NEW LIGHTS, NEW SIGHTS INSTALLED IN THEATER DISTRICT
Crosswalks Glow, Traffic Slows at Wortham Center; Corners Enhanced at Jones Plaza

February 24, 2005 -- The City of Houston and the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department have taken two steps to make the Theater District brighter and safer for the two million persons who visit the downtown neighborhood every year.

Lighted crosswalks were installed last month on both Texas and Prairie avenues, at mid-block in each case, between Smith and Bagby, to slow traffic and make pedestrians more visible as they cross the street to attend events at Wortham Center. Pedestrians activate the lighted crosswalk when they pass through a system of curbside beams. Flashing yellow caution lights then prompt cars to slow or come to a stop.

The system is operational round the clock and, so far, the new technology has worked like a charm. In the first month, the crosswalk on Prairie was activated 4,067 times and the one on Texas 2,774 times.

"Our patrons love it, the arts groups love it, and the HPD officers who work traffic control at our events love it, too," said Dawn Ullrich, director of the Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, which manages Wortham Center.

Meanwhile, construction is nearing completion across the street at Jones Plaza, where workers are adding lights at each of the four cornerstones on the block. Each cornerstone will feature backlit, perforated stainless steel panels etched with a silhouette representing the various performing art genres. The stairwells leading into the Theater District parking garage will be covered by decorative canopies.

"Jones Plaza is the epicenter of downtown, and it should make a favorable visual impression on visitors," Ullrich said. "The new art work and additional lighting will prompt a lot of double-takes from passersby."

The cornerstone project is being funded by the City's Civic Art program.

These two projects further underscore the City's ongoing commitment to the Theater District. In 2001, the City completed a $6.5 million facelift of Jones Plaza, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Last year, electronic marquees were installed at both Wortham Center and Jones Hall to better inform the public of upcoming events.