Main Street Promenade
Project Status: Final Design & Engineering
Downtown Houston+ is expanding the successful “More Space: Main Street” initiative into a permanent and visionary project and economic development program in partnership with the City of Houston. DTH+ will lead the full redesign, construction, and future management of this section of Main Street. Additionally, DTH+ launched street-level storefront incentive program, learn more here.
Background
Initially conceived to support local bars and restaurants during the early pandemic days, Houston City Council unanimously voted to permanently convert seven blocks of Main Street from Commerce to Rusk into a pedestrian promenade in March 2023, the next iteration of this project, aptly named “More Space: Main Street 2.0.” The final "Main Street Promenade" will incorporate four additional blocks to the south (but no additional roadway closures), bringing it to span a total of 11 blocks, from Dallas Street to Allen’s Landing.
Objectives
The project’s objectives are multifaceted, aiming to attract more visitors to the Downtown area, activate the public realm throughout the day and night, enhance mobility, ensure safety, and establish a vibrant identity for this stretch of Main Street.
Basis of Design Phase (2023)
In 2023, Downtown Houston+, conducted an extensive 9-month Conceptual Planning Phase to engage with business owners, employees, families and visitors and determine the technical, operational and visionary needs of the project. The study culminated into a Basis of Design document, which addresses three pivotal themes for the future Main Street Promenade— Maintenance and Safety, Accessibility and Placemaking.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BASIS OF DESIGN
Design and Engineering Phase (2024-2025)
DTH+ is currently in the Final Design and Engineering Phase. The Design and Engineering Phase will take place through early-2025, with construction to follow in 2025-2026. The timeline aims for completion before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ arrives in Houston.
For any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the project, please contact Cassie Hoeprich, Director of Planning & Economic Development, at cassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.org