Programs
The Downtown Redevelopment Authority is designed to help improve living and commercial establishments within the Houston Downtown Area.
Active Programs
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT + DEVELOPMENT REIMBURSEMENT
The objective of this program is to assist developers with public improvements around their projects under construction and within the boundaries of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 (DRA / TIRZ #3).
Contact Allen Douglas, Executive Director of DRA / TIRZ #3, to learn more about project eligibility and how to apply: allen.douglas@downtownhouston.org
DOWNTOWN OFFICE CONVERSION FEASIBILITY STUDY + PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
To begin shaping an adaptive reuse incentive program, Downtown Houston+ worked with a consultant to conduct a feasibility study of selected buildings located within the Downtown Houston boundaries of the DRA. This first phase of this process laid the groundwork for an Office Conversion Program, designed to incentivize the rehabilitation and repurposing of underutilized office space in downtown buildings within the boundaries of the DRA. The completed study is intended to assist participating property owners in understanding potential project feasibility for multiple adaptive reuse scenarios once the program is formed, authorized by the DRA Board, and approved by Houston City Council. These scenarios will provide a means to identify and appropriately assess the efficacy of the currently known financing tools that may be utilized to bridge capital or operational funding gaps related to office building conversions.
Complete Programs
DOWNTOWN LIVING INITIATIVE PROGRAM
From 2012 to 2016, the Downtown Living Initiative helped reshape the residential market in Downtown Houston. The program offered tax incentives to developers creating homes or multifamily projects, awarding $15,000 per unit in tax rebates, spurring a new wave of multifamily construction that nearly tripled Downtown's residential capacity.
By aligning new housing with nearby parks, transit and active spaces, the initiative laid the groundwork for a mixed-use era in Downtown Houston. More than 4,250 units were added through the program—many in high-rise buildings that brought new life to areas like Market Square Park. Its success generated market momentum, paving the way for continued residential development even after the program ended.
The initiative provided a foundation for a growing residential community in Downtown Houston, now home to over 10,000 residents across more than 8,450 units in 45 properties, as of 2025.
View Residential Properties in Downtown
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION PROGRAM
The objective of this program was to ensure the preservation and restoration of historic structures within the boundaries of TIRZ #3. This program was designed to assist property owners and lessees with long-term leases with façade restoration and preservation.