Construction will begin on Saturday, June 17, at the intersection of Westheimer and Taft, a location chosen in honor of Alex Hill, a 21-year-old killed in the crosswalk during a January 2016 hit-and-run.
[Ads /]
Houston-based UP Art Studio designed the crosswalk, which is inspired by Gilbert Baker's iconic gay pride flag. The crosswalk design complements a mural painted on a nearby traffic box also dedicated in Hill's honor.
"The hope is that the crosswalk serves as a marker of encouragement to all Houstonians and visitors in recognizing the city as a welcoming place, open to all people, and one that celebrates its diversity, with a nod to the neighborhood's place in Houston's LGBT history," Houston Pride Crosswalk Committee member Matthew Brollier said in a news release.
Pride Houston donated $15,000 to fund the project's design and construction, and The Montrose Center also provided operational support.
[Ads /]
Montrose Management District has agreed to maintain the installation for 2 1/2 years, at which point construction is slated to begin on a project to revitalize Lower Westheimer. When that work concludes, Houston Pride Crosswalk Committee and Pride Houston will work with the city to plan a permanent pride installation.
Report a typo to the ABC13 staff