LOCAL Houston | The City Guide January 2017 | Page 37

... is for Beautification
... is for Convention Center District

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... is for Beautification

Just in time for the Super Bowl , NRG Park has gotten a facelift to enhance its streetscapes , entranceways and overall visual environment .
The Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority , led by chairman ED WULFE , engaged the global architecture and design firm Gensler ’ s
Houston office and TBG Landscape Architects to develop an overall improvement plan for the complex , including a new eight-foot sidewalk along the southside of McNee from Main to Kirby that also features new trees , landscaping and fencing . LED street lighting was added along McNee and Murworth , with TxDOT adding new sidewalks , new landscaping , additional trees in the esplanade and new LED lighting along Main Street .
“ This project has energized the stakeholders to come together and work as never before toward their common goal to improve the visual environment and experience of NRG Stadium Park to the benefit of all Houstonians ,” JAMEY ROOTES , President of the Houston Texans , said . The stadium team is also working with TxDOT to develop plans for further landscape enhancements to the South Main Corridor , including implementation of a $ 310,000 Keep Houston Beautiful grant . They plan to save 31 mature live oak trees from work underway on Post Oak Boulevard to replant in the immediate area with the cooperation of the Uptown District , The Apache Corp . and Trees for Houston .
“ When completed , it is estimated that these improvements will significantly enhance the arrival and departure experience for visitors to NRG Park and inspire further economic development ,” said JOEL COWLEY , president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo .
HOUSTON A – Z | THE SUPER BOWL EDITION

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... is for Convention Center District

“ This project is a true reflection of Houston ’ s can-do attitude with many facets of our community joining forces to work together to the benefit of all ,” Wulfe said .
The area around and inside the George R . Brown Convention Center – Houston ’ s Front Door – has been transformed ! Now known as Avenida Houston , the district features a walkable , pedestrian plaza that connects visitors of the GRB to the surrounding attractions , including Minute Maid Ballpark , Toyota Center , Compass BBVA , Marriott Marquis , Discovery Green and the Hilton Americas-Houston . Plus , the district now offers a slew of new restaurants , including Grotto , Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen , McAlister ’ s Deli and Bud ’ s Pitmaster BBQ . january 17 | LOCAL 37