Montrose District Seeks Cultural District Designation

The District has submitted an application for consideration by the Texas Commission on the Arts to become a Cultural District. As you probably already know, the Montrose District is a community unique to the City of Houston, with a vibrant and colorful history, that is home to a fascinating array of artists, musicians and other creative forces.

The District has an eclectic business community that includes art galleries, music venues, churches, educational centers, specialty retailers and art studios. Area restaurants, cafes and bars are regularly featured in local and national magazines. There are 21 museums surrounding the Montrose District including The Museum of Fine Arts, The Menil and Rothko Chapel. The District is also home to the HISD – High School for the Visual and Performing Arts (HSVPA) and St. Thomas University which offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in music and the performing arts. The District also serves as the home for Consulate-General of China and the Norway Consulate.

The District is located in City Council District C represented by Council Member Ellen Cohen. Other well-known Montrosians include Mayor Annise Parker, business owner Charles Armstrong, and Councilmembers At-Large Stephen Costello and David W. Robinson.

Cultural promotions is one of five service plan areas in the District Service Plan. The District supports businesses and the community by hosting quarterly Business Mixers, Bi-Annual Recycling events and a Montrose Business Workshop seminar series. Other planned projects in the next few years include: the installation of LED lights on six bridges on the South Freeway 59, installation of LED-lighted District banner signage at key intersections in the District, and working with the City of Houston on a Parking Management District. Each of these projects will enhance an already beautiful and diverse cultural experience that is the Montrose.

“We are very excited about helping take the Montrose District to the next level and being recognized as a Cultural District is an important part of that process” says Lane Llewellyn, Montrose District Board Member and Marketing and Business Development Committee Chair.

The Commission is expected to make a decision regarding the application in mid-September or early October. Connect with us via our website, Facebook or Twitter and be one of the first to know that we have received the designation!