Next City's 2016 Vanguard Conference takes us on a visit to the urban core of a larger "Jacksonville": Houston. Here's a look at a southern metropolis that shares several similarities with Florida's largest municipality.
Theater District
The Theater District is an impressive cultural and entertainment center. The district features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
You’ll also find Bayou Place just around the corner which includes Sundance Cinemas, Revention Music Center, Hardrock Cafe and a variety of other restaurants. Family-favorite, Landry’s Downtown Aquarium, is also located within a few blocks of each of the major theaters.
Warehouse District
You'll find Houston’s funky alternative art scene in the Warehouse District on downtown’s northeast side. Secluded retreats, unique dining options, live music, artists’ studios and downtown’s first lofts are all here to explore. Last Concert Café, an old brothel, is now a Mexican food café and margarita haven with one of the best backyards in Houston. Sporting an outdoor stage, there’s weekly live music and dancing in the sand. Or you might find an artist showing in one of the many galleries.
Harris County District
With more than 4 million residents, Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston and the core of the Harris County government reside in the Harris County Campus in downtown Houston. Thousands of Houstonians come to the downtown campus daily for jury duty or other legal reasons.
Text courtesy of Houston Downtown Management District ( https://www.downtownhouston.org/ )
Article courtesy of Moderncities.com. Article and photographs by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
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