Location: 3035 Elgin St. Third Ward, Houston, TX

Professor: Donna Kacmar, 3501 Intermediate Studio

Typology: Affordable Housing + Community-focused Public Art

Artists Work Included: Ace Phoenix, Lee Washington

Partners: Norverto Diaz, Marco Inofuentes, Matthew Alessandro

Submitted to the 2024 ACSA Competition

Area: 49,278 SF

The design approach focused on the community of Third Ward, enhancing public art, and fostering safe communal gathering areas through courtyards. The murals on Elgin, are inspired by murals on the project and coming into contact with two Houston artists’ work used in the project; Ace Phoenix & Lee Washington. The murals not only served as public art but blended architectural elements to promote social interaction and safe third spaces for the community. Throughout this project, we took into consideration the Bus Rail Trail (BRT) as well as the biking infrastructure to promote sustainable living.

Community Canvas celebrates Third Ward’s historical context through vibrant murals, sustainable design practices, and inclusive community spaces.