From its earliest days, Midtown Houston has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s identity. Once a part of Houston’s historic Third and Fourth Wards, the area was a thriving center for African American life and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These neighborhoods were filled with grand Victorian homes, bustling businesses, and community leaders who helped lay the foundation for Houston’s future as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

By the early 20th century, Midtown evolved into a vibrant hub, featuring theaters, restaurants, and shops that attracted residents from across the city. Though the neighborhood experienced an economic decline in the mid-1920s, its rich cultural heritage remained strong.

In 1992, a grassroots coalition of urban planners, property owners, and residents formed the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) to revitalize the neighborhood.

 In 1995, Midtown was designated a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), marking the start of its remarkable comeback. Over the past 30 years, MRA has worked to foster economic growth while preserving the area’s historic character.

Today, Midtown stands as a thriving, walkable community of 14,000 residents, home to over 140 restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and cultural landmarks. Midtown’s commitment to honoring its past is evident in annual events like Black History Now at Bagby Park and the Juneteenth public art tribute, celebrating its deep roots in the African American history of the Third and Fourth Wards.

Come explore Midtown—a place where history, culture, and community come together in the heart of Houston.