View source for Downtown Houston

{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
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 | name                     = Downtown Houston <!-- at least one of the first two fields must be filled in -->
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 | nickname                 = 
 | settlement_type          = [[List of neighborhoods in Houston|Neighborhood]]
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 | motto                    = 
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 | image_skyline            = Downtown Houston, TX Skyline - 2018.jpg
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 | image_caption            = The Downtown skyline from the west.
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 | image_map                = Houston_Downtown_Map.png
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 | map_caption              = Road map of Downtown Houston.
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<!-- Location ------------------>
 | subdivision_type         = Country
 | subdivision_name         = {{USA}}
 | subdivision_type1        = State
 | subdivision_name1        = [[Texas]]
 | subdivision_type2        = County
 | subdivision_name2        = [[Harris County, Texas|Harris County]]
 | subdivision_type3        = City
 | subdivision_name3        = [[Houston]]
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 | subdivision_name4        = <!-- Smaller parts (e.g. boroughs of a city) and seat of government -->
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 | parts_type               = Subdistricts
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 | p1                       = [[Daikin Park|Ballpark]]
 | p2                       = Civic Center
 | p3                       = Convention
 | p4                       = Harris County
 | p5                       = [[Main Street/Market Square Historic District|Historic]]
 | p6                       = Medical
 | p7                       = Shopping
 | p8                       = [[Houston Skyline District|Skyline]]
 | p9                       = [[Houston Theater District|Theater]]
 | p10                      = Warehouse
 | established_title        = Settled
 | established_date         = 1836
<!-- Area    --------------------->
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name="DD">{{Cite web|url=http://downtowndistrict.org/static/media/uploads/attachments/downtown_at_a_glance_june2017.pdf|title=Downtown at a Glance: June 2017|date=June 2017|website=Downtown District|access-date=2017-10-19}}</ref>
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 | area_total_sq_mi         = 1.84
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 | population_as_of         = 2017
 | population_footnotes     = <ref name="DD" />
 | population_note          = Greater Downtown (within 2 miles): 74,791
 | population_total         = 10,165
 | population_density_km2   = auto
 | population_density_sq_mi = auto
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 | postal_code_type         = ZIP Code
 | postal_code              = 77002
 | area_codes                = [[Area codes 281, 346, 713, and 832|281, 346, 713, and 832]]
 | website                  = {{URL|downtownhouston.org}}
 | footnotes                = 
}}

'''Downtown''' is the largest [[central business district]] in the city of [[Houston]] and the largest in the state of [[Texas]], located near the geographic center of the metropolitan area at the confluence of [[Interstate 10 in Texas|Interstate 10]], [[Interstate 45]], and [[Interstate 69]]. The {{convert|1.84|mi2|km2|adj=on}} district, enclosed by the aforementioned highways, contains the original townsite of Houston at the confluence of [[Buffalo Bayou]] and [[White Oak Bayou]], a point known as [[Allen's Landing]]. Downtown has been the city's preeminent commercial district since its founding in 1836.

Today home to nine [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]] corporations, Downtown contains {{convert|50|e6ft2|m2}} of office space and is the workplace of 150,000 employees.<ref name="DD" /> Downtown is also a major destination for entertainment and recreation. Nine major performing arts organizations are located within the 13,000-seat [[Houston Theater District|Theater District]] at prominent venues including [[Alley Theatre]], [[Hobby Center for the Performing Arts]], [[Jones Hall]], and the [[Wortham Theater Center]]. Two major professional sports venues, [[Daikin Park]] and the [[Toyota Center]], are home to the [[Houston Astros]] and [[Houston Rockets]], respectively. [[Discovery Green]], an urban park located on the east side of the district adjacent to the [[George R. Brown Convention Center]], anchors the city's convention district.

Downtown is Houston's civic center, containing [[Houston City Hall]], the [[Harris County Jail|jails]], criminal, and civil courthouses of [[Harris County, Texas|Harris County]], [[Federal Detention Center, Houston|a federal prison]] and courthouse. Downtown is also a major public transportation hub, lying at the center of the [[METRORail|light rail system]], [[park and ride]] system, and the metropolitan freeway network; the [[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County]] (METRO) is headquartered in the district. Over 100,000 people commute through Downtown daily.<ref name="DD" /> An extensive [[Houston Downtown Tunnel System|network of pedestrian tunnels]] and skywalks connects a large number of buildings in the district; this system also serves as a subterranean mall.

Geographically, Downtown is bordered by [[East Downtown Houston|East Downtown]] to the east, [[Third Ward, Houston|Third Ward]] to the south, [[Midtown, Houston|Midtown]] to the southwest, [[Fourth Ward, Houston|Fourth Ward]] to the west, [[Sixth Ward, Houston|Sixth Ward]] to the northwest, and [[Near Northside, Houston|Near Northside]] to the north. The district's streets form a strict [[grid plan]] of approximately 400 square blocks,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-01-06/Block_Map_2014_1.pdf|title=Downtown Houston Block Numbering (HCAD)|date=January 2014|website=Downtown District|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209125341/http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-01-06/Block_Map_2014_1.pdf|archive-date=2014-02-09|url-status=dead|access-date=2017-10-20}}</ref> oriented at a southwest to northeast angle. The northern end of the district is crossed by Buffalo Bayou, the banks of which function as a [[linear park]] with a grade-separated system of hike-and-bike trails.

==Composition==
{{Gallery
|title=
|width=200
|height=170
|align=center
|File:Houston night.jpg|Nighttime view of the Downtown skyline.
|File:Downtown Houston Skyline; 2009.jpg|View of Downtown from the west.
|File:METRORail 5.jpg|Main Street Square station in the heart of the business district.
|File:DowntownhoustonWelcome.JPG|Branding monument at a northern entrance to Downtown.
|File:Houston Texas 14Mar2018 SkySat.jpg|Satellite image of Downtown Houston.
}}

Downtown Houston is a {{convert|1178|acre|sqmi|adj=on}} area bounded by [[Interstate 45]], [[Interstate 69]]/[[U.S. Highway 59]], and [[Interstate 10]]/[[U.S. Highway 90]].<ref name="Factsheet">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20070306103336/http://www.houstondowntown.com/Home/GeneralInfo/About/PressRoom/FactSheet/Fact%20Sheet.PDF Fact Sheet]." () Downtown Houston Management District. Retrieved on April 7, 2009.</ref> Several sub-districts exist within Downtown, including:<ref name="Districts">"[https://www.downtownhouston.org/districts/ Downtown Districts]." ''Downtown Houston''. Retrieved on June 11, 2016</ref>
* Ballpark – Includes [[Daikin Park]] and surrounding restaurants, lofts, and office space.
* Convention – Includes the [[George R. Brown Convention Center]], [[Discovery Green]], the [[Toyota Center]], and some of the largest hotels in the city.
* [[Civic Center, Houston|Civic Center]] – Contains the core of Houston's government, including [[Houston City Hall|City Hall]] – the [[Houston Public Library]] Central Library is also here,
* Harris County – The district includes the Harris County courts complex, and the [[University of Houston–Downtown]] is on the edge of the district.<ref name="Lively">"[http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/11/20/focus2.html Eclectic variety of lively districts comprise downtown Houston]". ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. November 17, 2006. Retrieved on March 11, 2010.</ref>
* [[Main Street Market Square Historic District|Historic]] – This was the original town center of Houston and dates from the 19th century. The center of the historic district is the Market Square, where the original city hall building stood. 
* Medical – located along Interstate 45 in the southern corner of the district; includes [[St. Joseph Medical Center (Houston, Texas)|St. Joseph Medical Center]], residential properties and the [[Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Houston)|Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral]] campus.
* Shopping – Main Street Square has a pavilion and fountains built around the [[Main Street Square Station]] – [[GreenStreet]] and the [[Shops at Houston Center]] are in the area.
* [[Houston Skyline District|Skyline]] – Includes many skyscrapers and forms the base of Downtown's employment. The buildings are connected by the extensive [[Houston tunnel system|tunnel network]]. 
* [[Houston Theater District|Theater]] – The 17 block area includes many performing arts venues, [[Bayou Place]], and the [[Downtown Aquarium, Houston|Houston Aquarium]].<ref name="Lively" />
* Warehouse – Home to Houston's alternative art scene, unique dining options, live music, artists’ studios and downtown's first lofts.

==History==
{{See also|History of Houston}}

[[File:TownofHoustonHistory.JPG|thumb|Marker in Downtown Houston commemorating the founding of Houston by the Allen Brothers]]

Downtown Houston encompasses the original townsite of Houston. After the [[Texas Revolution]], two New York real estate investors, [[John Kirby Allen]] and [[Augustus Chapman Allen]], purchased {{convert|6642|acres|0|abbr=on}} of land from Thomas F.L. Parrot and his wife, Elizabeth ([[John Austin (soldier)|John Austin]]'s widow), for US$9,428 ({{inflation|US|9428|1836|fmt=eq}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fpa85|title=Parrott, Thomas F. L. |last=Livingston |first=Ronald Howard |orig-date=June 1, 1995 |date=June 15, 2010|publisher=TSHA |work=Handbook of Texas |access-date=2016-06-11 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160818114314/https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fpa85 |archive-date= Aug 18, 2016 }}</ref> The Allen brothers settled at the confluence of [[White Oak Bayou|White Oak]] and [[Buffalo Bayou|Buffalo]] bayous, a spot now known as [[Allen's Landing]].

A team of three surveyors, including [[Gail Borden, Jr.]] (best known for inventing [[condensed milk]]) and [[Moses Lapham]], platted a 62-square-block townsite in the fall of 1836, each block approximately 250 by 250 feet, or  {{convert|62500|ft2|m2}} in size.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/landmarks/11PL103_Stuart_Bldg_304_Main_St.pdf|title=Protected Landmark Designation Report – Stuart Building|date=March 21, 2011|publisher=City of Houston|access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref> The [[grid plan]] was designed to conform to the winding route of Buffalo Bayou; east–west streets were aligned at an angle of north 55º west, while north–south streets were at an angle of south 35º west.<ref name="Glass">{{Cite journal|last=Glass|first=James L.|date=1994|title=The Original Book of Sales of Lots in the Houston Town Company from 1836 Forward|url=https://houstonhistorymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/16.3-The-Original-Book-fo-Sales-of-Lots-of-the-Houston-Town-Company-from-1836-Forward-James-Glass.pdf|journal=The Houston Review|volume=16|pages=167–194|via=Houston History Magazine}}</ref> Each block was subdivided into 12 lots – five 50-by-100-foot lots on each side of the block, and two 50-by-125-foot lots between the rows of five.<ref name="Glass" /> The Allen brothers, motivated by their vision for urban civic life, specified wide streets to easily accommodate commercial traffic and reserved blocks for schools, churches, and civic institutions.<ref name="Hogg">{{Cite book|title=[[The Hogg Family and Houston: Philanthropy and the Civic Ideal]]|last=Kirkland|first=Kate Sayan|publisher=[[University of Texas Press]]|year=2009|isbn=9780292748460|location=Austin, Texas|pages=3–4}}</ref> The townsite was then cleared and drained by a team of Mexican prisoners and [[History of slavery in Texas|black slaves]].<ref name="Hogg" /> By April 1837, Houston featured a dock, commercial district, the capitol building of the [[Republic of Texas]], and an estimated population of 1,500.<ref name="Hogg" /> The first city hall was sited at present-day [[Market Square Park]] in 1841; this block also served as the city's preeminent retail market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marketsquarepark.com/site_media/uploads/files/2011-03/Back_to_the_Future.pdf|title=Back to the Future|last=Theis|first=David|date=2010|website=Market Square Park|access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref>

The relocation of the Texan republic's capital to Houston required a significant political campaign by the Allen brothers. The Allens gifted a number of city blocks to prominent Texas politicians and agreed to construct the new capitol building and a large hotel at no cost to the government.<ref name="Glass" /> The Allens also donated blocks to celebrities, relatives, prominent lawyers, and other influential people in order to attract additional investment and speculation to the town.<ref name="Glass" /> During the late 1830s and early 1840s, Houston was in the midst of a [[real estate bubble|land boom]], and lots were selling at "enormous prices," according to a visitor to the town in 1837.<ref name="Glass" />

Despite the efforts of the Allen brothers and high economic interest in the town, first few years of Houston's existence were plagued by [[yellow fever]] epidemics, flooding, searing heat, inadequate infrastructure, and crime.<ref name="Hogg" /> Houston suffered from woefully inadequate city services; the Allens failed to accommodate transit, water service, sewerage, road paving, trash service, or gas service in their plans.<ref name="Glass" /> As a result, in 1839 the Texas Capitol was moved to [[Austin, Texas|Austin]].<ref name="Hogg" />

In 1840, Houston adopted a [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|ward system]] of municipal governance, which, at the time, was considered more democratic than a [[Mayor–council government|strong-mayor system]] and had already been adopted by the United States' largest cities.<ref name="Trapp">{{Cite journal|last=Chapman|first=Betty Trapp|date=Fall 2010|title=A System of Government Where Business Ruled|url=https://houstonhistorymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ward-system-of-government.pdf|journal=Houston History Magazine|volume=8|pages=29–33}}</ref> The boundaries of the original four wards of Houston radiated out from the intersection of Main and Congress streets; the First Ward was located to the northwest, Second to the northeast, Third to the southeast, and Fourth to the southwest.<ref name="Trapp" /> Fifth Ward was created in 1866, encompassing the area north of Buffalo Bayou and east of White Oak Bayou; Sixth Ward, the final addition to the system, replaced the section of Fourth Ward north of Buffalo Bayou in 1877.<ref name="Trapp" /> The ward system, which featured elected [[aldermen]] who served as representatives of each neighborhood, remained Houston's form of municipal government until 1905, when the city switched to a [[city commission government|commission government]] and the wards, as political entities, were dissolved.<ref name="Trapp" />

