Downtown Houston+

Small Business Saturday is almost here! Shop, dine and sip your way through Downtown Houston while supporting the local businesses that shape our community. This year, Downtown Houston+ has proudly supported street-level businesses and property owners through the Thrive Storefront Grant Program. With over $120,000 approved in grants—and more to come—these investments help small businesses enhance their storefronts and create inviting spaces that seamlessly blend with the public realm. The result? A more lively, welcoming Downtown for everyone to enjoy. Learn how Downtown Houston+ is investing in our small businesses and creating a dynamic urban experience: https://lnkd.in/gQutF3Yx

Save the date for our second Public Realm Action Plan Open House! Join us Wednesday, December 4 from 4-7pm at Discovery Green to share your thoughts on enhancing Downtown Houston's public spaces. Your input will help shape a strategy to make Downtown stronger, more dynamic and more livable. What's the goal? We're creating a Public Realm Action Plan to introduce new public spaces and improve existing parks, plazas and other Downtown destinations. After an insightful first workshop and a series of focus groups, we're ready to present preliminary proposals and hear your ideas. When:?? ??? Wednesday, December 4 from 4-7pm! Where:?? ?? Discovery Green | 1600 McKinney Street Come be a part of shaping the future of our public spaces! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gbPikYhU

City Lights unwraps a season of festive fun in Downtown Houston! Last Friday, Downtown Houston+ and Houston First Corporation kicked off the annual City Lights tradition, lighting up the district with 12 holiday villages, on view through the month of December. From Silent Night Disco parties at Market Square Park to pet photos with Santa at Trebly Park—and the immersive Snow Glow on the Bayou still to come—there's something festive for everyone. Hop on the Holiday Trolley to explore all the sights, and plan your visit with the new Downtown Houston+ digital experience! Text "Downtown Holidays" to 56512 for City Lights details, maps and ticket reservations.

Houston has been recognized as a Top 10 U.S. City & a Global Best! Houston has been ranked a Top 10 U.S. City and one of the World's Best Cities in the 2024 rankings by Resonance. As the urban core, Downtown plays a key role in shaping the city's standing on the global stage. What sets Downtown apart: ??Cultural Capital – A year-round stage for arts and entertainment, from world-class performing arts to global festivals that unite our diverse community. ??Culinary Crossroads – From Michelin-recognized restaurants to wine bars and food halls offering a tour of the globe on your fork, Downtown showcases Houston's world-class dining scene. ??Economic Engine – With global headquarters, Fortune 500 companies and a hub for innovation in energy and green tech, Downtown powers Houston's economic leadership. ??Livability Enhanced – Walkable streets, green spaces and dynamic neighborhoods make Downtown a sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike. Downtown is the heartbeat of Houston's success, and this recognition underscores its role as a hub for talent, culture and innovation. Read the full rankings: https://lnkd.in/eZMCA-kK

Houston is set to break visitor records in 2024! At last week's inaugural State of the Visitor Economy, Houston First Corporation shared that the city is on track to welcome a record-breaking 54 million visitors next year—a testament to our thriving hospitality industry. In Downtown, we're proud to help cultivate a lively and welcoming environment that supports Houston's growing visitor economy. With new developments, convention center upgrades and major events on the horizon, the momentum is only growing. Discover more about Houston's tourism boom: https://lnkd.in/gTH3ur25

?????♀? Question for the LinkedIn Community—we have ideas, but want to hear from you... There are 6 miles (!) of tunnels underneath office towers in Downtown Houston, connecting buildings and people. What would you suggest to move tunnel vibrancy to street-level? Can we do it? The first tunnel was created by one person as a clever solution for moving air conditioning between two buildings, and today, this network is home to ~20-25% of all retail and restaurants Downtown and currently has ~30% storefront vacancy. My team is asked often: How can we bring the pedestrian activity in the tunnels to street-level? We know Houston is hot and humid - and has its share of rain - but what about days like today? As our team nears the completion of our Downtown Houston Public Realm Action Plan, which will kick off projects in 2025, what would you suggest to move tunnel vibrancy to street-level? cc: Downtown Houston+, Gehl - Making Cities for People, Agora Partners, Outside Voices

We are thankful today, and everyday because?#DowntownHouston?wouldn’t be the same without our dedicated safety guides and cleaning ambassadors! Their hard work and commitment to keeping our city safe & clean make a real difference. Let’s show our appreciation for our operations team, who work tirelessly to keep Downtown Houston progressive, fun & innovative! ????

Free training for #Architects, #Designers and #Builders! Join Québec Government Office in Houston on December 9 for 2024 Procrastination Day—a full-day interactive workshop where you'll connect with peers and top vendors from Quebec, earn 5 LU/HSW credits, and explore new architectural advances to elevate your skills, projects and businesses. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gzdSgA2g

The future of retail in Downtown Houston is shining bright!?? Last week, David Romulo Cisneros, Economic Development Manager at Downtown Houston+, joined ICSC to discuss how we’re reimagining retail in our city center. Through our work on the Main Street Promenade and the launch of the Storefront Grant Program, we’re supporting street-level businesses and property owners in enhancing Downtown’s storefronts. These investments aim to create a welcoming space where businesses thrive and residents and visitors enjoy a dynamic urban experience. Interested in what’s ahead for Downtown retail? Discover how Downtown Houston+ can support your next project: https://lnkd.in/gQutF3Yx

We're proud to see Angel Ponce join the METRO Board of Directors! As a key partner in the Main Street Promenade project—from the beginning with More Space: Main Street 1.0—Angel has brought invaluable insights to our team, guiding us on accessibility and safety from intersection design to roadway elevation. His contributions have helped make Main Street Promenade a stellar example of an inclusive, safe and accessible public space for all. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with METRO under Angel's leadership, creating a Downtown that's safe, connected and welcoming for everyone.