The first phase of Cool & Connected Corridors opened in Houston in 2026, bringing shade and planting to 15 blocks of Texas Avenue. Led by SWA for Downtown Houston+, with shade structures by Höweler + Yoon, it links destinations including the Theater District, Main Street and the Astros’ ballpark along an existing pedestrian route.

The team used shade analysis and walking patterns to choose where to add shelter. Individual steel loops carrying coloured mesh stand on narrower sidewalks, while clusters form larger patches of shade at crossings. Those locations matter because people often wait at intersections, where existing trees and building shadows can leave gaps.

New trees, modular planters and lighting work around existing utilities and the varying widths of the pavement. Planting changes along the route, drawing on Gulf Coast woodland, bayou and prairie species. At night, light built into the structures and hung from trees makes the pedestrian route easier to read.

SWA reports that early infrared measurements found ground surfaces under the structures about 10°F cooler on average, with local differences reaching 30°F. Those readings describe surface temperature, rather than air temperature across the district. The project is useful as a test of what an existing street can gain from smaller interventions placed where pedestrians need them most.

Cover photograph: Bill Tatham. Project source and images.