Houston grew steadily throughout the late 19th century, and the neighborhoods within the boundaries of modern Downtown diversified. To the northeast, around present-day [[Daikin Park]], Quality Hill emerged as an elite neighborhood, occupied by entrepreneurs like [[William Marsh Rice]] (namesake of [[Rice University]]), [[William J. Hutchins]], and William L. Foley (namesake of [[Foley's]] department stores).<ref name="Sturrock">{{Cite journal|last=Sturrock|first=Sidonie|date=Spring 2015|title=Uncovering the Story of Quality Hill, Houston's First Elite Residential Neighborhood: A Detective on the Case|url=https://houstonhistorymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Quality-Hill.pdf|journal=Houston History Magazine|volume=12-2|pages=7–12}}</ref> The neighborhood was well known for its opulent residential architecture, often in the [[Greek Revival]] style.<ref name="Sturrock" /> To the north, along a bend in Buffalo Bayou, the working-class neighborhood of Frost Town welcomed immigrants from Europe and Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Frost-Town-a-peek-into-past-9203176.php|title=Frost Town offers a peek into the past|last=George|first=Cindy|date=September 4, 2016|website=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref>

Prior to the arrival of the first [[streetcar]]s in Houston in the 1870s, most development in the city had been centered in and around the present-day Downtown area. One of the first systems, the Houston City Street Railway, opened in 1874 with four lines along the principal commercial thoroughfares in the heart of the business district.<ref name="Baron">{{Cite journal|last=Baron|first=Steven|date=1994|title=Streetcars and the Growth of Houston|url=https://houstonhistorymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/16.2-Streetcars-and-the-Growth-of-Houston-Steven-M-Baron.pdf|journal=The Houston Review|volume=16|pages=67–100}}</ref> While generally focused on the most prosperous areas of town, the Houston City Street Railway extended one line a full mile south of the center of the city, making it the first streetcar network designed to spur residential development.<ref name="Baron" /> By the 1890s, new, larger local streetcar companies finally accumulated the capital necessary to begin constructing [[streetcar suburb]]s beyond the conventional boundaries of the city.<ref name="Baron" /> This led to the development and rapid growth of areas like the [[Houston Heights]] and [[Montrose, Houston|Montrose]].<ref name="Baron" /> Residential development subsequently moved out of the central business district; Quality Hill was virtually abandoned by the turn of the 20th century.<ref name="Sturrock" />

Downtown's growth can be attributed to two major factors: The first arose after the [[Galveston Hurricane of 1900]], when investors began seeking a location close to the ports of Southwest Texas, but apparently free of the dangerous hurricanes that frequently struck Galveston and other port cities. Houston became a wise choice, as only the most powerful storms were able to reach the city. The second came a year later with the 1901 discovery of oil at [[Spindletop]], just south of [[Beaumont, Texas]]. Shipping and oil industries began flocking to east Texas, many settling in Houston. From that point forward the area grew substantially, as many skyscrapers were constructed, including the city's tallest buildings. In the 1980s, however, economic recession canceled some projects and caused others to be scaled back, such as the [[Bank of the Southwest Tower]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20121022071120/http://www.emporis.com/application/?nav=building&lng=3&id=bankofstreetsouthwesttower-houston-tx-usa Information from Emporis]}}</ref>

{{Gallery
|title=Image gallery: Downtown Houston in the early 20th century
|align=center
|height=150
|width=200
|state=collapsed
|File:Bird's-eye view looking up Main street, Houston, Texas.jpg
 |Bird's-eye view looking up Main Street, Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1912–1924)
|File:Bird's-eye view Houston Texas.jpg
 |Bird's-eye view, Houston, Texas (circa 1907)
|File:Hotel Brazos and Grand Central Station, Houston, Texas.jpg
 |Hotel Brazos and Grand Central Station, Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1911)
|File:Downtown Houston TX 1927.jpg
 |Downtown Houston in 1927
|File:View from the Scanlon building, Houston, Texas.jpg
 |View from the [[Scanlan Building]], Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1910)
|File:Auditorium, Houston, Texas.jpg
 |City Auditorium, Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1910)
|File:Opera House, Houston, Texas.jpg
 |Opera House, Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1958)
}}

In the 19th century much of what was the [[Third Ward, Houston|Third Ward]], the present day east side of Downtown Houston, was what Stephen Fox, an architectural historian who lectured at [[Rice University]], referred to as "the elite neighborhood of late 19th-century Houston." Ralph Bivins of the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' wrote that Fox said<!--While Fox actually said it, the wording is Bivins'--> that area was "a silk-stocking neighborhood of Victorian-era homes." Bivins said that the construction of Union Station, which occurred around 1910, caused the "residential character" of the area to "deteriorate." Hotels opened in the area to service travelers. Afterwards, according to Bivins, the area "began a long downward slide toward the skid row of the 1990s" and the hotels devolved into [[flophouse]]s. Passenger trains stopped going to [[Union Station (Houston)|Union Station]] in 1974.<ref>Bivins, Ralph. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1996_1368245 ON DECK/The stadium vote/Stadium gives hope to downtown landowners] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617064750/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1996_1368245 |date=2012-06-17 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Sunday September 29, 1996. A1. Retrieved on August 12, 2010.</ref> The construction of [[Interstate 45]] in the 1950s separated portions of the historic Third Ward from the rest of the Third Ward and brought those portions into Downtown.<ref name="Study11">"[http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/planning_studies/ludem/pdf/chap5_area11.pdf Study Area 11] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530201304/http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/planning_studies/ludem/pdf/chap5_area11.pdf |date=May 30, 2010 }}." ''City of Houston''. Accessed October 21, 2008.</ref>

Beginning in the 1960s the development of the [[610 Loop]] caused the focus of the Houston area to move away from Downtown Houston. Joel Barna of ''Cite 42'' said that this caused [[Greater Houston]] to shift from "a fragmenting but still centrally focused spatial entity into something more like a doughnut," and that Downtown Houston began to become a "hole" in the "doughnut." As interchange connections with the 610 Loop opened, according to Barna Downtown "became just another node in a multi-node grid" and, as of 1998, "has been that, with already established high densities and land prices." In the mid-1980s, the bank [[savings and loan crisis]] forced many tenants in Downtown Houston buildings to retrench, and some tenants went out of business. Barna said that this development further caused Downtown Houston to decline.<ref name="Barna73">Barna, Joel Warren. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=aIdYVBPGgT4C&dq=cite+%22filling+the+doughnut%22&pg=PA72 Filling the Doughnut]."  ''Cite 42''. Summer/Fall (northern hemisphere) 1998. Published in: Scardino, Barrie and Bruce Webb. ''Ephemeral City''. [[University of Texas Press]], 2003. [[Google Books]] Page 73. {{ISBN|0-292-70187-X}}, 9780292701878.</ref>

The [[Gulf Hotel fire]] occurred in 1943.

Areas which are now considered part of Downtown were once within [[Third Ward, Houston, Texas|Third]] and the [[Fourth Ward, Houston, Texas|Fourth]] wards; the construction of Interstate 45 in the 1950s separated the areas from their former communities and placed them in Downtown. Additional freeway construction in the 1960s and 1970s solidified the current boundaries of Downtown. Originally, Downtown was the most important retail area of Houston. Suburban retail construction in the 1970s and 1980s reduced Downtown's importance in terms of retail activity.<ref name="Study11" />

From 1971 to 2018, about [[National Register of Historic Places listings in downtown Houston, Texas|40 downtown buildings and other properties have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places]].

The onset of the [[1980s oil glut]] had devastating economic consequences for Downtown. In the mid-1980s, a bank savings and loan crisis forced many tenants in Downtown Houston buildings to retrench, and some went out of business. This development further caused Downtown Houston to decline.<ref name="Barna73" /> In 1986, Downtown's Class A office occupancy rate was 81.4%.<ref name="Bivins3towers">Bivins, Ralph. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3675101 SURVIVAL OF THE NEWEST / OCCUPANCY DOWNTOWN TUMBLING, BUT THREE TOWERS DEFY TREND]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Sunday July 27, 2003. Business 1. Retrieved on November 11, 2009.</ref> The Downtown Houston business occupancy rate of all office space increased from 75.8% at the end of 1987 to 77.2% at the end of 1988.<ref>Bivins, Ralph. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1989_597335 Houston office occupancy increases/Survey: 3.1 million square feet of space absorbed last year]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Tuesday January 17, 1989. Retrieved on August 3, 2009.</ref> By the late 1980s, 35% of Downtown Houston's land area consisted of surface parking.<ref name="Barna73" /> In the early 1990s Downtown Houston still had more than 20% vacant office space.<ref name="Bivinsdowntget">Bivins, Ralph. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2000_3234232 Downtown to get 27-story tower / Opening planned for 2002]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Thursday August 10, 2000. Business 1. Retrieved on November 12, 2009.</ref> By 1987 many of the office buildings in Downtown Houston were owned by non-U.S. real estate figures.<ref>Nichols, Bruce. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CF3E11BEDDED&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM The Selling of a City]." ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]. June 7, 1987. Retrieved on November 11, 2009.''</ref>

Downtown began to rebound from the oil crisis by the mid-1990s. A dozen companies relocated to Downtown in 1996 alone, bringing 2,800 jobs and filling {{convert|670000|sqft|m2}} of space.<ref>Rutledge, Tanya. "[http://assets.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/1997/02/03/story6.html Continental picks Cullen Center as destination for downtown HQ]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. Friday January 31, 1997. Retrieved on August 23, 2009.</ref> In 1997 Tim Reylea, the vice president of Cushman Realty, said that "None of the major central business districts across the country has seen the suburban-to-downtown shift that Houston has."<ref name="Zehrentice">Zehr, Leonard. "TrizecHahn nabs U.S. leasing deal Continental Airlines enticed to move head office to downtown Houston from suburbs." ''[[The Globe and Mail]]''. September 11, 1997. Report on Business B7. Retrieved from [[LexisNexis]] on April 1, 2010.</ref> Circa 2000 the Ballpark at Union Station/Enron Field, now [[Daikin Park]], opened, Houston Downtown Management District president Bob Eury stated that this promoted subsequent development in Downtown.<ref name=Wraydowntown>{{cite web|author=Wray, Dianna|url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2019/6/25/how-downtown-houston-changed-new-parks-sports-bars-restaurants|title=How Downtown Houston Went from Barren to Bustling|work=[[Houstonia (magazine)|Houstonia]]|date=2019-06-25|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>

By 2000, demand for Downtown office space increased, and construction of office buildings resumed.<ref name="Bivinsdowntget" /> The cutbacks by firms such as [[Dynegy]], in addition to the fall of Enron, caused the occupancy rate of Downtown Houston buildings to decrease to 84.1% in 2003 from 97.3% less than two years previously. In 2003, the types of firms with operations in Downtown Houston typically were accounting firms, energy firms, and law firms. Typically newer buildings had higher occupancy rates than older buildings.<ref name="Bivins3towers" /> In 2004, the real estate firm Cresa Partners stated that the vacancy rate in Downtown Houston's Class A office space was almost 20%.<ref>Sarnoff, Nancy. "[http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2004/02/16/daily29.html?jst=b_ln_hl Cullen Center snags new leases]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. Wednesday February 18, 2004. Retrieved on November 11, 2009.</ref> The [[Texas Legislature]] established the Downtown Houston Management District in 1995.<ref name="Factsheet" />

Circa/after the 1990s, Downtown has experienced a boom in high-rise residential construction, spurred in large part by the Downtown Living Initiative (DLI), a tax incentive program created by the city. Between 2013 and 2015, the DLI subsidized 5,000 proposed residential units. As a result, Downtown's residential population has increased to 10,165 people in 4,777 units, up from 900 units in the 1995.<ref name="DD" /><ref name="Barna72">Barna, Joel Warren. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=aIdYVBPGgT4C&dq=cite+%22filling+the+doughnut%22&pg=PA72 Filling the Doughnut]."  ''Cite 42''. Summer/Fall (northern hemisphere) 1998. Published in: Scardino, Barrie and Bruce Webb. ''Ephemeral City''. [[University of Texas Press]], 2003. [[Google Books]] Page 72. {{ISBN|0-292-70187-X}}, 9780292701878.</ref> Many of Downtown's older residential units are located in lofts and converted commercial space, many of which are located around the performance halls of the [[Houston Theater District]] and near Main Street in the Historic District.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} In spring 2009, luxury high-rise [[One Park Place]] opened-up with 346 units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-landscape-architecture-firm-creates-high-rise-oasis-in-downtown-houston-62195972.html|title=Award Winning Landscape Architecture Firm Creates 'High-Rise Oasis' in Downtown Houston|last=Kudela & Weinheimer|work=Press Release|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=July 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221183426/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-landscape-architecture-firm-creates-high-rise-oasis-in-downtown-houston-62195972.html|archive-date=December 21, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In early 2017 Downtown's largest residential building opened when [[Market Square Tower|Market Square Tower's]] 463 units were completed.

