HOUSTON—Last year, the Houston Downtown Management District identified the need to prepare and issue a new development framework or plan for Downtown Houston. With the advancements made since the 2004 Houston Downtown Development Framework, the goal was to develop a new plan that positions downtown at the forefront in leading Houston's advancement as a pre-eminent global city. In addition, it will build upon the goals and core strategies in Plan Houston, the general plan adopted by the city council in fall 2015.

GlobeSt.com learns that partnering organizations include Houston First Corporation, Central Houston Inc., Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ No. 3, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the city of Houston, Harris County and Theater District Houston. Board members from these organizations and from neighboring management districts—East Downtown, Greater East End, Greater Northside and Midtown—comprise a leadership group guiding the framework process from inception to final delivery. In addition to the leadership group, there is a 150-member steering committee comprised of leaders from downtown, adjacent neighborhoods and the Houston region—elected officials, governmental staff, business executives, private developers, social and non-profit organizations, residents and emerging millennials—all of whom will inform Plan Downtown and serve as its future champions.

Plan Downtown will serve these organizations and a broad range of stakeholders as a 20-year vision plan. This new framework will lead towards development recommendations and implementation of public and private improvements or initiatives for downtown. The geographic area for planning consideration is generally bounded by Interstate 10, 45 and 69 with stakeholder collaboration for connections to adjacent neighborhoods.

Plan Downtown includes broad strategies with a visionary mindset to transform Downtown Houston for a competitive and enriched future. Some activities will allow the public to participate in the process and inform the plan as well, GlobeSt.com learns.

Plan Downtown is working to address some key topics—Build Downtown: What are the competitive advantages of downtown now and in the future? Green Downtown: How to use and extend networks of green space. Connect Downtown: How can Downtown better connect to its adjacent neighborhoods? Move Downtown: How to balance the needs of commuters with the desire for more livable streets? Work Downtown: How does Downtown attract the future workforce? Visit Downtown: What makes Downtown a competitive destination for regional, national and international visitors? Live Downtown: Who are Downtown's current and future residents? Play Downtown: What are the methods for complementing and replicating the success of existing public spaces? Learn Downtown: How does Downtown leverage schools and universities to foster innovation and attract new office and residential populations?

A couple of public projects are in the works to complement those efforts by the Downtown Management District.

Brookfield Property Partners is reimagining Allen Center consisting of One, Two and Three Allen Center at 500 Dallas St. with a $48.5 million renovation that will make the property a destination, offering a mix of features and amenities that will set the standard for mixed-use spaces in the central business district, Brookfield says. Amenities include on-site dining, a fitness facility, the Downtown Club at the Met, business services including multiple conferencing facilities and the Doubletree Hotel. Through Brookfield's commitment to vision, community and quality, it is redefining what a downtown complex can be: a new place to work, play and unwind.

The Capitol Tower site is also located in the central business district near the Theater District, the historic Market Square and Buffalo Bayou Park. Construction is set to commence on the 35-story class-A office development located at 800 Capitol St. and is expected to finish in the second quarter of 2019. The developer and owner is Skanska USA Commercial Development.

A couple of public projects are in the works to complement those efforts by the Downtown Management District.

Instant Insights /

Plan Positions Downtown at the Forefront

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