Decaying and disused buildings litter many American inner-city neighborhoods. In Houston, one imaginative project turns potential into pride and empowerment by creating unique, new uses for old homes.
Switchboard's Kaid Benfield reports on an innovative project in Houston, in which old and disused row homes in one inner-city neighborhood have been transformed into community art space, as well as transitional housing. "I first discovered PRH four years ago," writes Benfield, "though the project was established back in 1993, on the site of 22 abandoned shotgun houses (circa 1930) in Houston's Third Ward. (Shotgun houses are narrow one-story dwellings without halls.)"
Twelve of the forty propoerties have been renovated into artist exhibition and/or residency spaces, with revolving exhibits showcasing African-American art and literature. Another seven have been transformed into transition housing for women.
"Nothing has been worse for our environment in the last several decades than the decay and disinvestment of our inner cities and accompanying suburban sprawl," says Benfield. "Strengthening the places we have before building new ones is critical to environmental recovery, and in my opinion doing so is inherently green whether or not we are able to add explicitly green features."
FULL STORY: Community art or community development? Yes and yes, in Houston's inspiring Project Row Houses

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
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How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
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