Central Houston Inc
About Central Houston Inc
If you have ever wished downtown felt more walkable, more connected, and a little easier to love, this is the organization behind that kind of work. Central Houston supports public realm projects, storefronts, research, and civic coordination that shape how Downtown Houston works for the people who use it every day. Its focus is practical: better access, better public spaces, and a downtown that can support business, residents, visitors, and workers alike.
What sets Central Houston apart is the range of what it handles for Downtown Houston. It is part research shop, part civic convener, part on-the-ground downtown operator, with work that runs from pedestrian projects like Main Street Promenade and Via Futbol to grants, safety, and storefront support.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Economic development
Serves as a resource for investors, building owners and tenants with market data, development maps and independent research to recruit and retain office tenants, encourage quality development and grow the innovation ecosystem.
Transportation access
Advocates for better transportation options, priority access and effective commuting methods in Downtown Houston, and works with city and regional agencies to coordinate transportation projects.
Civic leadership
Coordinates civic stakeholders and technical resources for major Downtown opportunities, including infrastructure and design efforts tied to large public projects.
Urban placemaking
Works with the downtown community to create unique and vibrant places that attract workforce talent, residents, visitors and development investment.
Main Street Promenade
A seven-block pedestrian gathering space with expanded walkways, shade, greenery, patio space and public space in Downtown Houston.
Cool + Connected Corridors
Adds shade structures, plantings, trees and pedestrian lighting along Texas Avenue and other routes to create more comfortable walking connections.
Clean & Safe Teams
Provides daily cleaning, visible safety presence and outreach focused on keeping Downtown public spaces welcoming and cared for.
Storefronts + Small Business support
Supports retail storefronts and small businesses through tenant alignment, activation guidance, field guides, marketing support and grant navigation.
Grants + Incentive Programs
Offers funding opportunities such as Thrive Storefront Grants, Facade Improvement Grants, Alfresco Grants, Fresh Start Market Grant and tax increment financing support.
Research + Reports
Produces market reports, land use and development maps, planning and public realm studies, block numbering reports and Office Story reports for Downtown Houston.
About this work
Mission
Champion and enhance Downtown Houston as a connected and thriving place for everyone.
Who they serve
Business, institutional and civic leaders, property owners, tenants, workers, residents, visitors and Downtown Houston stakeholders.
Their impact
- Delivered 4,000+ units through the Downtown Living Initiative, tripling the residential population.
How your donation helps
- Public realm projects such as the Main Street Promenade and pedestrian corridors
- Storefront, facade and patio improvement grants
- Clean & Safe Teams that care for Downtown streets and public spaces
- Research, market reports and economic data tools
- Wayfinding, lighting and other pedestrian comfort initiatives
Need help?
How someone in need can access Central Houston Inc’s services.
For non-emergencies, request service from the Clean & Safe Teams at 713-223-2003 or Operations@DowntownHouston.org. For event-space questions, contact Events@DowntownHouston.org.
In their words
It's very seldom that you find an organization like Downtown Houston+ that's so invested with the private sector, that walks beside them.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Central Houston Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Implement the Cool + Connected Corridor on Texas Avenue
- Produce safe and comfortable pedestrian pathways between key World Cup activity centers
- Launch office tenant recruitment and retention support
- Construct recreational amenities in Market Square Park
- Initiate the Fresh Start neighborhood market grant program
- Implement the refreshed Tranquillity Park vision
Recognition & press
In the media
- FOX26 Houston, coverage of World Cup fans navigating Downtown Houston and Via Futbol
- CW39, coverage of Downtown Houston launching Via Futbol to guide World Cup fans
- Houston Business Journal, coverage of the Main Street Promenade and downtown World Cup preparations
- Axios Houston, coverage of the Main Street Promenade and pedestrian corridor in Downtown Houston
- Houston Chronicle, coverage of Downtown Houston's walkability and 'park once' approach
- KHOU 11, coverage of Main Street Promenade readiness and Downtown Houston's World Cup upgrades
- KPRC, coverage of the Main Street Promenade opening ahead of World Cup crowds
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of projects does Downtown Houston+ support?
It supports public realm projects, storefront improvements, pedestrian wayfinding, research, economic development, and downtown business support.
How can a Downtown business get support?
Businesses can use the storefront and small business resources, look into grant and incentive programs, request field guides, and connect with the Small Business Development Center contact listed on the site.
What is Via Futbol?
Via Futbol is a pedestrian wayfinding initiative that uses blue hexagon markers, signage, and Oasis Zones to help people move between World Cup destinations in Downtown Houston.
How do non-emergency service requests get handled?
Non-emergency safety or cleaning requests can be sent to the Clean & Safe Teams at 713-223-2003 or Operations@DowntownHouston.org.
What do the grant programs support?
The grant programs support storefront improvements, facade upgrades, outdoor space activation, grocery-related improvements, and other Downtown investment projects.
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