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Rice School of Architecture invites you to the 2025 Rice Civic Forum, In Motion: Downtown Streets, Stories, and People, convened by Professor in the Practice Amna Ansari and co-organized with AIA Houston. This year’s forum turns its focus to downtown Houston, a district amid a remarkable transformation—from a traditional business core to a dynamic, mixed-use urban center that reflects the city’s broader growth and diversification.Once defined primarily by office towers and a 9-to-5 workforce, downtown is now a 24/7 destination marked by residential growth, cultural vibrancy, public green spaces, and a steadily diversifying economy—even amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two decades, strategic investments have reshaped the area: the expansion of METRORail, the ecological restoration of Buffalo Bayou, the development of Avenida Houston, new residential and hospitality projects, and increased investment in parks and public spaces. Together, these changes have brought new energy, attracting residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and visitors to a redefined urban core.
Looking ahead, downtown Houston is positioned to lead the city into its next chapter. Key questions frame this year’s discussion: How can downtown serve as a model for a livable district and inclusive growth, connecting with the historic wards at its edges? What role will housing, transit, schools, healthcare, public-private partnerships, and cultural innovation play in shaping its future? As we plan for the decades to come, downtown will remain both a testing ground and a beacon for Houston’s ambitions.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
902 Commerce St, Houston, TX, United States, Texas 77002
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