OVERVIEW OF THE ZONE
Tax Increment Reinvestment Number 23, also known as the Harrisburg Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone was created in 2011 by the City of Houston. TIRZ 23 is predominately located within the Greater East End Management District, which is located on the eastern side of Houston’s downtown and extends east of US 59 to the Port of Houston. Historically, the area was a destination for German, Italian, and Mexican American immigrants. The Second Ward and Magnolia Park, two of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods, are located in the East End. During the 1990’s the area experienced a dramatic increase in Hispanic population, primarily south of Buffalo Bayou.
Today the area reflects a mix of uses and character, from newer townhome and loft developments closer to the downtown core, to industrial and commercial uses along the Bayou and major roadway corridors, with a mixture of older neighborhoods each with their own distinct identity and character. The area is in need of revitalization and includes large tracts of underdeveloped parcels, vacant buildings, obsolete industrial, warehouses with railroad tracks throughout, and older residential neighborhoods.
The Project and Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan will create an investment tool for new construction and the redevelopment of the area. The proposed TIRZ will help finance approximately $128 million of improvements and services needed to support the revitalization of the East End. Those improvements include:
- Enhancement of parks, cultural spaces, and recreational facilities as well as esplanades and streets;
- Design and construction of major and minor roadways including improvements to existing bike trails;
- Increase Economic Development efforts as well as plan and execute enhancements to public utilities including water, wastewater, and storm water systems;
Location
The boundaries of TIRZ #23 encompasses approximately 1,460 acres of land. The Zone extends from east of downtown to 75th Street and includes Harrisburg Boulevard, Canal Street, N. Wayside Drive and S. Sgt. Macario Garcia Drive. TIRZ #23 is located in Council Districts B, H, and I, and Super Neighborhoods 63 (Second Ward), 64 (Greater Eastwood), 82 (Magnolia Park), and 88 (Lawndale/Wayside). The Zone is predominately located within the Greater East End Management District, which was created by the 76th Texas State Legislature in 1999 to facilitate economic development and revitalization in the area.
