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Third Ward & Main Street Connectivity


Greater Third Ward – A Historic Houston District with Community Roots

The Greater Third Ward is a historically rich district in Houston, spanning from UH to Old Spanish Trail, with Scott Street serving as a key access point connecting major thoroughfares like Gulf Freeway, Elgin, and South Loop East. This vibrant area is home to Texas Southern University (TSU) and the University of Houston, surrounded by single-family residential neighborhoods.

TSU plays a vital role in the community, leading initiatives to preserve and enhance Third Ward’s legacy. One of its most treasured landmarks is the Alabama Garden, Houston’s largest and oldest community garden, founded by Verious Smith in 1985. This 56-bed vegetable garden provides fresh produce to residents in need and fosters a spirit of giving and community engagement, hosting school supply drives, holiday food distributions, and local events.

Affiliated with Urban Harvest, the Alabama Garden continues to thrive on land owned by TSU, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Additionally, TSU is a key partner in the Third Ward to Main Street Connectivity Project, further strengthening its role in Houston’s ongoing revitalization and urban development.

Third Ward to Main Street Connectivity Project – Strengthening Transit Links

Photo of a Third Ward Community Street

The Third Ward to Main Street Connectivity Project is a transformative transportation initiative, enhancing access between Houston’s historic Third Ward and the Main Street Corridor & light rail system. Serving a predominantly African-American community, this project aims to improve transit options for residents and students of Texas Southern University (TSU) and the University of Houston (UH)—two major commuter campuses with a combined student population of over 39,000.

By leveraging ongoing efforts from the Third Ward Redevelopment Council, OST/Almeda TIRZ, Main Street Coalition, METRO, TxDOT, and the City of Houston, this initiative fosters revitalization, mobility, and urban development. The project’s key focus is on expanding essential east-west transportation and pedestrian connections, promoting greater accessibility, economic growth, and sustainable transit solutions.