Developers have invested more than US$4 billion in the first decade of the 21st century to transform Downtown into an active city center with residential housing, a nightlife scene and new transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.houstondowntown.com/Home/GeneralInfo/About/PressRoom/GeneralRelease/General%20Release.PDF |title=Microsoft Word – General Release.doc<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=November 26, 2007 |archive-date=February 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229163036/http://www.houstondowntown.com/Home/GeneralInfo/About/PressRoom/GeneralRelease/General%20Release.PDF |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Cotswold Project, a $62&nbsp;million project started in 1998, has helped to rebuild the streets and transform 90 downtown blocks into a pedestrian-friendly environment by adding greenery, trees and public art.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.downtownstreets.com/cotswold.htm |title=Cotswold<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225143011/http://downtownstreets.com/cotswold.htm |archive-date=2007-12-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> January 1, 2004, marked the opening of the "new" Main Street, a plaza with many eateries, bars and nightclubs, which brings many visitors to a newly renovated locale.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20080229163036/http://www.houston.org/pdfs/DowntownHoustonProject.pdf Downtown Houston Development/Project List]" (). Greater Houston Partnership. Retrieved on April 23, 2010.</ref>

Phoenicia Specialty Foods opened a downtown grocery store in 2011, located in [[One Park Place]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoeniciafoods.com/2011/12/19/phoenicia-downtown-ribbon-cutting//2011-12-19/|title=Phoenicia Downtown Ribbon Cutting|access-date=June 16, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="ShilcuttQueso">Shilcutt, Katharine. "[http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2011/11/lebanese_queso_and_more_at_the.php Lebanese Queso and More at the Fabulous New Phoenicia Downtown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121050013/http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2011/11/lebanese_queso_and_more_at_the.php |date=November 21, 2011 }}." ''[[Houston Press]]''. Thursday November 17, 2011. Retrieved on November 19, 2011.</ref>

In June 2019 Dianna Wray of ''[[Houstonia (magazine)|Houstonia]]'' wrote that Downtown Houston had an increased amount of pedestrian traffic and residents compared to the post-[[1980s oil glut|oil bust]] 1980s.<ref name=Wraydowntown/>

Office traffic declined during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Texas]]. By 2022 many offices had split shifts to where workers only went to offices for some days of the week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Luck|first=Marissa|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/economy-downtown-houston-rebound-workers-underway-17182934.php|title=In downtown Houston, a rebound is underway, but where are the full-time office workers?|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=2022-05-19|accessdate=2022-05-26}}</ref> By 2022 activity at hotel and entertainment establishments recovered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Luck|first=Marissa|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Houstonians-are-out-to-play-fueling-a-revival-17185631.php|title=Houstonians are out to play, fueling a revival for downtown's hotels and venues|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=2022-05-20|accessdate=2022-05-26}}</ref>

In May 2024, [[2024 Houston derecho|a derecho]] struck the downtown Houston causing damage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-18 |title=7 dead in Houston area after storms and 100-mph winds |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/7-dead-texas-harris-county-storms-100-mph-winds-rcna152874 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>

==Architecture==
{{See also|Architecture of Houston}}

[[File:Wells Fargo Bank Plaza, Houston, from base.jpg|150px|thumb|left|[[Wells Fargo Plaza (Houston)|Wells Fargo Plaza]]]]
In the 1960s, downtown comprised a modest collection of mid-rise office structures, but has since grown into one of the largest [[skyline]]s in the United States. In 1960, the central business district had 10 million square feet (930,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of office space, increasing to about 16&nbsp;million square feet (1,500,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) in 1970. Downtown Houston was on the threshold of a boom in 1970 with 8.7&nbsp;million square feet (800,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of office space planned or under construction and huge projects being launched by [[real estate developer]]s. The largest proposed development was the 32-block [[Houston Center]]. Only a small part of the original proposal was ultimately constructed, however. Other large projects included the Cullen Center, Allen Center, and towers for [[Shell USA]]. The surge of skyscrapers mirrored the skyscraper booms in other cities, such as Los Angeles and [[Dallas]]. Houston experienced another downtown construction spurt in the 1970s with the energy industry boom.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fallows |first=James |date=1985-07-01 |title=Houston: A Permanent Boomtown |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1985/07/houston-a-permanent-boomtown/667427/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The Atlantic |language=en |issn=2151-9463}}</ref>

[[File:Chase Tower, a block away.jpg|150px|thumb|[[JPMorgan Chase Tower (Houston)|JPMorgan Chase Tower]]]]
The first major skyscraper to be constructed in Houston was the 50-floor, {{convert|218|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[One Shell Plaza]] in 1971. A succession of skyscrapers were built throughout the 1970s, culminating with Houston's tallest skyscraper, the 75-floor, {{convert|305|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[JPMorgan Chase Tower (Houston)|JPMorgan Chase Tower]] (formerly the Texas Commerce Tower), which was completed in 1982. In 2002, it was the tallest structure in Texas, ninth-tallest building in the United States, and the 23rd tallest skyscraper in the world. In 1983, the 71-floor, {{convert|296|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[Wells Fargo Plaza (Houston)|Wells Fargo Plaza]] was completed, which became the second-tallest building in Houston and Texas, and 11th-tallest in the country. Skyscraper construction in downtown Houston came to an end in the mid-1980s with the collapse of Houston's energy industry and the resulting economic recession.<ref>{{Cite news |title=How Downtown Houston Went from Barren to Bustling |url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2019/06/how-downtown-houston-changed-new-parks-sports-bars-restaurants |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=Houstonia Magazine |language=en-US|first=Dianna|last=Wray|date=June 25, 2019 }}</ref>

Twelve years later, the Houston-based [[Enron Corporation]] began constructing a 40-floor, 1,284,013sq.ft<ref>{{cite web|title=1500 Louisiana St|url=https://www.credifi.com/ui/freemium/propertydetails/1500-Louisiana-St-Houston-TX/552e5ac5cbda711f18d1c172|website=CrediFi|access-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref> skyscraper in 1999 (which was completed in 2002)<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20020814040455/http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/US/TX/HoustonEnronSouth.html Architecture of Enron Center South – Houston, Texas, United States of America<!-- Bot generated title -->]}}</ref> with the company collapsing in one of the most dramatic corporate failures in the history of the United States only two years later. Chevron bought this building to set up a regional upstream energy headquarters, and in late 2006 announced further consolidation of employees downtown from satellite suburban buildings, and even California and Louisiana offices by leasing the original Enron building across the street. Both buildings are connected by a second-floor unique walk-across, air-conditioned circular skybridge with three points of connection to both office buildings and a large parking deck. Other smaller office structures were built in the 2000–2003 period. As of January 2015, downtown Houston had more than 44 million square feet (4,087,733&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of office space, including more than 29&nbsp;million square feet (1,861,704&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of [[class A office]] space.<ref>[http://www.houstondowntown.com/Home/Business/DoingBusiness/DowntownFacts1/Downtown%20Facts.PDF Microsoft Word – 02-FactSheet .doc<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2015-02-24/Why_Downtown_15-1-26_1.pdf|title=Why downtown?|website=www.downtownhouston.org|access-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116191830/https://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2015-02-24/Why_Downtown_15-1-26_1.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Notable buildings ===
<!--  Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:JPMorganBuilding.jpg|thumb|150px|The [[Gulf Building (Houston)|Gulf Building]] at night]] -->
[[File:Sweeney, Coombs & Fredricks Building, Houston.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Sweeney, Coombs & Fredericks Building]]
[[File:Heritage Plaza Building Houston Texas.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Heritage Plaza]]]]
Notable buildings that form Houston's downtown skyline:

* The [[Sweeney, Coombs, and Fredericks Building]] is a late Victorian commercial building with a 3-story corner turret and Eastlake decorative elements that was designed by George E. Dickey in 1889. Evidence indicates that the 1889 construction may have been a renovation of an 1861 structure built by William A. Van Alstyne and purchased in 1882 by John Jasper Sweeney and Edward L. Coombs. Gus Fredericks joined the Sweeney and Coombs Jewelry firm before 1889. The building is on the corner of Main Street and Congress Street at 301 Main Street. The jewelry firm is still in business. It is one of the very few Victorian structures in the Bayou City.
*The [[Gulf Building (Houston)|Gulf Building]], now called the JPMorgan Chase building, is one of the preeminent [[Art Deco]] skyscrapers in the southern United States. Completed in 1929, it remained the [[List of tallest buildings in Houston|tallest building in Houston]] until 1963, when the [[Exxon Building (Houston)|Exxon Building]] surpassed it in height.
* The [[Niels and Mellie Esperson buildings|Esperson Buildings]], 'Neils' built in 1927 and 'Mellie' in 1942, were modeled with Italian architecture.
* The [[Houston City Hall]] was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The original building is an excellent example of the [[Art Deco]] Era. In front of City Hall is the George Hermann Square.
*The [[Alley Theatre]] was completed in 1968. It is home to the [[Tony Award]] winning theatre company by the same name, the oldest professional theatre company in Texas. Its nine towers and brutality style give it a castle appearance. 
*[[One Shell Plaza]] was, at its completion in 1971, the tallest building in Houston. It stands {{convert|715|ft|m}} tall, and when the antenna tower on its top is included, the height of One Shell Plaza is {{convert|1000|ft|m}}.
*[[Houston Public Library]]'s Central Library, consists of two separate buildings: the [[Julia Ideson]] Building (1926) and the [[Jesse H. Jones]] Building (1976).
* The [[Houston Industries Building]], formerly known as the 1100 Milam Building, was built in 1973. It went through major renovations in 1996.
* [[Pennzoil Place]], designed by [[Philip Johnson]], built in 1976, is Houston's most award-winning skyscraper, known for its innovative design. Johnson's forward thinking brought about a new era in skyscraper design.
* The [[First City Tower]] was built in 1981.
*The [[JPMorgan Chase Tower (Houston)|JPMorgan Chase Tower]], designed by [[I.M. Pei]], was built in 1981. Formerly the Texas Commerce Tower, it is the tallest in Houston and the second tallest in the United States west of the [[Mississippi River]].[[File:Thomas Scanlan Building, Houston, Texas.jpg|thumb|right|Scanlan Building, Houston, Texas (postcard, circa 1912–1924)]]
* The Chevron Tower, formerly the Gulf Tower, was built in 1982.
* The [[Bank of America Center (Houston)|Bank of America Center]], formerly the RepublicBank Center and the NationsBank center, designed by [[Philip Johnson]], was built in 1983.
* The [[Wells Fargo Plaza (Houston)|Wells Fargo Bank Plaza]], formerly the Allied Bank Plaza and First Interstate Center, also built in 1983, is the second tallest building in the Houston Area.
* The [[Heritage Plaza]] was completed in 1987.
* The Enron Center North, also known as the [[1400 Smith Street|Four Allen Center]], was also built in 1983.
* The [[Enron Center South]], also the Enron II, designed by [[Cesar Pelli]] was completed in 2002. (Note: [[Enron]] went bankrupt before the building's completion and was sold soon after it was completed for about half of its $200&nbsp;million construction cost).
* The [[Hobby Center for the Performing Arts]] was started in 2000 and completed in 2002.
* The Lyric Centre, named for its adjacency to the Theater District.
* The [[Carter Building (Houston)|Carter Building]], once the tallest building in Texas, more recently re-purposed as a hotel.
* The [[Scanlan Building]], at Main and Preston, was built on the site of the first official "White House" of the [[Republic of Texas]]. Constructed in 1909 by the daughters of Thomas Howe Scanlan to honor their father, former mayor of Houston (1870–1873). The Scanlan Building is listed in the [[U.S. National Register of Historic Places]] and was the largest building in the city at the time of its construction.

==Demographics==
In 2017 the Downtown Super Neighborhood #61, which includes Downtown and [[East Downtown, Houston|East Downtown]], had 12,879 people. 34% were non-Hispanic White, 28% were Hispanic, 32% were non-Hispanic Black, 4% were non-Hispanic Asians, and 2% were non-Hispanic people of other racial identities.<ref name=demog2017>{{cite web|url=https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Demographics/docs_pdfs/SN/2017/Downtown_Final.pdf|title=No. 61 Super Neighborhood Assessment|publisher=City of Houston|date=June 2019|accessdate=2021-04-29}}</ref>

In 2015 there were 12,407 residents. 33% were non-Hispanic White, 32% were non-Hispanic Black, 29% were Hispanic, 5% were non-Hispanic Asian, and 1% were non-Hispanics of other racial identities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Demographics/docs_pdfs/SN/61_Downtown.pdf|title=No. 61 Super Neighborhood Assessment|publisher=City of Houston|date=November 2017|accessdate=2021-04-29}}</ref>

In 2000 there were 12,407 residents. 5,083 (41%) were non-Hispanic Black, 4,225 (34%) were non-Hispanic White, 2,872 (23%) were Hispanic, 156 (1%) were non-Hispanic Asians, 56 were of two or more races, 11 were non-Hispanic American Indian, and two each were non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian and non-Hispanic people of other racial identities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houstontx.gov:80/planning/suprnbhds/2001_demog/61_downtown.htm|title=Census 2000: Demographic Data by Super Neighborhood DOWNTOWN AREA #61|publisher=City of Houston|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904030323/http://www.houstontx.gov:80/planning/suprnbhds/2001_demog/61_downtown.htm|accessdate=2021-04-29|archive-date=September 4, 2006}} - Percentages were from the 2017 document.</ref>

==Economy==
Downtown is Houston's single largest office market, containing {{convert|50|e6ft2|m2}} of space.<ref name="DD" /> A premium submarket, Downtown commands the highest office rental rates in the city<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cresa.com/webfiles/UPDATED%20Market%20Report%20-%201Q16.pdf|title=1Q 2016 Market Report: Houston Office Market|date=2016|publisher=Cresa|access-date=2017-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025132457/https://www.cresa.com/webfiles/UPDATED%20Market%20Report%20-%201Q16.pdf|archive-date=2017-10-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was one of the ten most expensive office markets in the United States in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Houston-has-some-of-the-nation-s-most-expensive-10630939.php|title=Report: Houston has some of the priciest office space in U.S.|last=Sarnoff|first=Nancy|date=November 22, 2016|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref> Louisiana Street, which runs through the heart of the district, is one of the fifteen most expensive streets in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Louisiana-Street-is-Houston-s-most-expensive-JLL-6644530.php|title=Louisiana Street is Houston's most expensive, report says|last=Feser|first=Katherine|date=November 19, 2015|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref>

3,500 businesses in the district employ approximately 150,000 workers. Major employers include [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], [[JPMorgan Chase]], and [[United Airlines]].<ref name="Factsheet" />
Downtown Houston has between 35% and 40% of the [[Class A office]] locations of the business districts in Houston.<ref name="autogenerated1">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20090320104846/http://www.uptown-houston.com/info/factSheets/UT_Fact_Office.pdf Office]." () ''[[Uptown Houston]]''. Retrieved on January 18, 2009.</ref>

