State’s First LGBT Pride Crosswalks Complete in Montrose

Houston, Texas (June 19, 2017) – The Montrose Management District (MMD) announced today that the installation of rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Westheimer and Taft is complete just in time for the start of Pride Week. The crosswalks were painted in rainbow colors in honor of Alex Hill, a gay Montrose resident, who was killed at this intersection in a hit and run in January of 2016.

“We are excited to have Texas’ first rainbow crosswalks here in our community,” said Claude Wynn, Montrose Management District Chairman of the Board. “The crosswalks honor Alex Hill, but they also honor the LGBT community which has such a rich history here Montrose.”

The crosswalk project was funded by Pride Houston, and received approval from the City of Houston, Mayor Turner and the Montrose Management District. There is also a traffic box mural nearby honoring Hill. The District will pay to maintain the crosswalks, which are expected to remain in place for approximately two years. A permanent memorial will be put in place as part of the Lower Westheimer Project. The crosswalks and mural were designed by Up Art Studio, a local art studio that specializes in public art commissions.

About the Montrose Management District: Improving the quality of life in the historic Montrose area is one of several focuses of the District. The Board of Directors follows a service, improvement, and assessment plan to meet the needs of the District. The plan focuses on four core areas including: enhanced public safety, business and economic development, strategic planning, and visual and cultural improvements.