Midtown Houston is known for its walkability, vibrant streetscapes, and inviting public spaces. From sidewalk pavers and tree grates to planting beds and street furnishings, these are the elements that help Midtown feel walkable, cared for, and welcoming.

That is what Midtown’s Streetscape Refresh focused on.

The project renewed streetscape elements along two Midtown legacy corridors—Elgin Street and McGowen Street, where earlier capital improvements were completed in 2008 and 2010. Rather than starting from scratch, the work focused on refreshing what was already in place through targeted landscape and hardscape improvements, including replacing dead or underperforming plant material, repairing tree grates, restoring pavers and street-name tiles, and updating street furnishings like benches and trash receptacles.

Designed with Community in Mind:

Midtown’s streets are used every day by residents, workers, visitors, and business owners. People are walking to lunch, heading to meetings, catching the train, visiting parks, and moving between destinations across the district. Streetscape design plays a quiet but important role in that experience.

The refresh focused on the original limits of the earlier corridor improvements and included both softscape and hardscape updates. Irrigation improvements were also part of the work to support stronger long-term performance.

What Was Refreshed:

Elgin Street

Along Elgin Street, from Brazos to Hamilton, completed work included:

• 110 tree gate repairs, plus 8 raised frame repairs and 8 replacements
• 1,094 square feet of sidewalk pavers and 90 square feet of street-name pavers
• 12 new trash receptacles and 2 benches
• 8 newly planted crape myrtles
• 9 new planter pots with irrigation and planting
• 19 existing planter pots refreshed with irrigation and new planting
• 12,457 square feet each of ground cover, planting soil and hardwood mulch, and irrigation for ground cover
• 2 new backflow preventers 

(Pictured: Elgin St at Fannin St)

McGowen Street

Along McGowen Street, from Smith to Hamilton, completed work included:

• 52 square feet of sidewalk pavers, 140 square feet of ramp pavers, and 120 square feet of restored street-name pavers
• 35,420 square feet of hydromulch
• 1,564 square feet each of ground cover and planting soil with hardwood mulch
• 1,555 square feet of irrigation for ground cover

(Pictured: McGowen St at Travis St)

Why It Matters:

As Midtown continues to grow and evolve, maintaining the district’s public realm matters. Streetscape features are part of how people experience Midtown every day.

This refresh project helped preserve the walkable, people-focused environment Midtown is known for while extending the life of earlier corridor investments. The completed work supports both appearance and function, making sure these two legacy streets continue to reflect the kind of district Midtown is built on.

Looking Ahead:

Midtown continues to invest in the everyday experience of the district—block by block, corridor by corridor. Elgin and McGowen are important parts of Midtown’s streetscape network, and this refresh helps make sure they continue to serve the community well.