Austin | Dallas | Houston
timely tweaks

Market Square Park undergoes a revamp to become weatherproof and concert friendly

Market Square is getting some rain protection this winter, just in time for the park's springtime concerts and film screenings. Photo by Tyler Rudick
Enlarge
Slideshow
Market Square renovations, January 2013
A glass covering will be placed over a central portion of the main trellis area. The lawn will be re-graded to mitigate ongoing drainage issues. Rendering by Lauren Griffith Associates
Enlarge
Slideshow
Market Square renovations, site rendering, January 2013
Photo by Tyler Rudick
Enlarge
Slideshow
Market Square renovations, January 2013

Along with the ungodly heat of summer, Houston's second biggest weather foe is rain . . . 

And while Market Square Park may not have a bayou running through it, the historic public space has seen its fair share of water issues since its major overhaul in 2010. Mud is one culprit, particularly along the sides of the central lawn. Adequate shelter is the other, as anyone who's ever dined at Niko Niko's on a rainy day knows.

While Market Square Park may not have a bayou running through it, the historic public space has seen its fair share of water issue s since its major overhaul in 2010.

Before the park settles into its schedule of springtime concerts and film screenings, construction crews are busy on a pair of projects aimed at weather-proofing the square.

"We are putting a glass cover over the central portion of the existing dining trellis so our visitors and customers have some shelter, specifically from pop-up showers," says Angie Bertinot of the Downtown District, the management agency that maintains the square.

After the trellis work, Bertinot says the lawn will be regraded to fix the muddy patches.

"All will be done by March 1, just in time for our first concert of the season, Cello Fury, on March 9," she assures.

Visit the Market Square's website for information on upcoming events.

Daily Digest

Houston news,
views + events

Promo Alerts

Special offers + exclusive deals

The Dining Report

The week in food news + taste

Exclusive Eats

Special offers from the best restaurants

We will not share or sell your email address