===Companies based in Downtown===
[[File:OneShellPlaza.jpg|thumb|[[One Shell Plaza]], [[Shell USA]]'s headquarters until 2017|275x275px]]Firms which are headquartered in Downtown include:
* [[Calpine]]
* [[Dynegy]] in [[Wells Fargo Plaza (Houston)|Wells Fargo Plaza]]<ref>"[http://www.dynegy.com/contact_us.asp Contact Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222213622/http://www.dynegy.com/contact_us.asp |date=2008-12-22 }}." ''[[Dynegy]]''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref>
* [[KBR (company)|KBR]]<ref>"[http://www.kbr.com/locations.aspx Locations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108151823/http://www.kbr.com/locations.aspx |date=January 8, 2009 }}." ''[[KBR (company)|KBR]]''. Retrieved on January 13, 2009.</ref><ref>"[http://www.kbrhfcu.org/locations/ Locations & Office Hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221141620/http://www.kbrhfcu.org/locations/ |date=2008-12-21 }}." ''KBR Heritage Federal Credit Union''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref>
* [[Baker Botts]] in One Shell Plaza<ref>"[http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/01/19/daily23.html?jst=b_ln_hl Baker Botts hires corporate partner]." ''[[Austin Business Journal]]''. Wednesday January 21, 2004. Retrieved on August 25, 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.bakerbotts.com/offices/office.aspx?id=61fddad6-f3c7-4a44-b4db-da516f1cb200 Houston, Texas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831002002/http://www.bakerbotts.com/offices/office.aspx?id=61fddad6-f3c7-4a44-b4db-da516f1cb200|date=August 31, 2010}}." Baker Botts. Retrieved on August 25, 2010. "One Shell Plaza 910 Louisiana Street | Houston | Texas..."</ref>
* [[Bracewell LLP]] in [[Pennzoil Place]]<ref>"[http://bracewell.com/locations Locations]." Bracewell. Retrieved on May 21, 2022.</ref>
* [[Total Petrochemicals USA]] in [[Total Plaza]]<ref>"[http://www.totalpetrochemicalsusa.com/locations/corporate.asp Corporate: Driving Directions]." Total Petrochemicals USA. Retrieved on April 5, 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.total.com/en/common/contact/contact-gas-power/ Contact Gas & Power] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120133218/http://www.total.com/en/common/contact/contact-gas-power/ |date=2008-11-20 }}." ''[[TotalEnergies]]'' Retrieved on January 25, 2009.</ref>
* [[CenterPoint Energy]] in [[CenterPoint Energy Plaza]]<ref>"[http://www.centerpointenergy.com/about/contact/ Contact Information]." ''CenterPoint Energy''. Retrieved on January 14, 2009.</ref><ref>"[http://www.bergeriw.com/Gallery/FeaturedProjects/CenterPointEnergyTower.htm CenterPoint Energy Tower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705031531/http://www.bergeriw.com/Gallery/FeaturedProjects/CenterPointEnergyTower.htm |date=July 5, 2012 }}." ''Berger Iron Works''. Retrieved on January 14, 2009.</ref>
* [[Vinson & Elkins]] in Texas Tower <ref>Selden, Jonathan. "[http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2005/09/19/daily37.html?jst=b_ln_hl Law firms in Austin help Houston offices]." ''[[Austin Business Journal]]''. Thursday September 22, 2005. Retrieved on May 5, 2010. "At Vinson & Elkins LLP, the Austin office is accommodating evacuated attorneys from the Houston headquarters as well as some clients, says Don Wood, administrative partner."</ref><ref>"[http://www.velaw.com/offices/Houston.aspx Houston]." Vinson & Elkins. Retrieved on May 5, 2010.</ref>
* [[Waste Management (corporation)|Waste Management]] in First City Tower<ref>"[http://www.wm.com/wm/contact_corporate.asp Contact Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812024821/http://www0.wm.com/wm/contact_corporate.asp |date=August 12, 2020 }}." ''[[Waste Management, Inc]]''. Retrieved on January 14, 2009.</ref>
* [[El Paso Corp.]]<ref>"[http://www.elpaso.com/contacts/ Corporate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303200557/http://www.elpaso.com/contacts/ |date=March 3, 2009 }}." ''[[El Paso Corporation]]''. Retrieved on January 16, 2009.</ref>
* [[Plains All American Pipeline]] in [[Allen Center]]<ref>"[http://www.paalp.com/fw/main/Home-1.html Welcome to Plains All American Pipeline!]" [[Plains All American Pipeline]]. Retrieved on December 8, 2009.</ref>
* [[Enterprise GP Holdings]] in [[Enterprise Plaza]]<ref>"[http://www.enterprisegp.com/contact.html Contact Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125135203/http://www.enterprisegp.com/contact.html |date=2009-11-25 }}." [[Enterprise GP Holdings]]. Retrieved on December 8, 2009.</ref>
* [[EOG Resources]] in [[Heritage Plaza]]<ref>"[http://www.eogresources.com/contact/contact.html Contact Us Directory] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209011923/http://www.eogresources.com/contact/contact.html |date=2010-02-09 }}." [[EOG Resources]]. Retrieved on December 8, 2009.</ref>

===Companies with operations in Downtown===
[[Continental Airlines]] (now known as [[United Airlines]]) formerly had its headquarters in [[Continental Center I]].<ref>"[http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/Contact/location/default.aspx Headquarters Location] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301164452/http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/Contact/location/default.aspx |date=2012-03-01 }}." ''[[Continental Airlines]]''. Retrieved on December 7, 2008.</ref> At one point, [[ExpressJet|ExpressJet Airlines]] had its headquarters in Continental's complex.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20070427064028/http://www.houston.org/companieslistings/index.asp?title=Air%20Transportation&code1=%27481111%27 Air Transportation] ." ''Opportunity Houston''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20030608173551/http://expressjet.com/legal_notice.asp Expressjet.com Terms, Conditions, And Notices]." ''ExpressJet Airlines''. June 8, 2003. Retrieved on May 19, 2009.</ref> In September 1997 Continental Airlines announced it would consolidate its Houston headquarters in the Continental Center complex;<ref>"[http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/company/history/1991-2000.aspx Company History 1991 to 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301215711/http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/company/history/1991-2000.aspx |date=2012-03-01 }}." ''[[Continental Airlines]]''. Retrieved on February 11, 2009.</ref> the airline scheduled to move its employees in stages beginning in July 1998 and ending in January 1999. [[Bob Lanier (mayor)|Bob Lanier]], [[Mayor of Houston]], said that he was "tickled to death" by the airline's move to relocate to Downtown Houston.<ref>Boisseau, Charles. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1997_1434442 Airline confirms relocation/Continental moving offices downtown]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Wednesday September 3, 1997. Business 1. Retrieved on August 23, 2009.</ref> Tim Reylea, the vice president of Cushman Realty, said that the Continental move "is probably the largest corporate relocation in the central business district of Houston ever."<ref name="Zehrentice"/>

Hotel operators in Downtown reacted favorably, predicting that the move would cause an increase in occupancy rates in their hotels.<ref name="Hotel97">Bivins, Ralph. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1997_3004581 Hotels see high occupancy, rates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617073654/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1997_3004581 |date=2012-06-17 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Friday September 26, 1997. Business 1. Retrieved on August 23, 2009.</ref> In 2008 Continental renewed its lease in the building. Before the lease renewal, rumors spread stating that the airline would relocate its headquarters to office space outside of Downtown. Steven Biegel, the senior vice president of Studley Inc. and a representative of office building tenants, said that if Continental's space went vacant, the vacancy would not have had a significant impact in the Downtown Houston submarket as there is not an abundance of available space, and the empty property would be likely that another potential tenant would occupy it. Jennifer Dawson of the ''[[Houston Business Journal]]'' said that if Continental Airlines left Continental Center I, the development of Brookfield Properties's new office tower would have been delayed.<ref>Dawson, Jennifer. "[http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/09/22/story2.html Continental renews lease, decides to stay downtown]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. Friday September 19, 2008. Retrieved on November 11, 2009.</ref> As of September 2011 the headquarters moved out, but Continental will continue to house employees in the building. It will have about half of the employees that it once had.<ref>Moreno, Jenalia. "CEO aims for smooth landing in United-Continental merge." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Sunday September 25, 2011. [http://www.chron.com/business/article/CEO-aims-for-smooth-landing-in-United-Continental-2186540.php#page-2 2]. Retrieved on October 10, 2011.</ref>

[[JPMorgan Chase Bank]] has its Houston operations headquartered in the [[JPMorgan Chase Building (Houston)|JPMorgan Chase Building]] (Gulf Building).<ref name="SarnoffSold">Sarnoff, Nancy. "[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6865464.html Historic downtown Chase building sold]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. February 12, 2010. Retrieved on February 24, 2010.</ref> [[LyondellBasell]] has offices in the LyondellBasell Towers formerly known as [[1 Houston Center]].<ref>"[http://www.lyondellbasell.com/Aboutus/WorldWideLocations/NorthAmerica/USA/Texas/Houston/ Houston Office & Refining Operations]." [[LyondellBasell]]. Retrieved on February 5, 2010.</ref> [[Hess Corporation]] has exploration and production operations in [[One Allen Center]].,<ref>"[http://www.hess.com/aboutus/contact_hess.htm Contact Hess] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227163624/http://www.hess.com/aboutus/contact_hess.htm |date=February 27, 2009 }}." ''[[Hess Corporation]]''. Retrieved on February 9, 2009.</ref> but will move its offices to the under construction [[Hess Tower]] (Named after the company) upon its completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Central Houston Inc.|url=http://www.centralhouston.org/Home/Accomplishments/BusinessDevelopment/|work=Business Development|access-date=2011-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725152206/http://www.centralhouston.org/Home/Accomplishments/BusinessDevelopment/|archive-date=2011-07-25|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[ExxonMobil]] has Exploration and Producing Operations business headquarters at the [[ExxonMobil Building]].<ref>"[http://www.exxonmobil.com/Corporate/contactus_contact_businessheadquarters.aspx contact us business headquarters]." ''[[ExxonMobil]]''. Retrieved on January 26, 2009.</ref> [[Qatar Airways]] operates an office within [[Two Allen Center]];<ref>"[http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/offices/contactus_unitedstates_houston.html Houston]." ''[[Qatar Airways]]''. Retrieved on February 9, 2009.</ref> it also has a storefront in the [[Houston Pavilions]].<ref>[http://www.houstonpavilions.com/releases/Houston%20Pavilions%20Fact%20Sheet2.pdf Fact Sheet June 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710083837/http://www.houstonpavilions.com/releases/Houston%20Pavilions%20Fact%20Sheet2.pdf |date=July 10, 2007 }}." ''[[Houston Pavilions]]''. Retrieved on January 13, 2009.</ref><ref>"[http://www.houstonpavilions.com/retail_bigfloor.php Retail Leasing]{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}." ''[[Houston Pavilions]]''. Retrieved on January 13, 2009.</ref> [[Enbridge]] has its Houston office in the [[Enterprise Plaza]].<ref>"[http://www.enbridge.com/spearhead/ Spearhead Pipeline Expansion Project Open Season Is Now Closed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227120407/http://www.enbridge.com/spearhead/ |date=February 27, 2009 }}." [[Enbridge]]. Retrieved on December 8, 2009.</ref> [[KPMG]] has their Houston offices in the new BG place at 811 Main St. [[Mayer Brown]] has his Houston office in the [[Bank of America Center (Houston)|Bank of America Center]].<ref>"[http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/WhoWeAre/Locations/Pages/Default.aspx Offices]." [[KPMG]]. Retrieved on December 17, 2009.</ref><ref>"[http://www.mayerbrown.com/contactus/ Contact Information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217150544/http://www.mayerbrown.com/contactus/ |date=December 17, 2009 }}." [[Mayer Brown]]. Retrieved on December 17, 2009.</ref>

===Former economic operations===
When [[Texas Commerce Bank]] existed, its headquarters were in what is now the [[JPMorgan Chase Building (Houston)|JPMorgan Chase Building]] (Gulf Building).<ref name="SarnoffSold"/> Prior to its collapse in 2001, [[Enron]] was headquartered in Downtown.<ref>"[https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/21/business/company-news-enron-plans-to-sell-its-headquarters-in-houston.html Company News; Enron Plans to Sell Its Headquarters in Houston]." ''[[The New York Times]]''. Thursday August 21, 2003. Retrieved on October 20, 2009.</ref> In 2005 [[Federated Department Stores]] announced that it will close [[Foley's]] 1,200 employee headquarters in Downtown Houston.<ref>Colley, Jenna. "[http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/04/17/story4.html Federated to cut jobs at Foley's distribution center]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. Friday April 14, 2006. Retrieved on October 20, 2009.</ref>

[[Houston Industries]] (HI, later Reliant Energy) and subsidiary [[Houston Power & Lighting]] (HL&P) historically had their headquarters in Downtown.<ref>"[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/containers/fix041/202131/0000950129-97-001088.txt 0000950129-97-001088.txt : 19970320]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140415074157/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/containers/fix041/202131/0000950129-97-001088.txt Archive]). [[Securities and Exchange Commission]]. Retrieved on April 14, 2014. "Houston Industries Incorporated and Houston Lighting & Power Company Houston Industries Plaza 1111 Louisiana, 47th Floor Houston, TX 77002-5231"</ref>

[[Halliburton]]'s corporate headquarters office was in [[Houston Center|5 Houston Center]].<ref>"[http://www.halliburton.com/locations/ Office Location]." ''[[Halliburton]]''. Retrieved on January 13, 2009.</ref> In 2001, Halliburton canceled a move to redevelop land in [[Westchase, Houston|Westchase]] to house employees; real estate figures associated with Downtown Houston approved of the news. Nancy Sarnoff of the ''[[Houston Business Journal]]'' said it made more sense for the company to lease existing space instead of constructing new office space in times of economic downturns.<ref name="SarnoffNancy">Sarnoff, Nancy. "[http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2001/12/24/newscolumn3.html Downtown up, Westchase down as Halliburton postpones project]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. Friday December 21, 2009. Retrieved on November 11, 2009.</ref> By 2009 Halliburton closed its Downtown Office, moved its headquarters to northern Houston, and consolidated operations at its northern Houston and [[Westchase, Houston|Westchase]] facilities.<ref name="ClantonHalliburtLeaveDowntown">Clanton, Brett. "[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6357980.html Halliburton to consolidate in 2 locations]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. April 3, 2009. Retrieved on April 3, 2009.</ref>

==Government==

===Local government===
[[File:HoustonCityHall DANIEL2986.jpg|thumb|left|[[Houston City Hall]]]]
[[File:FireStation8HoustonTX.JPG|thumb|Fire Station 8 Downtown]]

Two city council districts, District H and District I, cover portions of Downtown.<ref>[http://www.houstontx.gov/council/maps2012/h.pdf City of Houston, Council District Maps, District H] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626080819/http://www.houstontx.gov/council/maps2012/h.pdf |date=June 26, 2012 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on November 5, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.houstontx.gov/council/maps2012/i.pdf City of Houston, Council District Maps, District I] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918165959/http://www.houstontx.gov/council/maps2012/i.pdf |date=September 18, 2013 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on November 5, 2011.</ref> As of 2015 [[Mayor Pro-Tem]] Ed Gonzalez and Robert Gallegos, respectively, represent the two districts.<ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/council/ City Council]." ''City of Houston''. Retrieved on October 25, 2015.</ref>

[[Houston City Hall]], the Margaret Helfrich Westerman Houston City Hall Annex, and the [[Bob Lanier Public Works Building]] are all located in Downtown Houston.

