Midtown Houston continues to build on its legacy as a place where culture, community, and opportunity intersect. With a long-standing commitment to preserving its rich heritage and creating vibrant spaces for public engagement, Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) has awarded $500,000 Cultural Facilities Grants to support major capital improvement projects at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Historic LULAC Council 60 Clubhouse.
The Cultural Facilities Program supports the development and renewal of arts and cultural institutions within the Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), promoting economic growth, tourism, and access to meaningful cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Enhancing a Cultural Anchor
Located at 3816 Caroline Street in the heart of the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is home to the largest private collection of African American military memorabilia in the country. With support from Midtown, the museum is entering a bold new chapter through its $13 million Ready & Forward capital campaign.
The grant will help fund critical improvements—including interior renovations, archival upgrades, exhibition expansion, and new educational and performance spaces—positioning the museum for a grand reopening in Spring of 2026, followed by its 25th anniversary celebration in February. Renovations began in late 2024 and run through the end of 2025.
Midtown Redevelopment Authority’s $500,000 investment (split between fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026) complements major support from organizations like Kinder Foundation, Houston Endowment, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Once complete, the museum anticipates tripling its annual visitors, enhancing educational programming, and reinforcing its role as an economic and cultural driver in Midtown.
This investment preserves history and prepares the museum for a new era—one where more students, families, and visitors can access a fully modernized, mission-driven facility rooted in cultural excellence.
LULAC Council 60 Clubhouse: Preserving Latino History in Midtown
Located at 3004 Bagby Street, the LULAC Council 60 Clubhouse is undergoing a two-phase restoration to preserve and transform one of the most significant Latino civil rights landmarks in Houston. First built in 1907, the structure served as LULAC’s national headquarters during the 1950s and ’60s and hosted historic events, including a visit from President John F. Kennedy.
Midtown Redevelopment Authority has awarded a $500,000 grant (split across fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026) to support Phase Two of a $5 million revitalization effort, which includes the creation of an outdoor plaza, shaded gathering areas, public art installations, and expanded event programming. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with full public access planned by November 2026.
The enhanced site will offer museum-quality exhibits, a café, meeting spaces, and media studios—serving as the new headquarters for LULAC Council 60 and a year-round cultural venue. The clubhouse is projected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors annually, reinforcing Midtown’s position as a hub for civic engagement, Latino history, and inclusive placemaking.
The project leverages $1.6 million in secured public and private investments and honors the legacy of a landmark recognized as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
These two projects represent Midtown’s vision for inclusive growth through cultural investment. By supporting the revitalization of historically significant spaces, Midtown continues to honor its past while creating meaningful opportunities for public participation, cultural expression, and economic development.
As these projects move forward, Midtown remains focused on strengthening its role as a vibrant cultural destination—where institutions, public spaces, and community voices come together to tell stories that matter.