City Tour of Midtown, Houston


At the turn of the century, Midtown began to flourish as the second residential neighborhood for the city of Houston after Allen's Landing. This area now South of the Central Business District was better known as Southside place, predominantly developed as single family Victorian style homes on small lots of approximately 5000 square feet. The homes were generally 4000-6000 square feet in size and occupied by families of the original founders of the Humble Oil & Refinery Company. The subdivision flourished through the mid 1940's and began to decline into the 1980's and 90's as a result of the sudden decline in oil production.

Houston's population grew less than one percent between 1980 and 1990 and the area that includes Midtown was the only district in the state of Texas to lose population during this time. The make-up of the neighborhood better known as Midtown after 1990 was comprised of vacant land, boarded up buildings, a few single family residences, and a few prosperous businesses in the area. Generally the area had been marred by blight lack of direction and very little cohesiveness, all of which led to the revitalization efforts that exist today. Midtown is Houston’s pedestrian-oriented urban community uniquely positioned in the heart of the city. The Midtown boundaries can be roughly defined as the properties south of I-45 (Pierce Elevated), west of SH 288, north of US 59 and east of Bagby Street. The northwest segment of this area is less easily defined and may incorporate property west of Bagby. Being geographically surrounded by freeways not only gives it easily identifiable borders, but also makes Midtown readily accessible from any part of Houston. Additionally, with three METRORail station located within its boundaries, Midtown has access to every transit option in Houston at its front door. Location is Midtown's chief asset.

Situated directly between Downtown and the Texas Medical Center, Midtown Houston is a logical choice for a residential area to serve the two largest employment centers in the region with more than 200,000 jobs. There are also five colleges and universities nearby with combined enrollments of over 50,000. Midtown is a good location for faculty, staff, and student housing for these institutions. Midtown currently includes approximately 617 acres of land within its boundaries, 365 of which are developable. Midtown's 22.9 miles of streets and approximately 325 city blocks identify it as an obvious extension of what is now Downtown. Midtown continues to thrive and grow with both new construction and restoration of historical structures. The growth and improvements in the community are overseen by the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and the Midtown Management District with the support of city government agencies and public utility entities.


Midtown Links
Midtown Houston