In the heart of Houston’s Theater District, where a decaying plot of land once idled, a muted concrete canvas has undergone a spectacular metamorphosis. The newly christened Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts—born out of years of vision, collaboration, and a generous philanthropic gesture—has not only reshaped the physical landscape but has also rekindled the artistic spirit of the area.

The transformation of this once-underutilized space, formerly known as Jones Plaza, into a vibrant green oasis was spearheaded by Houston First, the city’s destination marketing organization. Lynn Wyatt Square now boasts expansive green spaces, a water feature, seating areas, and a commitment to diverse programming throughout the year. This one city block has been meticulously redone to become a central gathering point for the Theater District’s organizations and the community.

Construction began in May 2021, fulfilling a long-standing dream that Michael Heckman, the CEO of Houston First, says many Houstonians had harbored for years.

“The old Jones Plaza outlived its usefulness,” Heckman says. “There was really a desire to have a beautiful green space in the heart of the Theater District. And that had been a desire for quite a long time. When we dived into this several years ago to bring it to reality, we knew the challenges of finding something that everyone could appreciate and agree was additive to the Theater District.”

This vision received a significant boost when the Wyatt family contributed $10 million, more than one third of the project’s $26 million budget. This substantial contribution accelerated the project and led to the decision to rename the plaza Lynn Wyatt Square, in honor of the Wyatt matriarch’s lifelong dedication to supporting the arts. Heckman says that without this donation the project would have been unable to move forward until the money could be raised.

Collaborating closely with residents in the area and local businesses, Heckman says Houston First crafted a design with the potential users firmly in mind.

“We did a lot of meetings with stakeholders and some of those were the residents, theater companies, some of the folks in the neighborhood, some of the administration, and other city planners,” Heckman says. “We asked, If you could create anything here, what would it be? Those sessions were valuable to be able to create what the end product is.”

Among the highlights of this renovation is an emphasis on accessibility. The new design ensures full visual and physical accessibility on all corners of the square. Large garage exhaust vents that once occupied the corners were removed, providing unobstructed visual access. ADA-accessible ramps are now spread across the gardens and immersive water features, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the square.

The redesign also addresses the environmental impact of the previous concrete-dominated site. It prioritizes green spaces with expansive lawns, planting areas, and numerous trees that absorb rainwater. This sustainable approach, carried out with plants native to the Houston area, contributes to the ecological well-being of the surrounding environment by mitigating the urban heat island effect in downtown Houston.

“It’s really a place that if you work nearby, you can just go for a walk during your day and meet somebody there to have a conversation in a beautiful space,” Heckman says. “It may seem like just one block, but it has made a tremendous difference. The visibility of the buildings, the green space, the views—it’s all truly remarkable.”

Throughout the year, Lynn Wyatt will come alive with programming that spans the artistic spectrum, from dance performances to musical showcases. The plaza’s transformation has turned a neglected corner of the city into a flourishing hub of creativity.