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Board Members

TIRZ Consultant
Parke Patterson
Parke Patterson Consultants, Inc.
(281) 313-0995
(281) 313-0995 (fax)
P.O. Box 994
Sugar Land, TX 77487
parkepatterson@hotmail.com

TIRZ Accountant
John Madsen
Parmet, Chapman & Madsen

TIRZ Attorney
Barron Wallace
Vinson & Elkins

TIRZ Board Members
Claude Anello
Ann Guercio
Steve Kirkland
Alice Valdez
Cynthia Card
Patricia Garza
Larissa Lindsay
Roland Tamez
Paulette Simmons

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 What is TIRZ 13 (Old Sixth Ward)?
The phrase "TIRZ" stands for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #13 which roughly contains the boundaries of Houston's historic Old Sixth Ward. On December 22, 1998, at the request of the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association and property-owner petitioners, Houston City Council enacted ordinance 98-1256 creating TIRZ 13 covering approximately 94 acres of land located immediately West of downtown Houston. The purpose of TIRZ 13 is to advance the improvement of the historic Old Sixth Ward neighborhood and to encourage the development of affordable and market-rate residential housing projects by financing public improvement projects.

TIRZ 13 is overseen by a nine-member governing board of directors consisting of five city appointees, one school district appointee, one county appointee, a representative of the area's state senator, Mario V. Gallegos, Jr., Texas Senate District 6, and state representative, Garnet F. Coleman, Texas House District 147.

What is Redevelopment Authority 13?
For more information on Redevelopment Authority 13 please review the Redevelopment Authority Articles of Incorporation.

What is the Old Sixth Ward?
To learn more about the Old Sixth Ward please review the Old Sixth Ward Historic District Map and the TIRZ 13 Boundary Description.

What is the MECA Project?
Acquisition/Ownership
HISD, the previous owner, sold the Dow School block to the City of Houston. The City of Houston retained ownership of the Dow School Park and the park use will be retained. The remaining property and the Dow School building was conveyed to MECA.

Funding
The Old Sixth Ward TIRZ/Redevelopment Authority borrowed approximately $1 million dollars to fund the City’s purchase of the property from HISD. The TIRZ makes an annual payment to Wells Fargo to repay the loan.

Maintenance/Management
The Dow School building and property is maintained and managed by MECA.

Property Use Restrictions
The property is deed restricted in a manner that, (1) protects the historic character of the Dow School building; (2) requires the property owner to be a non-profit corporation exempt from federal taxation; and (3) restricts the use of the building to cultural and educational purposes that primarily promote a public purpose of the City.

Renovations
The Dow School building is currently undergoing renovations to restore the original historic character of the building while keeping MECA, its primary user, in place.

What are the TIRZ's ongoing projects?
Preservation of the historic architecture of the Old Sixth Ward
One of the TIRZ’s stated purposes is to promote historic preservation within the Zone.  In order to enhance the historic character of the Zone, the TIRZ has several  ongoing projects:

Capital Improvements
Concrete Street Signs
The TIRZ is working to determine the feasibility of replacing historic, concrete street signs within the Zone with historically accurate replacement signs. 

Historic Street Lights
The TIRZ is working to determine the feasibility of replacing the standard City of Houston street lights with decorative brackets and decorative luminaires that are more consistent with the Zone’ historic character.   The specific design of will complement ambiance of the neighborhood.  The TIRZ is working with CenterPoint to develop a feasible design and working model for inspection.

Sewers
 The TIRZ is working with its engineers to determine the feasibility of repairing the sanitary sewer system in the Zone.  According to City of Houston Public Works officials, the sanitary sewer system is substantiality under capacity for modern day standards.  While this utility work  may become an inconvenience, the Zone will benefit from a more reliable sewer system.

Sidewalks
The TIRZ is working with its engineers to determine the feasibility of a program to install historically appropriate brick/paver sidewalks within the Zone in a manner consistent with the few original sidewalks that still exist in the Zone.

Streets
The TIRZ is working with its engineers to determine the feasibility of repairing Sabine Street.  Sabine Street is one of the very few remaining brick streets in Houston , and has experienced much wear and tear over the years

Way-finding Signs
The TIRZ is working with its engineers to determine the feasibility of placing certain metallic way-finding signs within the Zone.  The nature of these signs will be to brand the neighborhood as a special historic district with its own identity.  Some of the signs may also identify and direct individuals to certain locations within the Zone.

Affordable Housing
 Per an agreement with the City, 1/3 of the TIRZ’s revenue is returned to the City to aid the City’s Houston Hope initiative.  the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) is working with experienced builders and community development corporations to build new affordable homes.

Houston Hope is Mayor Bill White’s initiative to reinvest in Houston’s established neighborhoods. The goal of Houston Hope is to build strong communities that meet the needs of current residents and are attractive to new and returning families.