The community is within the [[Houston Police Department]]'s Downtown Division.<ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/hpd_beat_map.pdf Beat Map] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008231956/http://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/hpd_beat_map.pdf |date=October 8, 2011 }}." [[Houston Police Department]]. Retrieved on April 5, 2010.</ref> The Edward A. Thomas Building, headquarters of HPD, is located in [[1200 Travis]] Downtown.<ref>"[http://www.click2houston.com/news/watch-live-ceremony-of-renaming-of-hpd-headquarters-in-honor-of-retired-officer/34375504 Ceremony held for renaming of HPD headquarters in honor of retired officer]." Retrieved on October 25, 2015.</ref>

[[Houston Fire Department]] Station 8 Downtown at 1919 Louisiana Street serves the central business district. Station 8 is in Fire District 8.<ref name="Allstations">"[http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/index.html Fire Stations]." ''City of Houston''. Retrieved December 4, 2008.</ref> The fire station "Washington #8" first opened in 1895 at Polk at Crawford. The station was closed in 2001 after a sports arena was built on the site.<ref name="Station8">"[http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station8.html Fire Station 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527190746/http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station8.html |date=2010-05-27 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on May 8, 2010.</ref> Fire Station 1, which was located at 410 Bagby Street, closed in 2001,<ref name="Allstations" /> as it was merged with Station 8. Station 8, relocated to a temporary building at the corner of Milam and St. Joseph, reopened in June 2001. The current "Super Station" at 1919 Louisiana opened on April 21, 2008.<ref name="Station8" /> "Stonewall #3," organized in 1867, was located in the current location of the [[Post Rice Lofts]]. It 1895 it moved to a location along Preston Street, between Smith and Louisiana, in what is now Downtown. The station, currently Station #3, moved outside of the current day Downtown in 1903.<ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station3.html Fire Station 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529202243/http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station3.html |date=2010-05-29 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on May 8, 2010.</ref> Fire Station 5, originally in what was then the [[Fifth Ward, Houston|Fifth Ward]], moved to Hardy and Nance in what is now Downtown in 1895. The station was rebuilt at that site in 1932, and in 1977 the station moved to [[Spring Branch, Houston|Spring Branch]].<ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station5.html Fire Station 5] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529202611/http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station5.html |date=May 29, 2010 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on May 8, 2010.</ref> Station 2 moved from what is now the [[East End, Houston|East End]] to what is now Downtown in 1926. The station moved to the [[Fourth Ward, Houston|Fourth Ward]] in 1965.<ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station2.html Fire Station 2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527054701/http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station2.html |date=May 27, 2010 }}." City of Houston. Retrieved on May 8, 2010.</ref>

The Houston Downtown Management District and Central Houston, Inc. is headquartered in Suite 1650 at 2 Houston Center, a part of the [[Houston Center]] complex.<ref>"[http://www.downtowndistrict.org/Home/ContactUs/Contacts/default.asp Contact Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227112846/http://www.downtowndistrict.org/Home/ContactUs/Contacts/default.asp |date=February 27, 2009 }}." ''Houston Downtown Management District''. Retrieved on April 7, 2009.</ref>

===County representation===
[[File:1200JailHoustonTX.JPG|thumb|The [[Harris County jails|1200 Jail]], the headquarters of the [[Harris County Sheriff's Office (Texas)|Harris County Sheriff's Office]]]]
Downtown is divided between Harris County Precinct 1 and Harris County Precinct 2.<ref>"[http://www.pct3.hctx.net/aboutprecinct/allprecincts.aspx Maps: All Precincts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108112234/http://www.pct3.hctx.net/aboutprecinct/allprecincts.aspx |date=January 8, 2009 }}." ''Harris County Precinct 3''. Retrieved on November 22, 2008.</ref> As of 2016, Gene L. Locke heads Precinct 1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hcp1.net/Home.aspx|title=Harris County Precinct One > Home|website=hcp1.net|access-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314110712/http://hcp1.net/Home.aspx|archive-date=2016-03-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2016, Jack Morman heads Precinct 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hcp2.com/|title=Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2|website=www.hcp2.com|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Harris County Precinct Two operates the Raul C. Downtown Courthouse annex in Downtown.<ref>"[http://www.co.harris.tx.us/Comm_Garcia/courthouseannexes.aspx Courthouse Annexes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422050907/http://www.co.harris.tx.us/Comm_Garcia/courthouseannexes.aspx |date=2010-04-22 }}." Harris County Precinct Two. Retrieved on May 23, 2010.</ref>

The Harris County court system is located within a five block area bounded by Franklin, San Jacinto, Caroline, and Congress Streets. This complex includes the following:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ccl.hctx.net/|title=Harris County Courts|website=www.ccl.hctx.net|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justex.net/Default.aspx|title=Harris County District Courts|website=www.justex.net|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref>

* Harris County Civil Court
* Harris County Family Court
* Harris County Juvenile Court
* Harris County Criminal Court
* Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2

All are located around a central plaza, nicknamed "Justice Square", located above the underground Harris County Jury Plaza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/common/juror/Secure/jurorsearch.aspx|title=Jury Service|website=www.hcdistrictclerk.com|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Along with Harris County's facilities, there are several constable courts and support facilities nearby.

The [[Harris County jails|Harris County jail facilities]] are in northern Downtown on the north side of the [[Buffalo Bayou]]. The 1200 Jail,<ref>[http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/1200_jail.asp The 1200 Jail] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223163418/http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/1200_jail.asp |date=February 23, 2009 }}." ''[[Harris County, Texas]]''. Accessed September 12, 2008.</ref> the 1307 Jail, (originally a [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] (TDCJ) facility, leased by the county),<ref>"[http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/1307_jail.asp The 1307 Jail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003084112/http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/1307_jail.asp |date=2008-10-03 }}." ''[[Harris County, Texas]]''. Accessed September 12, 2008.</ref> and the 701 Jail (formed from existing warehouse storage space) are on the same site.<ref>"[http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/701_jail.asp The 701 Jail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918014649/http://www.hcso.hctx.net/detentioncommand/detention/701_jail.asp |date=2008-09-18 }}." ''[[Harris County, Texas]]''. Accessed September 12, 2008.</ref>

The nearest public health clinics of [[Harris Health System]] (formerly Harris County Hospital District) were as of 2000 Ripley Health Center (for ZIP codes 77002, 77003, and 77010) in the [[East End, Houston|East End]] and Casa de Amigos Health Center (for ZIP code 77007).<ref name=HarrisHealthZipcode>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmc.edu/hchd/LOCATE.HTM|title=Clinic/Emergency/Registration Center Directory By ZIP Code|publisher=[[Harris County Hospital District]]|date=2001-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011119141023/http://www.tmc.edu/hchd/LOCATE.HTM|accessdate=2021-04-08|archive-date=November 19, 2001}} - See ZIP codes 77002, 77003, 77007, and 77010. [https://www.harrishealth.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/community-assessment/pregnancy-birth-data/2012/infant-mortality-rate-2012.pdf See this map for relevant ZIP codes].</ref> In 2000 Ripley was replaced by the Gulfgate Health Center.<ref name="Gulfgate">"[http://www.hchdonline.com/about/facilities/gulfgate.htm Gulfgate Health Center]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20040301005737/http://www.hchdonline.com/about/facilities/gulfgate.htm Archive]). [[Harris County Hospital District]]. Accessed October 17, 2008.</ref> The nearest public hospital is [[Ben Taub General Hospital]] in the [[Texas Medical Center]].<ref name=HarrisHealthZipcode/>

===State representation===
Much of Downtown is located in District 147 of the [[Texas House of Representatives]]. As of 2016, [[Garnet F. Coleman]] represents the district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=147|title=Texas House of Representatives|last=Representatives|first=George Hewitt - Texas House of|website=house.texas.gov|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Some of Downtown is located in District 148 of the [[Texas House of Representatives]]. As of 2016, [[Jessica Farrar]] represents the district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=148|title=Texas House of Representatives|last=Representatives|first=George Hewitt - Texas House of|website=house.texas.gov|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Downtown is within [[Texas Senate, District 13|District 13]] of the [[Texas Senate]]; as of 2016 [[Rodney Ellis]] represents that district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist13/dist13.htm|title=The Texas State Senate: District 13|website=www.senate.state.tx.us|access-date=2016-06-11|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803103356/http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist13/dist13.htm|archive-date=August 3, 2011}}</ref>

[[Joe Kegans Unit]], located in Downtown, is a [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] state jail for men. It is adjacent to the county facilities on the north side of the Buffalo Bayou.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/hm.htm Kegans (HM)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926064917/http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/hm.htm |date=September 26, 2008 }}." ''[[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]''. Accessed September 12, 2008.</ref> Kegans opened in 1997.<ref name="Prisonnames51">''Texas Department of Criminal Justice''. Turner Publishing Company, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=VgTcF_VMt54C&q=Scott&pg=PA62 51]. {{ISBN|1-56311-964-1}}, {{ISBN|978-1-56311-964-4}}.</ref> The South Texas Intermediate Sanction Facility Unit, a parole confinement facility for males operated by [[Global Expertise in Outsourcing]], is in Downtown Houston, west of [[Daikin Park]].<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/xm.htm SOUTH TEXAS (XM)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821230211/http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/xm.htm |date=2008-08-21 }}." ''[[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]''. Accessed September 12, 2008.</ref>

As of 2011, the [[Texas Courts of Appeals|Texas First Court of Appeals]] and the [[Texas Courts of Appeals|Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals]] are located in the renovated 1910 Courthouse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.txcourts.gov/1stcoa/contact-us.aspx|title=TJB {{!}} 1st COA {{!}} Contact Us|website=www.txcourts.gov|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.txcourts.gov/14thcoa/contact-us.aspx|title=TJB {{!}} 14th COA {{!}} Contact Us|website=www.txcourts.gov|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref>

===Federal representation===
[[File:LelandFederalBuildingHouston.jpg|thumb|Mickey Leland Federal Building]]Downtown Houston is in [[Texas's 18th congressional district]].<ref>[http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/tx18_109.gif nationalatlas.gov website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002111411/http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/tx18_109.gif |date=October 2, 2008 }}</ref> Its representative was [[Sheila Jackson Lee]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jacksonlee.house.gov/|title=Representative Sheila Jackson Lee|website=Representative Sheila Jackson Lee|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> who died on July 19, 2024, from [[Pancreatic cancer|cancer]] at the age of 74. The seat is now vacant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shen |first=Michelle |date=2024-07-20 |title=Sheila Jackson Lee, long-serving Democratic congresswoman and advocate for Black Americans, dies at 74 {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/19/politics/sheila-jackson-lee-texas-dies/index.html |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Texas Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has died |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/19/sheila-jackson-lee-texas-congresswoman-dies/74479917007/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[United States Postal Service]] previously operated a {{convert|16|acre|m2|adj=on}} Houston Post Office at 401 Franklin Street.<ref>"[https://archive.today/20120716110235/http://usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/16864?p=1&s=tx&service_name=post_office&z=houston Post Office Location – HOUSTON]." ''[[United States Postal Service]]''. Retrieved on December 4, 2008.</ref> The building, named after [[Barbara Jordan]], was designed by the architects who designed the [[Houston Astrodome]], opened in 1962 and received its current name in 1984.<ref>Hernandez, Pat. "[https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2015/05/15/60446/downtown-houston-post-office-closes/ Downtown Houston Post Office Closes]." [[KUHT|Houston Public Media]]. May 15, 2015. Retrieved on October 30, 2016.</ref> When it was a post office it had mail sorting machines. It has {{convert|555000|sqft|sqm}} of space.<ref name=SchuetzRAFeserStamp>{{cite web|last1=Schuetz|first1=R.A.|last2=Feser|first2=Katherine|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Redesigned-former-post-office-wants-to-put-new-16036492.php|title=Redesigned former post office wants to put new stamp on Houston|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=2021-03-19|accessdate=2021-03-23}}</ref> However, following the sale of the property, the U.S. Postal Service ceased operations at the facility on May 15, 2015, and consolidated its sorting operations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://houston.culturemap.com/news/real-estate/05-07-15-downtown-post-office-on-franklin-to-close-permanently-on-may-15/|title=Downtown post office, designed by Astrodome architects, sets closing date|website=CultureMap Houston|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/what-will-closure-of-downtown-post-office-mean/441038/|title=What will closure of downtown post office mean?|last=reporter|first=miya shay, eyewitness news|date=December 17, 2014|website=ABC13 Houston|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> The Sam Houston Station,<ref>"[http://swamplot.com/downtown-barbara-jordan-post-office-on-franklin-st-will-close-forever-on-may-15th/2015-05-06/ Get Your Stamps There While You Still Can Downtown Barbara Jordan Post Office on Franklin St. Will Close Forever on May 15th]." [[Swamplot]]. May 6, 2015. Retrieved on October 30, 2016.</ref> the new Houston Post Office on Hadley Street in [[Midtown Houston]] assumed the role held by the previous one.<ref>"[http://swamplot.com/replacement-for-houstons-shuttering-downtown-post-office-is-actually-somewhat-close-to-downtown/2015-05-08/ 1500 Hadley St. Replacement for Houston's Shuttering Downtown Post Office Is Actually Somewhat Close to Downtown]." Swamplot. Retrieved on October 30, 2016.</ref> In 2010 the ''[[Houston Press]]'' ranked the former Downtown post office as the best post office in Houston.<ref>"[http://www.houstonpress.com/bestof/2010/award/best-post-office-2015482/ Best Post Office – 2010 U.S. Post Office on Franklin Street]." ''[[Houston Press]]''. Retrieved on December 12, 2010.</ref> It became an event venue called Post HTX after the company Lovett Commercial took control of it in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|author=Najaro, Ileana|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Events-draw-attention-as-former-post-office-9885568.php|title=Events draw attention as former post office undergoes transformation|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=October 6, 2016|access-date=2016-12-31}}</ref> By 2021 it was being redeveloped as a shopping center.<ref name=SchuetzRAFeserStamp/>

