South Post Oak Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ 9), Houston, TX, 2020 – present
Highlights:
• $100,000 annual budget
• Worked with the Authority to clearly define vision, goals, needs, and desires to establish a set of civic art and placemaking priorities
• Researched possible locations, project types and examples, and best-practice models
• Conferred with appropriate stakeholders via community engagement to finalize recommendations
Project Summary:
To improve daily life for the people of the 5 Corners/Hiram Clarke area, the South Post Oak Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ 9) in Houston has contracted with us for an exciting new civic art and placemaking program. South Post Oak is an area that needs investment, affordable housing, and quality-of-life amenities. Civic art installations were high on the TIRZ 9 Board’s list of valued reinvestments, alongside amenities like parks, trails, landscaping, and streetscapes.
For this project, we’re providing comprehensive professional services. In Phase I, we completed research into national best practices, engaged with the community members and stakeholders, and provided specific project recommendations to the Board in a report. (see the full report in Other Relevant Information)
We are now in Phase II — delivery of our first set of projects on the ground. During this phase we assembled a Civic Art Committee, to advise on current priorities and preferences. We are currently developing placemaking projects and installations including Mini Murals, murals, sculptures, installations, and more.
Via these projects we will provide ongoing opportunities for local artists.
In August 2020 we kicked off the same study in the adjacent TIRZ 25, Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend County Increment Reinvestment Zone.