As the symbolic and operational core of Houston’s city government, western Downtown comprises a significant concentration of civic
places and buildings. As the governmental seat for the City of Houston, the facilities and operational infrastructure in western Downtown across the approximately 100 acres of City-owned property are of paramount significance for the continued economic and administrative vitality of Houston. However, constrained budgets, outmoded facilities, deferred maintenance, and a lack of cohesive planning have resulted in an uneven condition, below the standard appropriate for the nation’s fourth largest city. The City of Houston hired Page to create a Master Plan to serve as a development framework and guide both the City of Houston and a broad range of stakeholders towards the highest and best use of City-owned assets.

The Western Downtown Facilities Master Plan will have three major components: a Land Use Plan, a City Facilities Plan, and a Financial
Plan. This document will assess the current and future uses of approximately 40 buildings on City of Houston property, making recommendations based on in-depth analysis of size, age, existing condition of building systems, current employment base, floodplain
level, and other facility-use factors. While efficiency, consolidation, and re-purposing are at the forefront of this plan, the vision of this plan will propel Downtown Houston to become the hub for local, regional, and national civic activities.