The corner of a four-way stop street corner of Bagby showing a clean urban district with a multi-use building, ample parking, pedestrian walkways and young trees.

Bagby Streetscape and Paving Improvements

Sustainable urban upgrade

Project Facts

Location Houston, Texas
Owner Midtown Redevelopment Authority
Size 3,500 LF
Cost $9.6 million
Status Completed 2013
Certifications LEED Silver

Overview

Prompted by a 2008 drainage study, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority enlisted our team to lead a comprehensive redesign of the aging infrastructure along 10 city blocks of Bagby Street in Houston’s Midtown. The project addressed flooding issues and aided in the sustainable revitalization of Midtown, achieving LEED Silver and becoming the first Greenroads Project in Texas, the eighth globally, and the highest-scoring at the time of certification.

A night view of a well-lit and safe walkable section of Bagby Street, with decorative pavers and manicured trees.

An urban street, with decorative pavers forming a wide pedestrian walkway. Either side of the walkway is lined with manicured trees and integrated lighting.

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A manicured patchwork of decorative plants, grass, and trees stand between a wide street, and sidewalk in an urban district.

An inviting and walkable section of street, with greenery, sidewalks, expansive trees and ample parking.

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About the project

To rejuvenate the aging infrastructure along ten city blocks of Bagby Street in Houston’s Midtown, crucial for the vibrant business and pedestrian life, a unique challenge emerged: enhance the area without disrupting the continuous flow of traffic along the one-way collector connecting downtown to the Museum District and the Southwest Freeway. 

Walter P Moore conducted a meticulous block-by-block analysis guided the implementation of context-sensitive solutions, allowing for the installation of a 28-foot deep, 60-inch storm sewer beneath the street while keeping Bagby open. 

Collaborating with an urban planning and design firm, the project introduced the city’s first Low Impact Development (LID) plan, resulting in a sustainable, walkable community with widened sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly amenities. The redevelopment, showcasing a 15 percent increase in on-street parking and 33 percent stormwater filtration by rain gardens, has set a new standard for sustainable street design in Texas and attracted over $25 million in new private development.

A timelapse night scene of a busy but well-lit street lined with retail and residential multi-story building. Bright streaks of light captured by time lapse photography hint at a bustling district.

Awards

2016 Center for Active Design Excellence Award

2014 Best Street of the Year, Congress for New Urbanism

2014 Engineering Excellence Honor Award, ACEC

2014 Presidential Award of Excellence, ASLA

2015 ULI Houston Development of Distinction

2014 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence: Gold Medal

2014 Roads & Bridges Top 10 Roads List: #5

2014 APWA Texas Public Works Project of the Year

2014 Texas ASLA Award of Excellence

2014 Merit Award for Communication, ASLA

2014 Engineering Excellence Gold Awards, ACEC