In addition the USPS operates the [[2 Houston Center]] and Civic Center postal units. In July 2011 the USPS announced that the two postal units may close.<ref>Weisman, Laura. "[http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/07/nine-houston-post-offices-marked-for-closure/#424-10 Nine Houston post offices marked for closure (with poll)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026010515/http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/07/nine-houston-post-offices-marked-for-closure/#424-10 |date=October 26, 2011 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. July 26, 2011. Retrieved on July 26, 2011.</ref>

Regional offices of U.S. government agencies are located at the Mickey Leland Federal Building at 1919 Smith Street. The 22 story building, with a 6-story parking garage, was designated an [[Energy Star]] efficient building in 2000.<ref>"[http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?programId=16768&channelId=-25047&ooid=13260&contentId=13741&pageTypeId=8199&contentType=GSA_BASIC&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2FgsaBasic.jsp&P=7PB Mickey Leland Federal Building] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509134709/http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?programId=16768&channelId=-25047&ooid=13260&contentId=13741&pageTypeId=8199&contentType=GSA_BASIC&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2FgsaBasic.jsp&P=7PB |date=2009-05-09 }}." ''[[U.S. General Services Administration]]''. Retrieved on April 16, 2009.</ref>

The [[United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas]] has its offices in 515 Rusk in Downtown Houston.<ref>"[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-24240.htm FR Doc E9-24240]." ''[[Federal Register]]'' at [[U.S. Government Printing Office]]. October 8, 2009. Volume 74, Number 194. Retrieved on March 31, 2010.</ref>

The [[Federal Bureau of Prisons]] operates the [[Federal Detention Center, Houston]] in Downtown.<ref>"[http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/hou/index.jsp FDC Houston]." [[Federal Bureau of Prisons]]. Retrieved on January 1, 2010.</ref>

===Diplomatic missions===
The [[Consulate-General of the United Kingdom in Houston|Consulate-General of the United Kingdom]] is located in Wells Fargo Plaza,<ref>"[http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-offices-in-the-us/other-locationsin-us/houston/ Houston] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123092401/http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-offices-in-the-us/other-locationsin-us/houston/ |date=2008-11-23 }}." ''[[Diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom|Consulate-General of the United Kingdom]]''. Retrieved on December 7, 2008.</ref> while the [[Consulate-General of Japan in Houston|Consulate-General of Japan]] is located in [[Houston Center|Two Houston Center]].<ref>"[http://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/ryojikan/page5.htm Contact Us]." ''[[Consulate-General of Japan in Houston]]''. Retrieved on December 7, 2008.</ref> The [[Consulate-General of Switzerland in Houston|Consulate-General of Switzerland]], which resided in Downtown Houston, closed in 2006.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20040905173649/http://www.eda.admin.ch/houston_cg/e/home/houston.html Visa Desk]." ''[[Diplomatic missions of Switzerland|Consulate General of Switzerland in Houston]]''. September 5, 2004.</ref><ref>"[http://iwcc7.web.psi.ch/travel/travel_links/General%20Information%20Switzerland.pdf Essence of Switzerland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914015328/http://iwcc7.web.psi.ch/travel/travel_links/General%20Information%20Switzerland.pdf |date=2008-09-14 }}." ''[[Paul Scherrer Institute]]''. Retrieved on December 7, 2008.</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20021023150836/http://www.eda.admin.ch/washington_emb/e/home/consul/houston/locat.html Location]." ''[[Diplomatic missions of Switzerland|Consulate General of Switzerland in Houston]]''. October 23, 2002.</ref><ref>Hodge, Shelby. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2006_4139981 MIXERS, ELIXIRS AND IMAX SUMMER SOCIALS / Party animals drink with the dinosaurs]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Star 3. June 22, 2006. Retrieved on January 10, 2009.</ref>

==Parks, recreation, and culture==
Downtown contains fifteen public parks, varying from [[linear park]]s along Buffalo Bayou to block parks and plazas.

On the west side of Downtown along Bagby Street, [[Sam Houston Park]] is home to the Houston Heritage Society, which maintains a collection of historic houses from throughout the city's history. Nearby, [[Tranquility Park]] uses open green spaces and a series of interconnected fountains to commemorate NASA's landing on the moon's [[Mare Tranquillitatis|Sea of Tranquility]]. These parks tie into the larger civic complex anchored by City Hall and the main branch of [[Houston Public Library]].[[File:TranquilityparkHouston2.JPG|thumb|[[Tranquility Park]]]]In the Historic District to the north, [[Market Square Park]] occupies a block formerly covered by Houston's open air market which fronted the old City Hall. Renovations completed in 2010 added two dog runs, a Greek restaurant, and Houston's only memorial to the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref name="KTRK">{{cite news|title='New' Market Square Park to be unveiled|url=https://abc13.com/archive/7634587/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shauk|first=Zain|title=Remembering 9/11 Victim's legacy grows at Lauren's Garden in Houston|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7195811.html|access-date=March 14, 2011|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|date=September 11, 2010}}</ref>

[[Buffalo Bayou]]'s route through Downtown contains multiple parks which segue together to form a continuous greenway. [[Allen's Landing]], near the intersection of Smith and Preston, commemorates the landing site of the Allen brothers, the New York entrepreneurs who founded the city. [[Sesquicentennial Park]], across Buffalo Bayou from Allen's Landing, commemorates the 150-year anniversary of the city's founding. The park contains a statue of former President [[George H. W. Bush]], who represented a portion of west Houston during his time in the [[United States House of Representatives]].[[File:Discovery green.JPG|thumb|[[Discovery Green]]|left]]In the Convention District, [[Discovery Green]], immediately west of the George R. Brown Convention Center, contains an amphitheater, two restaurants, a dog run, a jogging trail, multiple lawns, and an artificial lake on nearly {{Convert|12|acre|m2}} of land.<ref>"[http://www.discoverygreen.com/features/ Features]." ''[[Discovery Green Park]]''. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref> Since its opening in 2008, Discovery Green has become one of Downtown's main attractions, hosting approximately 1.2 million visitors a year and serving as one of the city's premier public spaces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Discovery-Green-keeps-giving-city-a-fresh-image-4487898.php|title=Discovery Green keeps giving city a fresh image|last=Kaplan|first=David|date=May 3, 2013|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2017-10-23}}</ref> Discovery Green's environs, formerly covered by surface parking lots, have seen over US$600 million in new development since the park's opening.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discoverygreen.com/history-of-discovery-green|title=History of Discovery Green|website=Discovery Green Conservancy|access-date=2017-10-23}}</ref>

A number of other smaller parks and plazas are spread throughout Downtown. Main Street Square is a pedestrian-only promenade with a reflection pool and fountains on the METRORail line between Lamar and Dallas streets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtownhouston.org/guidedetail/main-street-square/|title=Main Street Square|website=www.downtownhouston.org|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Near the Toyota Center, Root Square occupies a single block and features a public basketball court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtownhouston.org/guidedetail/root-memorial-square/|title=Root Memorial Square|website=www.downtownhouston.org|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Harris County Precinct One operates the {{convert|2|acre|m2|adj=on}} Quebedeaux Park near the county court complex.<ref>"[http://www.co.harris.tx.us/comm_lee/PQuebedeaux/index.htm Quebedeaux Park]." ''Harris County''. Retrieved on January 3, 2009.</ref> The park includes a stage area, picnic tables, and benches. The park surrounds the Harris County Family Law Center.<ref>"[http://www.co.harris.tx.us/comm_lee/PQuebedeaux/QuebedeauxPark.pdf Quebedeaux Park]" Layout. ''Harris County''. Retrieved on January 3, 2009.</ref>

A park in the southern part of Downtown, Trebly Park, began construction in March 2021 on the site of a former automobile repair center. The park had the provisional name Southern Downtown Park; its chosen name refers to how there are three street corners adjacent to the park.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scherer|first=Jasper|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Construction-begins-on-Trebly-Park-in-south-16022060.php|title=Construction begins on 'Trebly Park' in south downtown Houston|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=2021-03-11|accessdate=2021-03-29}} - [https://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/ODN/HoustonChronicle/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=HHC/2021/03/13&entity=Ar00305&mode=text&sk=3E75E980 Alternate link]</ref> The area is in the shape of an "L".<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Tierra|url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/03/13/gallery-trebly-park-breaks-ground/|title=GALLERY: Trebly Park breaks ground in downtown Houston|publisher=[[KPRC-TV|KPRC]]|date=2021-03-13|accessdate=2021-03-29}}</ref>

===Entertainment venues===

[[File:Hobbycenter.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hobby Center for the Performing Arts]]]]
[[File:Wortham Center.jpg|thumb|left|The Wortham Theater Center]]
[[File:Minutemaidpark.jpg|thumb|[[Daikin Park]]]]
[[File:Toyota Center entr.jpg|thumb|[[Toyota Center]]]]
Downtown Houston has two major league sports venues. [[Daikin Park]], opened in 2000, is home to [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] [[Houston Astros]], and the [[Toyota Center (Houston)|Toyota Center]], opened in 2003, is home to the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] [[Houston Rockets]]. From 2004 to 2007, Toyota Center was also home to the now defunct [[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]] [[Houston Comets]].

The [[Houston Theater District|Theater District]] is one of the largest in the country as measured by the number of theater seats.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}} Houston is one of only five cities in the United States with permanent professional resident companies in all of the major performing art disciplines of opera, ballet, music, and theater.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}} Venues in the theater district include the [[Wortham Theater Center|Wortham Center]] (opera and ballet), the [[Alley Theatre]] (theater), the [[Hobby Center for the Performing Arts|Hobby Center]] (resident and traveling musical theater, concerts, events), the [[Bayou Music Center]] (concerts and events) and [[Jones Hall]] (symphony).

The [[George R. Brown Convention Center]] is located on the east side of Downtown, between Discovery Green and Interstate 69, and contains {{convert|1800000|sqft|m2}} of convention space and two adjoining hotels. In the mid-2010s, the promenade between the Center and Discovery Green was transformed into ''Avenida Houston'', a mixed-use corridor featuring restaurants and retail spaces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.houstonconventiondistrict.com/The-New-Avenida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821031919/http://houstonconventiondistrict.com/The-New-Avenida|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-08-21|title=The New Avenida|website=www.houstonconventiondistrict.com|access-date=2016-10-23}}</ref>

===Hotels and accommodations===

Major hotels in downtown Houston are:

* [[Hilton Hotels|Hilton]] Americas Convention Center Hotel
* [[Marriott Marquis Houston]]
* [[Four Seasons Hotel Houston|Four Seasons Hotel]] and Residences
* [[JW Marriott Downtown Houston]]<ref>{{cite web|title=806 Main St|url=https://www.credifi.com/ui/freemium/propertydetails/806-Main-St-Houston-TX/569b5f27fbffa90f106aa4ef|website=CrediFI|access-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref>
* [[DoubleTree]] Hotel Downtown Houston
* [[Hyatt Place Houston Downtown]]
* [[Hyatt Regency Houston]], which features a [[revolving restaurant]], the ''Spindletop'', located on the hotel's 30th floor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyatt.com/gallery/spindletop/story.html|title=Spindletop Restaurant Houston|website=www.hyatt.com|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref>
* The Whitehall
* [[Club Quarters Hotel (Houston)|Club Quarters Hotel]]
* [[Courtyard by Marriott|Courtyard]] Houston Downtown (Marriott)
* Residence Inn Marriott
* [[Westin Hotel]]
* SpringHill Suites Marriott
* Hotel Alessandra

Boutique hotels include:

* The Lancaster
* [[Magnolia Hotel (Houston)|Magnolia Hotel]]
* [[Hotel Icon (Houston)|Hotel Icon]] (Marriott)
* [[Alden Houston|The Sam Houston Hotel]]

===Retail and restaurants===
[[File:HoustonPavilionsHoustonTX.JPG|thumb|[[GreenStreet]]]]
The Shops in Houston Center, located within the [[Houston Center]] complex, is an enclosed shopping mall. A few blocks away, [[GreenStreet]] is an open-air shopping center. The [[Houston Downtown Tunnel System]] is also home to many shops and restaurants. Several restaurants in Downtown Houston are in the Tunnel system, only open during working hours.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}}

Katharine Shilcutt of the ''[[Houston Press]]'' said in 2012 that because of the Houston tunnel system taking traffic during the daytime and many office workers leaving for suburbs at night, many street level restaurants in Downtown Houston have difficulty operating. She added that the popularity of business-related lunches and dinners resulted in steakhouses in Downtown becoming successful.<ref name="Shilpeace3">Shilcutt, Katharine. "Rest(aurants) in Peace: Notable Closings of 2012." ''[[Houston Press]]''. Monday December 10, 2012. [http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2012/12/restaurants_in_peace_notable_c.php?page=3 3]. Retrieved on March 27, 2013.</ref>

