THIRD WARD CULTURAL DISTRICT

Project Row Houses was founded in 1993 by seven African-American artists/activists with the mission is to empower people and enrich communities through engagement, art, and direct action. The organization’s work includes partnerships with local arts organizations and operating the Eldorado Ballroom—a venue of historic regard and site of creativity—and Row House CDC, a community development corporation that promotes low and moderate income rental housing and preserves historic architecture of the Northern Third Ward.

Project Row Houses is located in the Third Ward Cultural District. One of the original six wards of Houston, the Third Ward was one of three areas that Blacks were permitted to live during segregation. From that history, the Third Ward, often referred to as the Tre’, has grown to become the epicenter of Black creativity, culture, and commerce in Houston.

Project Row Houses engaged Lord Cultural Resources to facilitate a planning process to pursue cultural district designation. The process included robust community and stakeholder engagement, a cultural asset inventory, a cultural plan, marketing plan, and production of a video to support the application process. The Lord Team supported Project Row Houses in developing its vision for the district and laid out a set of priorities and strategies as a ways to ensure that the goals are accomplished throughout the district.

The Third Ward in Houston received its official designation as a Texas Commission on the Arts Cultural District in September 2020, making it eligible for state funding.