OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 1 of 16

A cool and different view of Houston's skyline; shot from the penthouse of Hotel icon.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 2 of 16

The Historic District sits adjacent to downtown Houston's massive skyline; restaurant, bars and residential properties make this the local hangout.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 3 of 16

Treebeard's has been a cajun staple for more than 30 years. Open Monday-Friday for lunch only.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 4 of 16

Emptynesters like Ruth and Jack Elvig make downtown their second home so they can enjoy the theater, sports and dining while in the city.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 5 of 16

Allen's Landing was the place where the Allen brothers docked their boat August 30, 1836 and founded Houston. Soon after, they launched a promotional campaign to lure others to this new town with promises of success and fortune!

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 6 of 16

Byrd's Market & Cafe is part restaurant and part corner grocer. A deicious menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared foods, a great selecion of beer and wine, Byrd's is a local favorite located on the corner of Prairie and Main.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 7 of 16

A very cool bar that used to be a clothing store. Dean's still celebrates the history of the place with Saturday night fashion shows. They also have live music and host First Thursdays, a screening of short local films along with the Houston Film Commission.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 8 of 16

Most of downtown's loft conversions are in the Historic District. Franklin Lofts is a historic bank building and has some of the most unique floorplans on the market. Clint, Alma and little Sebastian were gracious enough to be our cover models of the spring 2010 issue of Downtown Magazine.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 9 of 16

Every city has to have a killer pizza-by-the slice joint and Frank's is our favorite. Located on Travis and Prairie, they've got great pizza and lots more. Delivery also available!

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 10 of 16

La Carafe is a favorite of many Houstonians. Located on Market Square in the Historic District, it is in the oldest commercial building still operating in Houston. Beer and wine only.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 11 of 16

La Carafe takes cash only and their ancient cash register only rings up $6 at a time.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 12 of 16

There are some great balconies in the Historic District such as the one at State Bar located in the Post Rice Lofts building. A place where the old-time movers and shakers met over scotch and whiskey it now is a hang-out for downtown business people and a great place to go for a drink before a game or the theater.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 13 of 16

Located at Market Square, Warren's is a Houston institution. Known for a great jukebox and the heaviest pour in town!

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 14 of 16

Post Rice Lofts, formerly Rice Hotel, is at the corner of the Historic District connecting to the Ballpark and Theater Districts. Great street-level places are here such as Sambuca Jazz Cafe, Azuma Sushi, Chipotle, State Bar and Shay McElroy's Pub.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 15 of 16

Hearsay is a fantastic example of a historic building being converted into a restaurant. A small and lovely new restaurant, the atmosphere is intimate and very special. Lunch and dinner is served daily, latenight on the weekends.

OUSTON'S original town center! With its 1800’s-era architecture, tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, pubs and nighttime hotspots, the Historic District fuses culture and commerce.  This area of downtown boasts many points of interest with considerable historic significance blending the old with the new. 

At the heart of the Historic District is Market Square Park, currently being redeveloped, which will undoubtedly be the neighborhood gathering place when it reopens in August.   Surrounding the park are many of downtown’s coolest lofts as well as the University of Houston Downtown.

Photo 16 of 16

Red Cat Jazz Cafe hosts local, regional and national talent and is a great venue for Houston's thriving jazz scene.