The North Houston District’s last update on its Gateways Program came in December, as the project’s final phase got underway. Since then, additional new gateways have been added to existing sites and the final location is set for completion. The District’s Vice President of Planning & Infrastructure, Robert Fiederlein, recently discussed the project and its impact. 

Program Set for August Completion

The product of a years-long initiative, the grand gateways and monument signage installed throughout the North Houston District’s busiest thoroughfares amplify the area’s identity and create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, businesses, employees, and residents. 

Each site occupies a corner at a major intersection, introducing clean, branded signage and accompanying landscaping and irrigation for beautification. This attention to detail symbolizes the District’s commitment to investing in placemaking and enhancing the area aesthetically.

The last gateway site will be installed on the District’s eastern boundary at West Hardy and Beltway 8, on the North side. This final piece of the Gateways Program is currently in the design stage and will soon begin contractor bidding. Construction on the final site in the multi-phase Gateways Program will begin in May and finish by August. 

Gateways Accomplish Positive Impacts for the District

This newest gateway will align with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the other monuments in the project. Its steel design will reinforce the North Houston District’s brand visibility while standing up to outdoor conditions.

Not all gateway locales are identical, but each one employs native landscaping like grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees to accent the sign. Nine of the locations feature backlit designs for added visibility and style. These illuminated monuments automatically light up at dusk and have color-changing capabilities. The backlit signs are strategically located at high-traffic entrances throughout the District’s four quadrants, particularly near I-45 and Beltway 8.

Placemaking as a Priority

As the Gateways Program nears completion, it reflects the District’s ongoing dedication to strategic placemaking. These signs signal that the area is well-maintained, thoughtfully developed, and ready to welcome commuters, residents, businesses, and investors.

The Gateways Project was inspired by the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Livable Centers Study, completed in 2020, which identified impactful community improvements. Through grants, partnerships, and innovative programs, the North Houston District has transformed its vision into reality.

As the Gateways Program nears completion, it reflects the District’s ongoing dedication to strategic placemaking. These signs signal that the area is well-maintained, thoughtfully developed, and ready to welcome commuters, residents, and investors alike.