Energy Corridor District’s annual seasonal landscaping refresh is bringing a burst of color to major intersections throughout the District just in time for summer.
In mid-May, crews planted more than 3,300 flowers — including Zinnias, red vinca and blue salvia — at ten median tips throughout the area, including intersections along I-10, Park Row and Eldridge Parkway at Memorial Drive.
“This landscaping project is one of my favorite projects of the year,” said Mike Jackson, the District’s public realm and special projects manager. “Few projects have a bigger impact on our streetscapes than updating the seasonaL color beds.”
Beyond the colorful plantings, District crews work year-round maintaining esplanades, medians, irrigation systems and public spaces throughout the area to help keep Energy Corridor attractive, welcoming and well maintained.
Energy Corridor District Board Gets a Firsthand Look at District Improvements
(left photo) Five of the current board members participated in the retreat and tour, including: Shannon Polite, Fluor; Chris Cook, MD Anderson Cancer Center; Matthew Royall, ConocoPhillips; Don Quigley, Midway; and Kim Coomber-Hallum, bp. The board visited multiple locations throughout the District, including Grisby Square (center) and Terry Hershey Park (right).
Most months, members of the Energy Corridor District Board of Directors gather around a conference table to review budgets, projects, and policy decisions. Recently, they traded the boardroom for a charter bus, touring the District to see firsthand how those decisions are shaping the community.
The tour was part of the board’s leadership retreat, giving members an opportunity to step away from routine business and focus on long-term priorities while visiting projects the board previously approved and funded.
Joined by District staff, board members traveled throughout the District to view completed improvements, ongoing maintenance efforts and future projects designed to improve mobility, safety, and aesthetics.
Stops and highlights included:
Mobility improvements on N. Dairy Ashford near the entrance to the Shell campus, including dedicated crosswalks, repainted bike lanes and relocated bus shelters that have helped improve peak hour traffic flow.
Public art installations on utility boxes and at Energy Hill on Memorial Drive.
Sidewalk repairs, upgraded crosswalks, and pedestrian ramps at key intersections throughout the District.
Ongoing curb repairs and refreshed traffic markings at multiple locations.
Planned traffic improvements N. Dairy Ashford & Eldridge Parkway, including crosswalks, pedestrian ramps, signal mast arms, and revised lane markings.
Future lighting and underpass improvements at Highway 6 and I-10.
“Our board is deeply invested in the success of the District,” said Energy Corridor District President Bryan Brown. “A lot of their work happens in meetings discussing budgets and priorities, so it was rewarding to get out into the District together and see the impact of those efforts up close.”
The Board of Directors typically meets on the second Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at the Energy Corridor District offices, 777 North Eldridge Parkway, Suite 270. Meetings are open to the public, though visitors are encouraged to confirm the meeting schedule online before attending.
Harmony Schools Relocates HQ to Energy Corridor District
Harmony Public Schools, the largest charter school network in Texas, has relocated its corporate headquarters to the Energy Corridor District, moving into renovated offices at 1255 Enclave Parkway. The tuition-free charter school network serves more than 45,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school at 65 campuses statewide. Six new campuses are planned for the 2027-28 school year.
Harmony emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through hands-on, project-based learning that includes coding, robotics, esports and engineering activities. “STEM is integrated into everything we do,” said John Boyd, Harmony’s chief communications and marketing officer. “We’re preparing students to fill that need in the workplace.”
Harmony also offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with industry-recognized certifications in high-demand industries like health science, computer science, engineering and business. Historically, many Harmony campuses are located in underserved communities, and two-thirds of Harmony graduates who attend college are first-generation university students.
Harmony leaders say the move to Energy Corridor opens the door for new business partnerships. “It represents a great opportunity for us to connect our students with industries they may one day serve — petrochemical, engineering, and logistics,” said Talitha Alexander, chief corporate engagement officer. “We have more than 700 community partners statewide and are continually seeking new partnerships,” said Alexander.
If your business would like to explore partnership opportunities with Harmony Public Schools, please email Talitha Alexander.
Energy Corridor Cyclists Celebrate Two-Wheel Commutes
More than a dozen cyclists traded their usual morning rush for breakfast and conversation recently during Bike Houston’s annual Bike to Work event in the Energy Corridor. Riders gathered to enjoy breakfast provided by Energy Corridor while celebrating a growing movement of commuters who are choosing bicycles over bumper-to-bumper traffic.
For many participants, cycling to work is more than just transportation — it’s a lifestyle. Some riders pedal to offices in the Energy Corridor, while others use the area’s extensive trail system as part of a longer commute. One cyclist pedals from Houston’s Woodland Heights neighborhood to downtown, boards a METRO bus to the Addicks Park & Ride and then finishes the final stretch of his commute to Shell headquarters on two wheels.
Cyclists say the benefits go far beyond avoiding traffic. They enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and sense of community that comes from connecting with fellow riders along the way. Others appreciate the financial savings associated with not owning a second vehicle.
Whatever their motivation, participants shared one common theme: once they made the switch to bicycle commuting, they never looked back.
Interested in trying it yourself? Local cycling advocate Bryan Dotson offers loaner bikes, equipment, and advice to help new riders get started. Seasoned cyclists in the area are also eager to share tips to help make commuting by bike both safe and enjoyable.
Energy Corridor Restaurants Fuel Community
From quick breakfast stops to upscale dining destinations, the Energy Corridor District offers a wide variety of restaurant choices that reflect Houston’s diverse culinary scene. Employees, residents, and visitors can find everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to Asian cuisine, seafood, pizza and locally-owned coffee shops throughout the District.
The area’s restaurants do more than provide convenient meal options. They also play an important role in supporting the local economy, creating jobs, and helping shape the Energy Corridor’s sense of community. Many eateries are locally-owned businesses that rely on regular customers from nearby offices, neighborhoods and hotels.
Supporting local restaurants helps ensure the District continues to offer the vibrant dining scene that attracts both businesses and visitors. Whether grabbing lunch during the workday, meeting friends for dinner, or enjoying a weekend brunch, choosing a neighborhood restaurant is one way residents and workers can invest in the continued growth and vitality of the Energy Corridor.
Download a copy of the District’s Dining Guide and visit a local favorite today. If you’d like to suggest a restaurant to be featured in a future issue of District Discovery, please email us.
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