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    Past comes alive

    Historic Emancipation Park overhaul is just part of the plan to reenergize the Third Ward

    Tyler Rudick
    Tyler Rudick
    Mar 17, 2013 | 8:00 am

    The wheels of redevelopment are in motion at Emancipation Park, the historic 10-acre square purchased by former slaves in 1870 as a dedicated site for annual Juneteenth celebrations.

    Almost a century and a half later, the Third Ward park — the city's longest-standing public space — is set to get a major $33.6 million overhaul that will create a LEED-certified recreation facility to provide classrooms, a health center and a regulation-sized basketball gym. Sculpture, small pavilions and a new baseball field will be added as well.

    "This was a thriving community and business district during segregation, when African-Americans weren't exactly welcomed downtown," says Petteway.

    Also part of the project is the full restoration of Emancipation's vintage pool house and community center, the latter of which was a 1939 WPA project designed by one-time Rice University architecture dean William Ward Watkin.

    Scheduled to begin in October, the makeover is headed by celebrated architect Philip Freelon, most widely known as one of the designers for the Smithsonian's forthcoming National Museum of African American History and Culture. Houston firm M2L Associates will lead landscape design efforts.

    While city officials liken the project to Discovery Green's successful downtown revitalization, Theola Petteway, executive director of the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, tells CultureMap that the new-and-improved Emancipation Park has as much to do with history as it does urban renewal.

    "This was a thriving community and business district during segregation, when African-Americans weren't exactly welcomed downtown," she says.

    "All along Dowling Street stretching south from Emancipation Park, there were small businesses, restaurants, music venues and recording studios. While the area has deteriorated, we're working to bring back all of that energy to the Third Ward."

    Petteway, whose organization is currently raising funds for the project, feels that the restoration of the park will help the neighborhood to stay in touch with its past while attracting private businesses to the area.

    "The African-American community has used this same little 10-acre patch continuously since 1870. By revitalizing it, we have a chance to honor that unique history and celebrate the idea of freedom it symbolizes — and I think all people can connect with that."

    The recreation facility will include a health center, gymnasium and classroom space.

    11, Emancipation Park, rendering
      
    Freelon.com
    The recreation facility will include a health center, gymnasium and classroom space.
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    news/city-life

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    New owner of Texas Renaissance Festival revealed in our top 5 stories

    CultureMap Staff
    May 17, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Amid scandals covered by multiple documentaries, the nation's largest Renaissance festival opens for its golden season.
    Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. Details emerge on the new owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival, plus high profile restaurant openings are on the horizon. Catch up on our five most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

    1. Winner of Ren Fest lawsuit plans to keep the event mostly unchanged. Following a recent court ruling, the Texas Renaissance Festival will soon be under new ownership, but much will remain the same as it has for the last half century. CultureMap has the details.

    2. Houston's most pretty-in-pink restaurant quietly closes in Upper Kirby. PostScript, the posh pink restaurant that opened to considerable fanfare in early 2024, has closed for good.

    3. Massive, German-inspired beer garden coming to new Energy Corridor project. One of Houston’s most successful bar operators is bringing his talents to the Energy Corridor with a new beer garden slated for early 2026.

    Katy Beer Garden outdoor patioThe new beer garden will be similar to Katy Beer Garden. Photo by Eric Sandler

    4. Houstonians will get the royal treatment at this lively new steakhouse. Mark your calendar for Houston’s newest steakhouse, opening May 21.

    5. Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands. The Texas-based luxury motor coach will roll out daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands in June.

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