The Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority (HCFB), also known as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ 25), proudly announces that the Gateways Improvement Project has been awarded a National Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) at the 2024 Engineering Excellence Awards. This prestigious award highlights the innovative and impactful design of the project, which was among 220 submissions nationwide, with only three from Houston receiving honors.

Transforming Intersections with Innovation and Safety

Completed in 2021, the $1.1 million Gateways Improvement Project introduced vibrant, changeable lighting and crucial safety enhancements at key intersections along US 90A/South Main. These upgrades have significantly transformed the area, earning acclaim for their innovative design and positive community impact.

"We are honored to see the Gateways Improvement Project receive national recognition from the ACEC," said LeRon Wilson, HCFB Executive Director. "This award is a testament to the power of community collaboration and innovative design in transforming our public spaces. At HCFB, we are committed to fostering projects that enhance safety and functionality for motorists and pedestrians while bringing beauty and pride to our neighborhoods."

Community Collaboration and Public Art Integration

The project, funded by HCFB in partnership with TIRZ 9 and the 5 Corners Improvement District, has made substantial improvements to lighting, pavement markings, way-finding graphics, landscaping, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety at critical intersections, including Fondren Road, Hillcroft Avenue, Chimney Rock Road, South Post Oak Road, and Hiram Clarke Road. Managed by Huitt-Zollars Inc., in collaboration with UpArt Studios, the project also incorporated public art into the Gateway, further enhancing its appeal.

"The Gateways Improvement Project showcases our community's commitment to enhancing the quality of life through public art," said Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum. "It boosts our neighborhoods' visual appeal and fosters pride and identity in District K. By integrating art into public spaces, we're celebrating our rich cultural heritage and encouraging economic development."

A Tradition of Excellence in Public Spaces

This project continues a tradition initiated by the late Houston City Council Member Larry Green and supported by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, emphasizing the role of public art as a catalyst for civic pride and economic growth. The integration of art into the project not only beautifies the area but also promotes a sense of community and belonging.

The Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority and their partners were recognized during the 2024 black-tie ACEC Gala dinner and Awards program in Washington, D.C., where representatives from HCFB, Huitt-Zollars, and UpArt Studios proudly received the award.

For more information on the Gateways Improvement Project and other initiatives by HCFB, visit https://www.hcfb.com and follow us on social media for updates on our latest projects and events.