The Project

From the beginning, this grass-roots organization envisioned a beautifully landscaped roundabout complemented

by public art that would emerge as a landmark gateway to the historic Washington Avenue corridor and downtown Houston. In WOW’s purpose to promote urban renewal, the roundabout project was designed to enhance the pedestrian and transit-oriented experience of the Washington Avenue/Westcott area by:

(1) the addition of improved landscaping, hardscapes and public art, and

(2) the construction of a traffic-calming device that has the potential to reduce the area’s vehicular and vehicular-pedestrian accidents.

Phase 1 2003 - 2006

Project Design and Right of Way Construction

Phase 2 2006 - 2007

WOW Site Improvements

Phase 3 2007 - present

WOW Site Improvement and Public Art Sculpture (in progress)

The construction and enhancement of a roundabout at this confusing convergence of streets was the first step and catalyst for an innovative multi-stage, multi-faceted vision to create a signature corridor for Houston along the three mile stretch of Washington Avenue between the roundabout and the western edge of the Central Business District. We continue to work with SuperNeighborhood #22 and others in our goal to make Washington Avenue a walkable avenue.

Awards and Recognitions

Keep Houston Beautiful Mayor's Proud Partner Award

November 2009 - Certificate of Recognition

Native Grasses + Area Environment Clean-up Program

City of Houston Planning + Development, Matching Neighborhood Grant Program

July 2009 - Grant Award

Native Grasses + Area Environment Clean-up Program

Effective Partnership Award

American Planning Association - Houston Section

December 2007 - Keiji Asakura, Landscape Architect

Keep Houston Beautiful Mayor's Distinguished Service Award

November 2005 - Keiji Asakura, Landscape Architect