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. 

Additionally, 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. 

WOW is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that was created to promote revitalization of our inner-city neighborhoods.  With the full support of the Washington Avenue/Memorial Super Neighborhood Council and Washington Avenue Coalition (WAC), the PPP was established by Houston City Ordinance unanimously passed by Houston City Council in November 2003 and culminated in a ceremonial groundbreaking on December 15, 2003. Funded by the City of Houston as part of its CIP 2002-2006 and by community philanthropic support, the WOW Roundabout has established a precedent for the additional planned intersection streetscape improvements along historic Washington Avenue.  The close working relationship between WOW and the City makes this project unique in its process and distinct in its results.

• PHASE 1

• PHASE 2

• PHASE 3