===Fitness centers===
Downtown hosts a branch of the [[YMCA]], featuring a center for teenagers, a wellness center for females, a child watch area, a community meeting space, a chapel, group exercise rooms, and a racquetball court.<ref>"[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4690130 Work begins on Tellepsen Family YMCA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617073709/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2009_4690130 |date=2012-06-17 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. January 14, 2009. Retrieved on September 21, 2009.</ref> The Downtown YMCA provided dormitory space beginning in 1908, and continued to do so in its 1941 building, but the new YMCA to open in 2010 was not to have any. The current branch had a projected cost of $55 million.<ref>Dooley, Tara. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4612980 It's been fun to stay at the Y] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617064312/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4612980 |date=2012-06-17 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. August 22, 2008. Retrieved on September 21, 2009.</ref>

===Artwork===
In 2018 the street artist Dual made a mural representing Produce Row, which was a group of produce businesses on Commerce Street, on the Main & Co. building; at the time the area was in the [[Historic wards of Houston|first ward]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Hlavaty, Craig|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/New-Houston-mural-honors-downtown-s-Produce-Row-13253261.php|title=New Houston mural honors downtown's 'Produce Row' roots|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=September 24, 2018|access-date=2018-09-30}}</ref>

==Media==
The ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'', the citywide newspaper, previously had its headquarters in Downtown, but has since relocated {{circa|2014}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Houston-Chronicle-Media-Group-announces-major-5636807.php|title=Houston Chronicle announces relocation and renovation|website=Houston Chronicle|date=2014-07-21|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref> Beginning in 1998,<ref name="Garza1">Garza, Abrahán. "Spaced City The ''Houston Press'' Moves to New Digs, From Downtown to Midtown." ''[[Houston Press]]''. October 25, 2013. p. [http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2013/10/houston_press_moves_to_new_dig.php 1] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20131027100122/http://blogs.houstonpress.com:80/hairballs/2013/10/houston_press_moves_to_new_dig.php Archive]). Retrieved on October 25, 2013.</ref> ''[[Houston Press]]'' headquarters was located in Downtown,<ref>[http://www.houstonpress.com/about/index "About Us"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417151337/http://www.houstonpress.com/about/index |date=April 17, 2009 }} Houston Press. Retrieved on August 7, 2009.</ref> in the former Gillman Pontiac dealership building.<ref>Garza, Abrahán. "Old Houston Photos Mashed with Modern Houston, Part 2." ''Houston Press''. Monday May 7, 2012. [http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2012/05/old_new_photo_mashups_2.php 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510063911/http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2012/05/old_new_photo_mashups_2.php |date=May 10, 2012 }}. Retrieved on May 7, 2012.</ref> On the weekend after Friday October 25, 2013, the ''Houston Press'' was scheduled to move to its new offices in [[Midtown Houston]].<ref name="Garza1" />

The magazine ''[[Magazines in Houston|Houston Downtown]]'' was a Downtown-oriented magazine published by Rosie Walker.<ref name="Hassellmags">Hassell, Greg. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1991_760058 PUBLISH OR PERISH/Small magazines born every year with big dreams]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Monday January 28, 1991. Business 1. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.</ref> Most area residents called it the "Downtowner." Walker was originally an office worker in Downtown Houston who was upset that she had learned of events occurring in Downtown Houston after they had already occurred. Walker said "Several people in our office decided to start a newsletter. It sort of expanded throughout our company and throughout our building."<ref name="Popefinal">Pope, Tara Parker. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1991_758245 Last issue for Downtown]." ''Houston Chronicle''. Saturday January 19, 1991. A35. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.</ref> It had been published for 14 years. In 1991 the business had paid off its debts. Walker decided not to take out loans to update her equipment and printing processes and instead closed the magazine during that year.<ref name="Hassellmags" />

The ''[[Magazines in Houston|Downtown, Inc.''/''Downtown Voice]]'' was another Downtown-related magazine. Kevin Clear of the Creneau Media Group planned to establish a magazine about Downtown Houston that would be published by Creneau. In January 1990 his company had developed a business plan aimed towards competing with ''Houston Downtown'' magazine. ''Houston Downtown'' was closed before Clear could develop a new magazine. Clear said "I hate to say we danced on their grave, but we weren't unhappy about the way things turned out."<ref name="Hassellmags" />  Clear planned to introduce his magazine in May 1991. As of January 1991 he had not decided on a name for the magazine.<ref name="Hassellmags" /> Elise Perachio became the editor of the magazine, which was ultimately named ''Downtown, Inc.''<ref>Staff. "[http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1991_821534 People in business]." ''Houston Chronicle''. Sunday November 10, 1991. Business 8. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.</ref> On August 1, 1994, the magazine, then called Downtown Voice, was sold to company Media Ink.<ref name="Eldergroupbuys">"[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-15719719/houston-group-buys-neighborhood.html Houston group buys neighborhood magazines from New Mexico owner. (Media ink; Creneau Media Group Inc.)]" ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. August 12, 1994. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.</ref>

Regional sports network [[AT&T SportsNet Southwest]] is headquartered in Downtown at [[GreenStreet]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southwest.rootsports.com/contact-us/|title=Contact Us|website=ROOT SPORTS|language=en-us|access-date=2016-06-11}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:DowntownTransitCenterHoustonTX0.JPG|thumb|Light rail station at the [[Downtown Transit Center (METRORail station)|Downtown Transit Center]]]]
The [[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County]] (METRO) operates Houston's public transportation systems. Downtown lies at the convergence of the three lines of Houston's light rail system, known as [[METRORail]]. The Red Line, which runs along Main Street, contains the following stations (from south to north): [[Downtown Transit Center]], [[Bell (METRORail station)|Bell]], [[Main Street Square (METRORail station)|Main Street Square]], [[Preston (METRORail station)|Preston]], and {{nowrap|[[UH–Downtown (METRORail station)|UH–Downtown]]}}.<ref>"[http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/RailSched.aspx Rail Map & Schedule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217064438/http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/RailSched.aspx |date=2008-12-17 }}." ''[[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas]]''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref> The [[Southeast/Purple Line (METRORail)|Southeast/Purple Line]] and [[East End/Green Line (METRORail)|East End/Green Lines]] stop at the [[Central Station (METRORail station)|Central]], [[Convention District (METRORail station)|Convention District]], and [[Theater District (METRORail station)|Theater District]] stations.

METRO operates many bus lines through Downtown.<ref>"[http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/Pdfs/METRO-CBD-W-Midtown-Map.pdf Central Business District/Downtown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202232046/http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/Pdfs/METRO-CBD-W-Midtown-Map.pdf |date=2008-12-02 }}." ''[[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas]]''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref> Greenlink, a free-to-ride circulator shuttle, follows a {{convert|1.5|mi|km|adj=on}} circular route around the district. Greenlink is the successor to a trolley-style free-to-ride bus service which carried over 10,000 riders each day on five different routes prior to its disbandment in 2005.<ref name="Patelnewbus">Patel, Purva. "[http://www.chron.com/business/article/Free-downtown-bus-rides-coming-in-spring-2210531.php Free downtown bus rides coming in spring]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Monday October 10, 2011. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.</ref>

Taxicabs can be hailed from the street, at one of 21 taxi stands, or at various hotels. Taxi trips within Downtown have a flat rate of US$6, mandated by the city.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.houstontx.gov/downtowncab/|title=Six in the City |date=2017| website=City of Houston}}</ref> [[Uber]] operates within the city and surrounding areas.

==Education==
[[File:Merchants and Manufacturers Building (bayou view) Houston.jpg|right|thumb|{{nowrap|[[University of Houston–Downtown]]}}<br/>One Main Building (formerly the [[Merchants and Manufacturers Building]])]]

===Colleges and universities===
The [[University of Houston–Downtown]] (UHD) is a four-year state university, located at the northern-end of Downtown. Founded in 1974, it is one of four separate and distinct institutions in the [[University of Houston System]]. UHD has an enrollment of 14,255 students—making it the 15th largest public university in Texas and the second-largest university in the Houston area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/DocFetch.cfm?DocID=6952&Format=XLS|title=Texas Higher Ed Enrollments|website=www.thecb.state.tx.us|access-date=2016-06-11|archive-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123223005/http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/DocFetch.cfm?DocID=6952&Format=XLS|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[South Texas College of Law]] is a private law school located within Downtown and is one of three law schools in Houston.<ref>[http://www.stcl.edu/ Home page]. ''[[South Texas College of Law]]''. Retrieved on December 10, 2008.</ref>

Downtown is within the [[Houston Community College System]], and it is in close proximity to the Central Campus in [[Midtown, Houston|Midtown]].<ref name="SchoolsDT">"[http://www.houstondowntown.com/Home/Business/WorkingHere/EducationSchools/ Education/Schools]." ''Downtown Houston''. Retrieved on April 7, 2009.</ref><ref name="MidtownMap">"[http://www.houstonmidtown.com/cmsFiles/Files/Midtown_DevMap_1206.pdf Land Use & Development Map] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203060535/http://www.houstonmidtown.com/cmsFiles/Files/Midtown_DevMap_1206.pdf |date=December 3, 2008 }}." ''[[Midtown, Houston|Midtown Houston]]''. Retrieved on April 4, 2009.</ref>

===Primary and secondary education===

====Public schools====
[[File:Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.jpg|thumb|[[Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts]]]]
[[File:Youngscholarsacaddownt.jpg|thumb|Young Scholars Academy for Excellence]]
The grade-school children of Downtown are served by the [[Houston Independent School District]] (HISD).

One public [[K-8 school]], an HISD-affiliated [[charter school]] called Young Scholars Academy for Excellence (Y.S.A.F.E.), is in Downtown.<ref>"{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091027021859/http://www.ysafe.org/School2/Contact/Contact.htm Contact Us]}}." Young Scholars Academy for Excellence. Retrieved on December 2, 2009.</ref> It was established on May 15, 1996, by Kenneth and Anella Coleman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ysafe.org/wp/about/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170818164100/http://www.ysafe.org/wp/about/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 18, 2017|title=About YSAFE|publisher=Young Scholars Academy for Excellence|access-date=2017-08-18}}</ref> HISD's [[High School for the Performing and Visual Arts]] (HSPVA), a public [[magnet school|magnet]] high school, broke ground on a new downtown campus in 2014,<ref>[http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-ISD-breaks-ground-on-new-campus-for-arts-5956936.phpGillespie, Laura. "Houston ISD breaks ground on new campus for arts high school." Houston Chronicle. 14 December 21014]</ref> and classes began there in 2019, replacing HSPVA's previous [[Montrose, Houston|Montrose-area]] campus.<ref>{{cite web|author=Selvakumar, Ariya|url=https://thebuzzmagazines.com/articles/2019/02/kinder-hspva-grand-opening-downtown|title=Kinder HSPVA Grand Opening Downtown|publisher=The Buzz Magazines|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=2019-03-02}}</ref>

Three public district elementary schools have zoning boundaries that extend to areas of Downtown with residential areas; they are:
*Bruce Elementary School (in the [[Fifth Ward, Houston|Fifth Ward]])<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Bruce_ES.pdf Bruce Elementary Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref>
*Crockett Elementary School (northwest of Downtown)<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Crockett_ES.pdf Crockett Elementary Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref>
*[[Gregory-Lincoln Education Center]]<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Gregory-Lincoln_ES_K8.pdf Gregory-Lincoln Elementary Attendance Zone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002107/http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Gregory-Lincoln_ES_K8.pdf |date=February 2, 2017 }}." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref> (in the [[Fourth Ward, Houston|Fourth Ward]])

[[Gregory-Lincoln Education Center|Gregory Lincoln Education Center]]<ref name="GregLincolnMS">"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Gregory-Lincoln_MS_K8.pdf Gregory Lincoln Middle Attendance Zone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002110/http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Gregory-Lincoln_MS_K8.pdf |date=February 2, 2017 }}." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref> (in the [[Fourth Ward, Houston|Fourth Ward]]) takes most of Downtown's students at the middle school level. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070816102533/http://ms.houstonisd.org/MarshallMS/ Marshall Middle School]<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Marshall_MS.pdf Marshall Middle Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref> (in [[Northside, Houston, Texas|Northside]]) takes students at the middle school level from a small section of northern Downtown. [[Northside High School (Houston)|Northside High School]] (formerly Jefferson Davis High School),<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Northside_HS.pdf Northside High Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref> also in Northside, takes students from almost all of Downtown at the high school level. [[Heights High School (Houston)|Heights High School]] (formerly Reagan High School),<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/32468/boundarymaps/Heights_HS.pdf Heights High Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on July 23, 2017.</ref> in the [[Houston Heights]], take students in the high school level from a small section of northwest Downtown.<!--Tennison Lofts at 110 Bagby St Houston, TX 77002 is zoned to Reagan HS-->

=====History of public schools=====
The block bounded by Austin, Capitol, Caroline, and Rusk held schools for many years. Houston Academy was established there in the 1850s. In 1894 the groundbreaking for Central High School occurred there. Central burned down in March 1919. In 1921 [[Sam Houston High School (Houston)|Sam Houston High School]] opened at the site.<ref name="GonzalesSamoldbuilding">Gonzales, J.R. "[http://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2010/03/sam-houston-high-school-old/ Sam Houston High School (old)]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. March 30, 2010. Retrieved on November 22, 2011.</ref> The current Sam Houston building in the [[Northside, Houston|Northside]] opened in 1955.<ref>"[http://schools.houstonisd.org/domain/1875 History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104065815/http://schools.houstonisd.org/domain/1875 |date=2012-11-04 }}." [[Sam Houston High School (Houston)|Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center]]. Retrieved on November 22, 2011.</ref> The previous building became the administrative headquarters of the [[Houston Independent School District]]. By the early 1970s HISD moved its headquarters out of the building, which was demolished. As of 2011 a parking lot occupies the former school lot; a state historical marker is located at the lot.<ref name="GonzalesSamoldbuilding"/>

[[Booker T. Washington High School (Houston)|Booker T. Washington High School]]'s first location, 303 West Dallas, served as the school's location from 1893 to 1959, when it moved to the north. Lockett Junior High School was established in the former Washington campus and closed in 1968.<ref name="SchoolHistoriesHoustonISD">"[http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=0afe09c28afc3110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=2e2b2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD School Histories: the Stories Behind the Names] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710153727/http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=0afe09c28afc3110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=2e2b2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD |date=July 10, 2011 }}." ''[[Houston Independent School District]]''. Retrieved on September 24, 2008.</ref>

