Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, TIRZs and 5 Corners District unveil new project
Vice Mayor Pro Tem and District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, in collaboration with Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 25, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 9 and the 5 Corners Improvement District, recently unveiled a colorful $1.1 million project to enhance drainage, lighting, striping, landscaping, traffic movement, pedestrian safety and more at five major intersections along the US 90A/ South Main corridor.
“The part of the project that people will probably notice first and love the most is the multi-colored illumination of underpasses, along with the median improvements, combining into a visual statement that District K is a place of character, pride, spirit and success,” Castex-Tatum said at a community celebration of the project at the FountainLife Center a block from US90A.
“In addition to the colorful lights, drainage upgrades, more visible pavement markings and related improvements will make this busy roadway safer,” Castex-Tatum added.
The project, called the Gateway Improvements, will improve US 90A at the following five intersections: Fondren Road, Hillcroft Avenue, Chimney Rock Road, S. Post Oak Road and Hiram Clarke Road.
As part of a tri-party agreement, TIRZ 25 is partnering with TIRZ 9 and the 5 Corners District to continue making improvements in the area, and they are funding the project. The Houston office of Huitt-Zollars, Inc., designed the project; D G MEDINA CONSTRUCTION LLP is the builder and Up Art Studio of Houston conceived the eye-popping lighting scheme.
“The project will be the newest trademark for a community that values public art, thanks largely to my predecessor, the late Larry Green, who made sure that the mini-murals we see all over town started right here in District K,” said Castex-Tatum.
With electrical work already underway, the project is scheduled for completion in December, just in time to contribute new lighting to the holiday season.