuring a spa, fine dining restaurant, and craft cocktail bar.
Complete
The Houston Ballet Pedestrian Bridge
Capital Improvement
The Houston Ballet Skybridge is visually pleasing and is providing connectivity from the Wortham Theater to the Houston Ballet.
Complete
Humble Oil Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
The Humble Oil Building was redeveloped into a hotel and apartments in 2001.
Complete
International Coffee Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of the International Coffee Building and new design for the surrounding area to welcome the Houston public and encourage their participation and engagement in various Buffalo Bayou Partnership events.
Complete
Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza
Capital Improvement
Redesign and renovate the plaza and sidewalks to create a more pedestrian friendly environment and a safe atmosphere.
Complete
JW Marriott
Historic Preservation and Restoration
The historic preservation of the building’s exterior facade included the design and construction of commercial glass on the lower levels and the installation of moisture and vapor barriers as well as humidity control.
The exterior architectural design work included a fenestration study and materials to replicate the original features of the building such as the historic clock.
To support the developments along Main at Rusk, the DRA created a new full block curb cut and drive lane with proper waterproofing.
Complete
Main Street Corridor Improvements
Capital Improvement
The project designed and constructed a series of inter-related public improvements to enhance the overall quality and experience of downtown’s Main Street. Improvements include: Assessing and correcting previously substandard conditions, upgraded lighting, landscaping, public art, and wayfinding along the full 19 blocks of Main Street.
Total project cost $12,200,000.
Complete
Market Square Park
Capital Improvement
Market Square Park connects the key attractions of downtown Houston while being an anchor and oasis for the developing downtown residential and retail community.
Complete
Market Square Tower
Downtown Living Initiative
Construction of a 40-story, 463-unit, residential complex on Block 35 as well as renovation of an existing parking garage with 10,000 square feet of retail.
Complete
Old Cotton Exchange Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of masonry, exterior repairs, window repairs/replacement, painting, restoration of sconces on Franklin, restoration of entry way and doors, restoration of railing and planter boxes, and waterproofing the building envelope.
Historic Preservation and Restoration Reimbursement of $300,000.
Complete
The Rice Hotel
Historic Preservation and Restoration
The Rice Hotel was repositioned in 1996 and is considered one of the primary catalyst projects leading to the emerging renaissance of downtown Houston.
Complete
Sabine to Bagby Promenade
Capital Improvement
Sabine to Bagby Promenade assists in beautifying the area with artistic portals, way finding and interpretive signage.
Complete
Scenic Houston
Capital Improvement
Scenic Houston provides invaluable historic information through the installation of street markers along Texas Avenue. The markers point out the locations of grand residences, fine hotels, early businesses, transportation hubs, original skyscrapers, places of worship, fine arts venues and sports facilities that have called Texas Avenue home.
Complete
Shopping District Streetscape Improvements
Capital Improvement
The Dallas corridor was developed into a unique, commercially viable setting for a premier shopping district on Dallas Street between Milam and LaBranch with connections to adjacent retail activity on Main, San Jacinto, and Austin. The project included utility improvements, streetscape upgrades, beautification, storefront incentives, and attractions for retailers.
Total project cost $15,900,000.
Complete
SoDo on Main North
Downtown Living Initiative
Construction of a 24-story, 336-unit high-rise apartment with 7,200 square feet of ground floor retail and detached parking garage.
Complete
SoDo on Main South
Downtown Living Initiative
A 24- story, 336 unit high-rise apartment building with 7,200 square feet of ground floor retail and a detached parking garage.
Complete
Trebly Park
Capital Improvement
The Authority has identified the property bounded by Bell Street, San Jacinto Street, Leeland Street and Fannin Street as the location for a new public park in the southern portion of downtown. This location will support the approximately 1,700 new residential units in Southern Downtown spurred by the Downtown Living Initiative, as well as other surrounding development.
Environmental Site Assessment Report – Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment Report – Phase II
Public Space Planning for Trebly Park (formerly Southern Downtown Park) – Final Report
The Authority has selected local firm Lauren Griffith Associates to lead the design of the park, building on the recommendations from the public space planning report by Project For Public Spaces. In conjunction with the design phase, the Authority will issue a Request for Proposals to select the operator of an on-site restaurant.
News Release of Designs for Trebly Park (formerly Southern Downtown Park)
Trebly Park (formerly Southern Downtown Park) Images
The design phase is expected to last from December 2018 to Fall 2019, followed by permitting, contractor procurement and construction, with an opening date anticipated for Spring 2022. Once occupied by the new park, the space will be managed and programmed by the Houston Downtown Management District.
News Release of Groundbreaking, Announcement of Name and Public Art Program
Active
The Star
Downtown Living Initiative
Redevelopment of the Old Texaco building into 323 luxury apartment units and a 550 space parking structure with 8,000 square feet of ground floor retail.
Complete
State National Bank Building
Historic Preservation and Restoration
Restoration of the National State Bank Building for continued office use by preserving, replacing and installing original period and style features
Complete
