Renewal targets Houston’s East End

Houston’s east end, a blend of industry, shipping and ethnic neighborhoods for decades, is now becoming a center of revitalization and development. An area located just east of downtown, it stretches from Jensen Drive along the streets of Clinton, Canal, Navigation and Harrisburg to the Houston Ship Channel.

The historic and cultural roots of Houston and Texas are embedded in the Greater East End. As Navigation Boulevard winds its way from downtown it passes by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Next to it is an old graveyard in which veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto and Civil War are buried. Further down Navigation near the Ship Channel is a marker where the town of Harrisburg once stood, before Houston was founded.

The early East End was culturally diverse, with Germans, Italians and Mexican-Americans settled in the industrial areas near the port to find jobs in the marine trades. Today the area reflects the influence of the Latino culture in its neighborhoods, architecture and commerce. Colorful Mexican restaurants are in abundance, offering some of the most authentic Mexican food found in the city. Giant murals dot the landscape, expressing Latino history and culture.

Though some neighborhoods in the East End are old and in decay from years of neglect, there is a new resurgence of interest in redevelopment of the residential areas. The old Eastwood neighborhood, built in 1913, is experiencing renovation of its vintage homes, and renewed efforts at preservation. Howard Hughes lived in Eastwood as a child.

Beyond the interest in neighborhood renovation is the rapid revitalization of the East End in almost every venue. Developers are now finding it a good location for condos, townhomes and apartments due to its availability of vacant spaces and it proximity to downtown. Almost $100 million in construction of loft apartments and townhomes is underway between IH-59 and Dowling Street. The old El Mercado Del Sol shopping center property at Navigation and Jensen has been purchased to build 250 rental loft apartments. The adjacent parking lot was already developed into 72 townhomes by Perry Homes. Numerous townhomes and lofts have been built between Canal and Commerce.

As a further incentive for economic development the Greater East End Management District was formed to attract business and provide a safe environment. The District was recently awarded a $5 million federal grant to upgrade the infrastructure. Diane Schenke, president, says that the money will be used for improving and installing sidewalks as part of the Livable Centers Plan.

A commercial center has emerged along Harrisburg from Wayside to 75th Street. The new light rail line, it is hoped, will bring more economic benefits as it extends along this area of Harrisburg to downtown. The area will also benefit from the Houston Community College’s newest facility on Navigation, which opened this year.

A part of downtown just east of IH-59 has been designated the East Downtown Management District. It extends from Harrisburg to I-45, and encompasses streets near Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center, and as far as Cullen and Leeland. This area, most of which has been known as Chinatown in the past, is now dotted with townhomes and condominiums, and is fast becoming a trendy place to live.

Its new residents are mostly young singles and professionals who prefer an urban life style close to downtown. Restaurants and bars have begun appearing to accommodate the new residents. The area will also get a boost when the new soccer stadium is built in that area.

No other part of the city has the range of diverse elements that make up the East End. Its rich historic character, its multi-cultured heritage and its industrial base have all contributed to the emergence and growth of Houston.

You can find out more about Houston’s East End at www.greatereastend.com and www.eadohouston.com.

Historic St. Vincent's Cemetery next to Our Lady of Guadalupe on Navagation.

Guadalupe Plaza on Navigation Boulevard near downtown.

Dona Maria Mexican Cafe onNavigation.

Canal Place apartments on Canal near downtown.

Mural Ventanas de Oportunidad by students and artist Mercedes Fernandez at Canal and Delano.

Harrisburg Plaza pavers and seat wall.

Townhomes in the east downtown area.

(The Banner, January 12, 2010)