Skip to main content

Regions and Neighborhoods: Greater Northside Management District Reflects Houston's Diversity

Published Oct 05, 2022 by Brina Morales

White Oak Bayou Trail

Houston’s Greater Northside is home to a lot of gems, including Instagram-worthy scenes, diverse cuisine, historic neighborhoods, parks and trails and the iconic Houston Farmers Market. The Partnership recently spent the day with the Greater Northside Management District to explore what their area has to offer. 

"We are Houston at the core"

The district focuses on promoting economic development, improving the quality of life for commercial and residential property owners and creating opportunities for new development. It encompasses more than 24 square miles north of downtown Houston. The vastness of the district means it serves a diverse population. From historic neighborhoods like Lindale Park and Woodland Heights to emerging ones like Hardy Yards, the district offers something for everyone. 

“We are Houston at the core. Reflecting the diversity of the city,” said Rebecca Reyna, Executive Director of GNMD. 

Certain neighborhoods on the south side of the district are considered some of the oldest in Houston, established in the 1880sand settled primarily by immigrants from central and southern Europe. Today, you’ll find a mostly Hispanic population, which is once again transforming as more people move into the district. Reyna said character and prime location are what draw people to the area.

“I’ve noticed people moving here want to keep the character and they’re getting involved in their community,” she said.

The district is easily accessible via the Hardy Toll Road, Loop 610, I-45, I-10 and I-69, allowing drivers to get to most parts of the city within roughly 20 minutes. The METRORail Red Line also provides service to the district and there are more than 10 Bcycle stations in the area.

The district is covered with public art murals, many designed by Houston artists, including Gelson Lemus, better known as W3r3on3.

 

The Business Community and Projects on the Horizon

The GNMD is home to more than 10,000 businesses, more than 5,000 commercial, retail and industrial properties and more than 150 restaurants.

Conceptual rendering of Meow Wolf at Moncrief Lenoir buildings
Conceptual rendering of Meow Wolf at former Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group)

Conceptual rendering of Moncrief Lenoir building
Conceptual rendering of courtyard at Moncrief Lenoir buildings (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conceptual rendering of moncrief lenoir buildings
Conceptual rendering of Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group)

Conceptual rendering of media venue at moncrief lenoir buildings
Conceptual rendering of media venue at Moncrief Lenoir buildings. (Courtesy: The Deal Company/E-Studio Group)

Reyna said there are many exciting developments underway or on the horizon, including the redevelopment of the historic Moncrief Lenoir Manufacturing Company buildings across the street from Saint Arnold Brewing Company. According to developer DealCo, Meow Wolf will be the anchor tenant of the 120,000-square-foot mixed-use space, offering restaurants, event space, artist studios and galleries, creative workspace, loft offices and more. Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience, is expected to open its Houston “portal” in 2024.

A 10-acre tract of land in Hardy Yards, owned by the city, will be developed into affordable single-family homes with commercial and multi-family housing along North Main Street. Reyna is also excited about a $6 million project to reconstruct Quitman Street from Houston Avenue to Elysian Street to add sidewalks, lighting, bike lanes and more.

Some of the notable businesses and restaurants located across the district include:

  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company
  • Spanish Flower
  • El Bolillo Bakery
  • Pinkerton’s Barbecue
  • Teotihuacan Mexican Café (original location)
  • Houston Farmers Market
  • White Oak Music Hall
  • Houston Foam Plastics

A few hidden gems:

  • Granel Spice Market
  • Houston Dairymaids
  • Big Owl Craft Brew House
  • Gerardo’s
  • Butterfly Pocket Park
  • Great view of downtown Houston from White Oak Bayou Greenway Bike Trailhead near Henry and South Streets

Learn more about living and working in Houston.
 