Anson Jones Elementary School served a portion of Downtown until its closing in Summer 2006.<ref name="SchoolHistoriesHoustonISD"/><ref>"[http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/AJonesES.pdf A. Jones Elementary Attendance Zone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227011215/http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/AJonesES.pdf |date=February 27, 2009 }}." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on August 21, 2009.</ref> Anson Jones opened in 1892 as the Elysian Street School; its first campus was destroyed in a fire, and that was replaced in 1893 with a three-story building at 914 Elysian in what is now Downtown. It was named after [[Anson Jones]] in 1902. In the 1950s many students resided in Clayton Homes and the students were majority Hispanic and Latino. In 1962 it had 609 students. Anson Jones moved to a new campus in the [[Second Ward, Houston|Second Ward]] in 1966, and its original campus in Downtown was demolished.<ref>{{cite news|author=Gonzales, J.R.|url=http://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2013/01/the-colorful-history-of-anson-jones-elementary/|title=The colorful history of Anson Jones Elementary|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=January 19, 2013|access-date=2016-12-06}}</ref>

Brock Elementary School served a portion of Downtown until its closing in Summer 2006 and repurposing as an early childhood center; its boundary was transferred to Crockett Elementary.<ref name="SchoolHistoriesHoustonISD"/><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20020413172807/http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/images2/BROCK.JPG Brock Elementary Attendance Zone]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. April 13, 2002. Retrieved on August 21, 2009.</ref> Before the start of the 2009–2010 school year J. Will Jones was consolidated into Blackshear Elementary School, a campus in the [[Third Ward, Houston, Texas|Third Ward]].<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=193c4a97538ec110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=e1b9393d9b623110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextfmt=default Board of Education Votes on School Consolidations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617205129/http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=193c4a97538ec110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=e1b9393d9b623110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextfmt=default |date=June 17, 2009 }}." ''[[Houston Independent School District]]''. October 9, 2008.</ref><ref>Mellon, Ericka. "[http://blogs.chron.com/schoolzone/2008/10/tears_and_fears_at_hisd_board.html Tears and fears at HISD board meeting – UPDATED] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519024321/http://blogs.chron.com/schoolzone/2008/10/tears_and_fears_at_hisd_board.html |date=2009-05-19 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. October 9, 2008.</ref> During its final year of enrollment J. Will Jones had more students than Blackshear. Many J. Will Jones parents referred to Blackshear as "that prison school" and said that they will not send their children to Blackshear.<ref>Downing, Margaret. "Backlash Upon Backlash at HISD." ''[[Houston Press]]''. December 2, 2008. [http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-12-04/news/backlash-upon-backlash-at-hisd/ 1].</ref> By Spring 2011 Atherton Elementary School and E.O. Smith were consolidated with a new K-5 campus in the Atherton site.<ref name="Nov2008closings">"[http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=56f6c8debd79d110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=de4b2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD Board Approves School Closings and Consolidations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928224811/http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=56f6c8debd79d110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=de4b2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD |date=September 28, 2011 }}." ''[[Houston Independent School District]]''. November 14, 2008.</ref> Middle school students in Downtown were rezoned to Gregory-Lincoln.<ref name="GregLincolnMS"/><ref>"[http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/SchoolBoundaryMaps/EOSmithMS.pdf E. O. Smith Middle Attendance Zone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227005743/http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/EOSmithMS.pdf |date=February 27, 2009 }}." ''[[Houston Independent School District]]''. Retrieved on April 7, 2009.</ref>

As part of rezoning for the 2014–2015 school year, in Downtown all areas previously under the Blackshear attendance zone and many areas in the Bruce attendance zone were rezoned to Gregory-Lincoln K-8.<ref>"[http://www.houstonisd.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=51135&dataid=101587&FileName=031314OA_POST.pdf AGENDA Board of Education Meeting March 13, 2014]." [[Houston Independent School District]]. Retrieved on March 15, 2014. "Current Attendance Boundaries" New 03/06/04 Attachment F-March 2, 2014 p. 31/119. ''and'' "Proposed Attendance Boundaries" New 03/06/04 Attachment F-March 2, 2014 p. 32/119.</ref>

====Private schools====
[[File:IWA-004.jpg|thumb|left|[[Incarnate Word Academy (Houston)|Incarnate Word Academy]]]]
[[File:FormerSacredHeartSchoolDowntownHouston.JPG|thumb|right|The former Sacred Heart School]]
The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston]] oversees the [[Incarnate Word Academy (Houston)|Incarnate Word Academy]], a Catholic all-girls school founded in 1873 and the only high school located in Downtown until the opening of the new HSPVA campus in 2017.<ref>"[http://www.incarnateword.org/index.cfm/CFID/3895970/CFTOKEN/92798893/MenuItemID/343.htm Contact Incarnate Word Academy]{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}." ''[[Incarnate Word Academy (Houston)|Incarnate Word Academy]]''. Retrieved on April 5, 2009.</ref> Trinity Lutheran School, a PreK-8 Lutheran School, is located at 800 Houston Avenue, northwest of and in close proximity to Downtown. Its early childhood center is located at 1316 Washington Avenue, near the K-8 center and in proximity to Downtown.<ref name="SchoolsDT"/><ref>"[http://www.tlsdowntown.org/index.php?pgid=7#tls Enrolling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220190104/http://www.tlsdowntown.org/index.php?pgid=7#tls |date=2008-12-20 }}." ''Trinity Lutheran School''. Retrieved on April 7, 2009.</ref>

On September 27, 1897, a school in the two-story annex to the Sacred Heart Parish, staffed by [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] sisters, opened with 28 enrolled students.<ref name="HistCoCathedral">"[http://www.diogh.org/cocathedral/dedication/history-cocathedral.htm History of the Co-Cathedral] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724182849/http://www.diogh.org/cocathedral/dedication/history-cocathedral.htm |date=2008-07-24 }}." ''[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston]]''. Retrieved on April 5, 2009.</ref> St. Thomas College (now known as [[St. Thomas High School (Houston)|St. Thomas High School]]) opened in Downtown in 1900.<ref name="Stthomashistory">"[http://www.sths.org/about/ About St. Thomas]." ''[[St. Thomas High School (Houston)|St. Thomas High School]]''. Retrieved on April 5, 2009.</ref> In 1902 the parish bought a building used by St. Thomas and moved it from Franklin Street at Crawford Street to Pierce Street and Fannin Street. In 1905 the parish sought and received approval from the state to start a high school; in January 1907 [[Saint Agnes Academy (Texas)|Saint Agnes Academy]], outside of Downtown, opened and high school students were transferred to St. Agnes. In 1911 the former school building, known as the Green House, was demolished and replaced by a church building. In 1922 the existing Sacred Heart School building opened; the parish spent $52,800 (${{inflation|USD|52800|1922|fmt=c|r=-3}} in today's currency) to build the building.<ref name="HistCoCathedral"/> St. Thomas moved to its current location, outside of Downtown, in 1940.<ref name="Stthomashistory"/> The Sacred Heart School provided Catholic elementary education for 70 years until its closing in May 1967 after declining enrollment and increased operation costs. As of 2009 the former Sacred Heart building houses the diocese's parish religious education program.<ref name="HistCoCathedral"/>

===Public libraries===
[[File:JesseJonesBuildingHoustonLibrary0.JPG|thumb|left|Jesse H. Jones Building]]
[[File:HPLIdesonBuilding0.JPG|thumb|[[Julia Ideson Building]]]]
[[Houston Public Library]] has the Central Library in Houston. It consists of two buildings, including the Jesse H. Jones Building, which contains the bulk of the library facilities, and the [[Julia Ideson Building]], which contains archives, manuscripts, and the Texas and Local History Department.<ref>"[http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/branches/jib_home.html Central Library Julia Ideson Building Texas Room and Archives] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211143149/http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/branches/jib_home.html |date=February 11, 2009 }}." ''[[Houston Public Library]]''. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref>

Houston's first public library facility opened on March 2, 1904.<ref>Chapman, Betty T. "[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27941445_ITM Story of public libraries took long time to write in Houston]." ''[[Houston Business Journal]]''. June 2, 2000. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref> The Ideson building opened in 1926, replacing the previous building. The Jesse H. Jones Building opened in 1976 and received its current name in 1989.<ref name="HandbookTexas">{{Handbook of Texas|id=lch02|name=Houston Public Library}}</ref> The Jones Building closed for renovations on Monday April 3, 2006.<ref>"[http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/pressreleases/20060223-central.html It's Worth the Wait Exciting New Renovation for the Central Library] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416180814/http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/pressreleases/20060223-central.html |date=April 16, 2008 }}." ''Houston Public Library''. February 23, 2006. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref> It reopened May 31, 2008.<ref>"[http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/news/20080531_central.html Central Library Grand Re-Opening Celebration May 31 & June 1, 2008] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724075628/http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/news/20080531_central.html |date=July 24, 2008 }}." ''[[Houston Public Library]]''. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref> After renovations began the Houston Public Library headquarters moved from the Jones Building to the Marston Building in [[Neartown Houston]].<ref name="CentrallibrenovmoveMarston">"[http://www2.houstonlibrary.org/about/pressreleases/20060223-central.html IT'S WORTH THE WAIT Exciting New Renovation for the Central Library] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015162700/http://www.houstonlibrary.org/about/pressreleases/20060223-central.html |date=2008-10-15 }}." Houston Public Library. Thursday February 23, 2006. Retrieved on June 30, 2010.</ref><ref name="Map">[http://www.neartown.org/images/nta-map.jpg Map of Neartown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005062603/http://www.neartown.org/images/nta-map.jpg |date=October 5, 2018 }}. ''Neartown Association''. Retrieved October 20, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.houstontx.gov/generalservices/facilities.xls GSD District Locations]." City of Houston. Retrieved on June 30, 2010. "No. 117. Location Code MAR. Address 820 Marston. Location Name Marston Building. Zip Code 77019. Key Map 492M. Sq. Ft 22,000.</ref>

In addition, HPL operates the HPL Express Discovery Green at 1300 McKinney R2, adjacent to Discovery Green Park.<ref>"[http://www.houstonlibrary.org/branches/dis_home.html HPL Express Discovery Green] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802155519/http://www.houstonlibrary.org/branches/dis_home.html |date=2008-08-02 }}." ''[[Houston Public Library]]''. Accessed July 12, 2008.</ref><ref>Snyder, Mike. "[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5678098.html Houston's new park combines green space, amenities]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. April 5, 2008. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref> HPL Express facilities are library facilities located in existing buildings.<ref>"[http://www.houstonlibrary.org/branches/hplx.html HPL Express] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301022946/http://www.houstonlibrary.org/branches/hplx.html |date=March 1, 2009 }}." ''[[Houston Public Library]]''. Accessed July 12, 2008.</ref> The library opened in 2008.<ref>"[http://www.azstarnet.com/business/244262 Take to the air for short trips from Tucson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217220121/http://www.azstarnet.com/business/244262 |date=February 17, 2009 }}." ''[[Arizona Daily Star]]''. June 19, 2008. Retrieved on January 27, 2009.</ref>

[[Harris County Public Library]] operates the Law Library,<ref>"[http://www.hcpl.net/location/law-library Law Library]." [[Harris County Public Library]]. Retrieved on January 31, 2016. "Location: 1019 Congress, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002"</ref> located on the first floor of Congress Plaza.<ref>"[http://www.harriscountylawlibrary.org/contact/ Contact Us]." Harris County Law Library. Retrieved on January 31, 2016. "The Harris County Law Library is located on the first floor of Congress Plaza at the corner of Congress and Fannin Streets in downtown Houston." and "Address: 1019 Congress, 1st floor, Houston, Texas 77002"</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Texas}}
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in downtown Houston, Texas]]
*[[Architecture of Houston]]
*[[Houston Downtown Tunnel System]]
*[[Houston Theater District]]
*[[Midtown Houston]]
*[[Greenway Plaza, Houston]]
*[[Neartown Houston]]
*[[Uptown Houston]]
*[[Greenspoint, Houston]]
*[[Westchase, Houston]]
*[[Memorial City, Houston]]
*[[Houston Energy Corridor]]
*[[Central business district]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
*"[http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2010-04-19/7-Parking_Management_Planning_Study.pdf Downtown Parking Management Program Planning]." Central Houston, Inc. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120711041155/http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2010-04-19/7-Parking_Management_Planning_Study.pdf Archive])
*Gonzales, J.R. "[http://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2013/08/downtown-houston-by-air-and-in-color/ Downtown Houston by air and in color]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Monday August 5, 2013.
*"[http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/09/downtown-retail-a-glimpse-into-the-future/ Downtown retail: A glimpse into the future]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. Friday September 13, 2013.
*Sarnoff, Nancy and Mike Morris. "[http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Downtown-subsidies-could-skew-market-experts-say-5422520.php#/8%C2%A0 Downtown subsidies could skew market, experts say]." ''[[Houston Chronicle]]''. April 22, 2014.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Downtown Houston}}
*{{wikivoyage inline|Houston/Downtown}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070129125844/http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/nbhd_svces/TechCntrInfo/SN_61.htm Downtown at the official Houston web site]
*[http://www.downtowndistrict.org Downtown Houston Management District] ([http://downtownhouston.org/?fff=desktop Desktop]<!--Clicking http://www.downtowndistrict.org can lead to either one-->, [http://downtownhouston.org/?fff=mobile Mobile])
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080907093801/http://www.houstondowntown.com/ Downtown District]
*[http://www.downtownhouston.org Downtown Houston Alliance]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070205050350/http://www.commercialgateway.com/houstondowntown/index.html Downtown Houston Interactive Map]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060114101814/http://www.houstontheaterdistrict.org/ Houston Theater District]
{{Downtown Houston}}
{{Houston, Texas}}
{{Central Business Districts in Texas}}

{{Coord|29.756334|N|95.364037|W|type:city_region:US-TX|display=title}}

[[Category:Downtown Houston| ]]
[[Category:Neighborhoods in Houston]]
[[Category:Economy of Houston]]
[[Category:Central business districts in the United States|Houston]]