Revitalization and Baseball in Downtown Houston

The recent on-field success of the Houston Astros is matched by a wave of building in the neighborhood around their home ballpark. All of that means baseball fans might have a harder time finding a place to park this season.

1 minute read

April 15, 2016, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Fans heading [to Minute Maid Park] for Monday's home opener may be in for a rude shock: Those favorite parking spots of years past could very well have a shiny new building on them, or at least a big hole in the ground," according to a post by Mike Tolson.

If that all seems a bit strange for those familiar with Houston and its ballpark, that's because it is: "It wasn't so long ago that the retro-styled ball park was a bit lonesome out on the northeast edge of central Houston in 2000, but no more."

According to Tolson, Downtown Houston is quickly transforming from a day-time business community into a "true community," with "residents, retail shops, and restaurants that remain open long after the lunch rush." Tolson's concern is for the parking situation at the eastern ends of Houston, where demand from sold out games will clash with less supply due to all that revitalization. The remainder of the article reads like a guide to accessing the ballpark, whether by driving or by taking public transit—the Purple and Green lines of the METRORail system have a station just blocks from the stadium.  

Sunday, April 10, 2016 in Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.