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Redevelopment Authority Projects
The Midtown TIRZ has been responsible for physical and capital improvements in Midtown. In 1995, the TIRZ was created “freezing” the ad valorem taxes generated of the district for 30 years. From the baseline appraised value of $157 million, every increase in value and the taxes it generated is committed to the District for 30 years. Today, the appraised value of property in the district is over $650 million. This gives the Authority the ability to issue bonds based on the current and anticipated increase in value.
These are the funds the Authority uses to improve the District by providing services for basic infrastructure improvements in the District. The MRA has focused its efforts on the following service areas: economic development; residential development; and public right of way improvements. These services range from affordable housing to adding wide, beautiful sidewalks with great streetscapes and decorative street lamps to the District.
The Midtown Redevelopment Authority Initiates 4 Types of Projects Within the Midtown Community. These Projects Types Include:
- Capital Improvement Program
- Decorative Street Lighting
- Streetscapes and enhanced pedestrian pathways
- Parks and Greenspace
Current and/or Upcoming Midtown Redevelopment Authority Projects:
Gray Street Pedestrian Enhancements - Upgrades to the public right of way along Gray Street to improve pedestrian access to transit facilities. The Gray Street pedestrian enhancements include wider sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, brick pavers, accessibility ramps and other pedestrian-related infrastructure. Phase I construction from Brazos Street to Main Street is ongoing and scheduled for completion in 4Q2011; Phase II construction from Main Street to Hamilton Street is scheduled to begin in 1Q2012. The project is partially funded through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant.
Elgin Street Local Drainage Project - Improvements to the storm sewer on Elgin Street from Austin to Chenevert to address flooding in the area. This project is a partnership with the City of Houston. Construction is ongoing and scheduled for completion in early 1Q2012.
Bagby Street Reconstruction - Reconstruction of Bagby Street from St. Joseph to Tuam including two blocks on Pierce Street from Baldwin to Brazos. The project will include concrete pavement, public utility upgrades (water, storm, sanitary), enhanced intersections, wider sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, brick pavers, accessibility ramps and other pedestrian-related infrastructure. Upgrades to the storm water system will be made to address regional drainage issues. Project is currently in design; construction scheduled to begin in 1Q2012.
Elizabeth Glover Park - Improvements to Glover Park located at the intersection of Elgin Street and Austin Street to serve the many townhomes in this area. Proposed improvements to this public greenspace will include a dog run, lawn space, benches and additional site amenities. Project is currently in design; construction scheduled to begin in 1Q2012.
