News Release
HOUSTON — Design Workshop, an international landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm, is pleased to announce they were selected by Downtown Houston+ for continued work on the More Space: Main Street 2.0 project. The Design Workshop team led the initial planning and design study to understand the technical, operational and visionary needs of the project. It resulted in guidelines that set a cohesive vision in place. Now, they will play an integral role in implementing those guidelines — with a focus on maintenance and safety, accessibility and placemaking — to establish Main Street as the everyday gathering place for residents and visitors.
"Main Street is an exciting opportunity as it serves as a vital transit corridor and a historic roadway with significant character that we are committed to preserving," said Brian Chambers, principal at Design Workshop. "Downtown Houston is poised for a transformation with this Main Street Promenade project, which will redesign the street to prioritize the pedestrian experience. We are thrilled to see this vision come to life."
The Main Street 2.0 project builds upon the work done during COVID to transform a makeshift outdoor dining experience into a permanently revitalized pedestrian promenade. Now, 11 blocks of Houston’s downtown area are on their way to becoming a linear, pedestrian promenade. The planning process has, and continues to, include extensive stakeholder engagement to capture input from all community members. Engineering and implementation are currently underway with construction expected to commence next year.
A central focus of the project is enhanced connectivity, accomplished with the strategic incorporation of the distinct "gateway" element at Commerce Street, bridging Allen’s Landing and Main Street. The historic birthplace of the City of Houston and site for public celebrations, this gateway site will build on Allen’s Landing’s legacy as a beloved gathering space in time for the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
"Main Street is set to become an integral part of our daily lives in ways we have yet to experience," said Chambers. "We are collaborating with Downtown Houston+ and local businesses to design versatile spaces that can be enjoyed both day and night.” A key aspect of Design Workshop’s enhancements includes significantly increasing trees, shade, and landscaping to create inviting and comfortable environments. Main Street will become a premier destination, offering countless reasons for people to visit Downtown. “Our goal is to make Main Street so appealing that it becomes a must-visit experience for everyone."
Upon completion, The Main Street Promenade will activate the public realm throughout the day and night, enhance mobility, ensure safety of residents and visitors, and establish a vibrant identity for this stretch of Main Street.
Founded in 1969, Design Workshop is an internationally renowned design firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban planning and strategic services with eight studios in the U.S. and projects spanning the globe. Our work focuses on the intersection of art, community, environment and economics to increase social equity and create places of meaning and resonance. For additional information visit us at designworkshop.com and follow @designworkshop on LinkedIn and Instagram.