Our History
Project Row Houses was formed in 1993 to address social change in one of Houston’s most
challenged neighborhoods, the Third Ward. Originally settled by freed blacks following the Civil
War, the Third Ward was, until the 1960s, a thriving mixed income neighborhood with an
indigenous arts and music culture.
The end of housing segregation led to an eventual departure of upper- and middle-income
African American families. The resulting decline in income and education among residents
remaining in the area led to Third Ward’s designation by the City of Houston as a “pocket of
poverty”. Project Row Houses offers art-based education programs to lift up the neighborhood by
changing the environment.
Over time, housing issues were added to the original organization’s mission. As the scope of
housing activities grew, Row House CDC was spun off in 2003 to focus exclusively on housing
challenges and economic development initiatives in the Northern Third Ward. Row House CDC
and PRH exist side-by-side, offering complementary services to neighborhood residents.
Project Row Houses was formed in 1993 to address social change in one of Houston’s most
challenged neighborhoods, the Third Ward. Originally settled by freed blacks following the Civil
War, the Third Ward was, until the 1960s, a thriving mixed income neighborhood with an
indigenous arts and music culture.
The end of housing segregation led to an eventual departure of upper- and middle-income
African American families. The resulting decline in income and education among residents
remaining in the area led to Third Ward’s designation by the City of Houston as a “pocket of
poverty”. Project Row Houses offers art-based education programs to lift up the neighborhood by
changing the environment.
Over time, housing issues were added to the original organization’s mission. As the scope of
housing activities grew, Row House CDC was spun off in 2003 to focus exclusively on housing
challenges and economic development initiatives in the Northern Third Ward. Row House CDC
and PRH exist side-by-side, offering complementary services to neighborhood residents.
The District
The 74-acre district was developed in 1993 as a classical small-scale residential neighborhood,
with a grid pattern of 35 blocks served by four major thoroughfares. Civic institutions own about
50% of the area land (38 of 74 acres) and include Riverside General Hospital, Ryan Middle
School, Blackshear Elementary, numerous churches, Project Row Houses, and Row House
CDC. The remaining 220 lots are used for housing, small retail shops, or are vacant.
Residential development includes classic bungalow architecture featuring pier and beam
foundations, front porches, and clapboard siding.
The neighborhood includes major institutions, shops and stores; an indigenous musical
heritage; churches, schools, parks; and a mix of historic homes, many of which are in the African-
American “shotgun” style originally developed by freed slaves (and their descendants) over 100
years ago. Row House CDC envisions creating a careful blend of homes, including restored
historic residences and architecturally compatible new structures offered for rent and for sale.
The community will be woven together with streetscape promenades and greenway pedestrian
paths to identify and reinforce the historic and artistic character. The Row House District will
showcase the creative arts and a broad array of cultural and social programs. Working in
tandem with current residents, institutional stakeholders, and philanthropies, Row House CDC
will preserve and enhance the spirited character of this unique Houston neighborhood.
The 74-acre district was developed in 1993 as a classical small-scale residential neighborhood,
with a grid pattern of 35 blocks served by four major thoroughfares. Civic institutions own about
50% of the area land (38 of 74 acres) and include Riverside General Hospital, Ryan Middle
School, Blackshear Elementary, numerous churches, Project Row Houses, and Row House
CDC. The remaining 220 lots are used for housing, small retail shops, or are vacant.
Residential development includes classic bungalow architecture featuring pier and beam
foundations, front porches, and clapboard siding.
The neighborhood includes major institutions, shops and stores; an indigenous musical
heritage; churches, schools, parks; and a mix of historic homes, many of which are in the African-
American “shotgun” style originally developed by freed slaves (and their descendants) over 100
years ago. Row House CDC envisions creating a careful blend of homes, including restored
historic residences and architecturally compatible new structures offered for rent and for sale.
The community will be woven together with streetscape promenades and greenway pedestrian
paths to identify and reinforce the historic and artistic character. The Row House District will
showcase the creative arts and a broad array of cultural and social programs. Working in
tandem with current residents, institutional stakeholders, and philanthropies, Row House CDC
will preserve and enhance the spirited character of this unique Houston neighborhood.
| About CDC |
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