Houston to get its first "woonerf" (Stafford, Robinson: 2014, apartments)

[gsmj]

Houston's Energy Corridor District moves forward with Woonerf Streetscape project at Grisby Square - Houston Business Journal

The area known as Grisby Square in the Energy Corridor will receive a $300,000 upgrade through a pilot program initiated and funded by the Energy Corridor District.

The Energy Corridor District’s Woonerf Streetscape Project, which broke ground Oct. 13, will focus on improving pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as the aesthetics of the area along Fortsmith Street between Stafford and Addicks Howell streets, which is known for its large live oak trees. The project is slated to be completed in February.

Woonerfs — curbless streets that feature more pedestrian-friendly designs and low speed limits — were first introduced in the Netherlands in the 1970s, said Clark Martinson, general manager of the Energy Corridor District. The project will include a single lane of pavers, angled parking, new landscape and a sustainable drainage system.

“This area was selected because of the unique character of the landscape and businesses. It’s like a little Gruene, Texas, in the Energy Corridor District,” Martinson said.

The Woonerf Streetscape Project is designed by the Houston office of Walter P. Moore Engineers and Houston-based Asakura Robinson Co. LLC. The general contractor is Jerdon Enterprises LP of Windcrest, Texas.

With as many happy hour drunks driving through there daily, I predict this:

[Kiovo]

Maybe it's just me, but there doesn't seem to be many HH spots around EC. Galleria/Midtown/Montrose seems to be where most of the HH crowd gather. EC seems to be gearing to be the biker/pedestrian friendly area of town with the park already being there, lots of apartments, and the new "city centre" development coming.

[gsmj]

Originally Posted by Kiovo

Maybe it's just me, but there doesn't seem to be many HH spots around EC.

This is going in by Watsons and Lupe's.