Related News

Economic Development

Greater Houston Partnership Receives 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award

8/28/24
The Greater Houston Partnership received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the Partnership’s work in the regional or cross-border partnership for regions with 500,000 or more residents.  The strategy formed in partnership with regional allies, as elaborated in the regional playbook, aims to enhance regional economic development in greater Houston by fostering collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. This involved creating a framework for the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) to maximize engagement and support.  Formed in 2006, HREDA is comprised of economic development organizations and municipalities interested in creating jobs and investment to maintain a positive business environment. HREDA meets monthly at Partnership Tower, and often at other locations around the region. Hosted monthly at Partnership Tower and other regional sites, HREDA meetings include members from 98 economic development organizations, representing over 160 full-time economic development professionals.  The project's uniqueness and innovation reside in member involvement at every stage, ensuring ownership of the final playbook. It addressed previous collaboration deficits noted in studies, aiming to leverage regional resources for economic growth. The scale of marketing the region is no small feat. Covering 8,838 square miles, the 12-county Greater Houston region, with its centerpiece, the 10-county Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands MSA, surpasses an area the size of New Jersey,  Despite this vast expanse, the region's stakeholders have rallied together as allies, streamlining processes to attract prospective companies. This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to securing victories for the region's economic growth. “I am proud to be a part of an organization, such as HREDA, that exemplifies how regionalism and collaboration can drive economic success and set high standards for regional development,” HREDA Chair and Chief Economic Development Officer at Partnership Lake Houston Stephanie Wiggins said. “By uniting various stakeholders under a common goal, HREDA leverages the strengths of the Houston region to create a prosperous and sustainable economic environment." Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development. “This group understands what it means to succeed together," Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “When we work together as one to combine the expertise, assets and capabilities of our regional partners, the Houston region is unmatched in potential. Through this mindset of regionalism, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all of our citizens.” Learn more about the 12-county region the Partnership represents.  
Read More
Living In Houston

Houston Restaurant Weeks Returns with Exciting Newcomers

8/16/24
Houston Restaurant Weeks is back for its 21st year. The annual fundraiser, which runs through Sept. 30, gives food enthusiasts the chance to explore Houston's diverse culinary scene while contributing to a worthy cause. With more than 400 participating restaurants, this year's event promises an exciting array of new dining experiences you won't want to miss. Here are our top five picks of this year’s newcomers:  Belly of the Beast | Spring  Belly of the Beast reopened late last year after the pandemic disrupted its 2020 debut. Chef Thomas Bille is showcasing a vibrant selection of Mexican-inspired dishes for Houston Restaurant Weeks with a three-course dinner. The meal starts with your choice of tuna tostada, wedge salad or grilled peach and burrata toast. For the main course, options include birria tacos, pork belly tacos or carne asada, with the choice of grilled shrimp or roasted chicken to complete the meal.  Click to expand Blue Tuba | The Heights  This eatery, which opened in May, blends European and Texan flavors. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Blue Tuba will offer both Brunch and Dinner menus. Brunch features a German-style platter, goulash, apple foster French toast and Hungarian crepes. For dinner, starters include Slovak mac & cheese and Polish tacos, while main course options feature pork schnitzel and chicken paprikash. Dessert choices include crème brûlée and tiramisu.  Click to expand Le Jardinier | Downtown  Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Le Jardinier serves up a French-inspired cuisine. Created by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, Le Jardinier offers an extensive Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. The highlight of the menu is the three-course dinner, which includes whipped burrata, corn velouté with shrimp, roasted red pepper risotto, Verlasso salmon and strawberry mousse.  Click to expand MaKiin | Upper Kirby/River Oaks  Created by the team behind the beloved Kin Dee Thai restaurant, MaKiin debuted at the Hanover River Oaks last year. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, MaKiin offers a delectable three-course dinner. Starters feature a sampler with three curry choices, Khao Tang Na Tang and a summer salad. For the main course, diners can choose from pork ribs, salmon in a rich panang curry, curry jackfruit or filet mignon. Dessert includes unique delights such as butterfly pea flower-infused coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice.  Click to expand Norigami | West University   Opened last year by the team behind Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden, Norigami specializes in hand roll sushi. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Norigami is offering a three-course dinner that begins with your choice of steamed, garlic or spicy edamame. This is followed by a selection of crudos—madai, salmon or hamachi. The meal concludes with a choice of hand rolls: spicy salmon, bluefin tuna or spicy scallop.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More

Related Events

Economic Development

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Forum

Finding solutions to the problems that matter most is baked into Houston’s DNA. As the Third Coast for Life Sciences, the region’s world-class medical centers, research institutes and private companies are taking on…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners