design elements - San Jacinto Texas Historic District

Partners 

Baytown 

Channelview 

Deer Park 

East End - Harrisburg 

Galena Park 

Jacinto City 

Morgan's Point 

South Belt - Ellington 

Seabrook 

Sheldon 

South Houston 

North Shore 

La Porte 

Pasadena 

Pearland 

Shoreacres 

Harris County 

Port of Houston 

President / CEO 

Chad Burke 

Technical Advisory Committee 

Gina Manlove 

John Manlove Marketing & 

Communications 

Dr. Charles Grant 

Harris County Precinct Two 

Jim Gilbert 

Woodforest National Bank 

Tim Tietjens 

City of La Porte 

Prepared for and funded by 

The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region 

May 2010 

Stakeholders 

Kimberly Judge Brooks, Baytown 

Cristina Gossett, Deer Park 

Henry Binning, Galena Park 

Lon Squyres, Jacinto City 

Ken Bays, Morgan’s Point 

Stephen Barr, LaPorte 

Lata Krishnarao, Pearland 

Teresa Vasquez-Evans, Seabrook 

JoAnn Parrish, South Houston 

David Stall, Shoreacres 

Wayne Riddle, Deer Park 

Paul Davis, Pasadena 

Stephen DonCarlos, Baytown 

Tom Reid, Pearland 

Coletta Castleschouldt, BayTran 

Amir Farrid, Shell Deer Park 

Jimmy Burke, Port of Houston Authority 

Prepared by the San Jacinto Collaborative 

Conservation Design Forum 

Knudson LP 

Caerulean Collaborative 

Native Sun Productions 

Klotz Associates

Contents 

I. Introduction 

5 

San Jacinto Texas Historic District 7 

Natural History 9 

Corridor Standards 10 

First Principles 11 

How to Use this Guide 12 

II. Design Scenarios 

15 

Freeway 18 

Farm to Market Roads 24 

Main Streets 28 

Local Roads 34 

Community Gateways 38 

Project Stars Sites 44 

III. Design Elements 

51 

Design Inspiration 55 

Plant Lists 56 

Top 10 Trees 58 

Iconography 60 

Lighting 64 

Pavers 66 

Site Furnishings 68 

Fencing 71 

Signage 75 

Gateways 77 

IV. Best Practices 

79 

Landscape 81 

Infrastructure 97 

Lighting 109 

Circulation 115 

Amenities 123 

V. Appendices 

131 

Appendix A - Strategies 133 

Appendix B - Natural History 153 

Appendix C - Bikeway Plans 165 

Appendix D - Texas Toolbox 171

4 │ INTRODUCTION

1. 

I. 

Introduction

SAN JACINTO HISTORIC DISTRICT 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District is an area with a rich history closely identifi ed with Texas independence 

and prosperity. The world’s tallest war memorial is located at the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the pivotal 

event that concluded the Texas Revolution. The District includes the 25 mile Houston Ship Channel, is one of 

the world’s most infl uential energy corridors and trade ports. The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, 

a non-profi t organization created in 1985, provides professional economic development services to the 16 

communities and other agencies in the District. 

The 280,000 acre San Jacinto Texas Historic District encompasses sixteen 

port region communities, the Port of Houston, and Harris County. The 

region is ranked fi rst in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage 

and second in total tonnage and includes the third largest county in 

the United States, the country’s largest refi ning and petrochemical 

manufacturing industry, Barbours Cut and Bayport Cruise Terminals, the 

2,500 acre Armand Bayou Nature Center wildlife refuge and preserve, and 

the birth place of the State of Texas. 

The Economic Alliance has spearheaded an eff ort to identify the District 

with a unifi ed character and theme that recognizes and highlights the 

history of the area, the vibrancy of the communities, and the region’s strong 

economic base. This eff ort has led to a number of initiatives, including 

Project Stars, a vision to use the industrial infrastructure and landscape 

of the District to celebrate and display these att ributes in interesting and 

exciting ways, such as EPICArt depictions of scenes from local historic 

events as massive outdoor murals. 

EPICArt on tank. 

SAN JACINTO TEXAS HISTORIC DISTRICT CORRIDOR STANDARDS │ 7 

IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS

The on-going implementation of the master plan for Project Stars will 

transform the region into one of the world’s most truly unique places, an 

area that marks its rich historical past while embracing the present and 

future. The goal of the plan is to celebrate the local heritage by identifying 

over 26 sites that shaped Texas History in a way that brings pride and 

beauty to the area. 

To further support the goals of the District and the Project Stars Initiative, 

the Economic Alliance has also sponsored and directed the development 

of this comprehensive set of corridor themes and site improvement 

standards, which are intended to complement and be used in conjunction 

with the Project Stars sites. 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District Corridor Standards is a project of 

the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region’s Quality of Life Task Force, 

whose regional survey listed standards and beautifi cation as a primary 

goal for the District. The project Technial Advisory Committ ee and the 

eighteen project stakeholders guided the project through a year long 

process, which included a number of meetings and open houses to review 

the ideas presented and solicit input. These standards are intended to 

provide recommendations to maximize the value, performance, and 

aesthetic quality of capital and long-term operational expenditures 

for the public realm (primarily corridors) throughout the District. It 

includes example scenarios where improvements may be made, elements 

and furnishings that evoke the history and culture of the District, and 

practices for design and implementation of improvements along the 

right-of-way. Public and private landowners are encouraged to refer to the 

recommendations of this document as a starting point for planning and 

designing improvement projects in collaboration with relevant partners, 

agencies, and organizations. 

{ 

See the following websites for additional information: 

The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region 

WWW.ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM 

San Jacinto Historic District and Project Stars 

WWW.SJTHD.ORG IMAGE: ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HOUSTON PORT 

8 │ INTRODUCTION 

Project Stars locations within the San Jacinto Texas Historic District.

NATURAL HISTORY 

At the time of European settlement, the coastal province of the area between San Jacinto and the Gulf of 

Mexico was low, fl at, and vegetated by prairies of grasses, wildfl owers, and fl owering shrubs of indescribable 

beauty. The water table was at or near the surface in most places, but in some areas, where the land 

undulated to form low mounds, there grew groves of open-grown trees, mostly oaks, and a few pines. 

For the thousands of years prior to Western sett lement, this landscape was 

sustained as a beautiful, unique, and highly bio-diverse system through 

occasional grazing and regular fi res set by the native peoples. A few of 

the last remnants of this coastal vegetation still exist at the Armand Bayou 

Nature Center, in Pasadena, Texas. 

The water edges and estuaries along the San Jacinto and smaller drainages 

were treeless marshes crossed by numerous shallow, narrow, estuarine 

channels infl uenced by salt water tides, and fed by groundwater and 50 

to 60 inches of rain per year. These watery sloughs were the spawning 

areas of millions of fi sh that inhabited the western districts of the Gulf of 

Mexico. The marshes, prairies, and oak groves provided desirable home 

to countless birds, many of whom had wintered in the Yucatan and other 

subequatorial districts. 

The fl ora and fauna of the San Jacinto are among the more beautiful and 

singular of any province anywhere in the world. The extent to which the 

architecture, infrastructure, landscape, and other design elements support 

the integration of San Jacinto’s original assets and cultural history to 

enhance and celebrate the uniqueness of San Jacinto is the extent to which 

the area will be seen as unlike anywhere else on earth and truly special. 

Example of a naturalized landscape. 


IMAGE: UNKNOWN SOURCE

CORRIDOR STANDARDS 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District Corridor Standards are intended to guide the design, construction, and 

maintenance of all visible public landscapes within the District. This includes roadway corridors - freeways, 

main streets, and local roads. It also includes feature sites - community gateways, historic sites, EPICArt sites, 

and Project Stars locations. The Standards include elements that cities, the county, and private developers 

can refer to when planning new development, and a list of architectural, lighting, and landscaping themes 

that refl ect the San Jacinto Texas Historic District. 

The Corridor Standards were developed with a process specifi cally 

structured to tailor nationally-recognized, leading edge landscape and site 

development practices to local conditions, character, and qualities unique 

to the District. This process began with the identifi cation of stakeholders 

- representatives of the diverse backgrounds and interests of the people 

served by the public realm in the District. Workshop meetings, a narrated 

bus tour of prominent cultural and historic sites, listening sessions, and 

two open houses provided a two-way dialogue to help understand the 

context and priorities for the Standards, and to describe the potential 

long-term value created through the integration of restorative, sustainable 

materials and practices. 

Early in the process, a set of guiding First Principles were articulated, 

which identify the qualities and values of the District that the Standards 

are meant to support. Then, a draft set of guidelines were identifi ed, 

prioritized, and refi ned. Following review and discussion, a fi nal set of 

standards were described and illustrated. The diversity of the sixteen 

communities and other agencies in the District requires these corridor 

standards to provide an illustrative vision yet also create the opportunity 

for those entities to individualize community character. 


This document includes three primary components that, in combination, 

provide guidance to achieve the District goals. 

Design Scenarios 

A set of Design Scenarios intended to help illustrate the application of the 

standards in typical situations and contexts. 

Design Elements 

Design Elements refer to materials, pavements, plantings, furnishings, 

and details that refl ect local spirit and character. 

Best Practices 

Best Practices describe how and why the recommended strategies and 

materials provide benefi ts, performance, and aesthetics that support 

District goals.

FIRST PRINCIPLES 

A set of First Principles have been developed to guide decision making on corridor projects. These 

overarching, interrelated statements of the essential qualities and values of the San Jacinto Texas Historic 

District corridors were approved by the individuals and groups involved in the project. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Sustainable, ecologically-based 

Landscapes and infrastructure within the corridor are developed 

using integrated green practices that support the health and vitality 

of the area. 

Cost effective, long-term value 

Design elements will provide economic value through the integration 

of sustainable practices and the analysis of both capital costs and longterm 

operations/maintenance costs. 

Enhanced image through integrated systems 

and creative applications of public art 

The perception and image of the area will draw interest, visitors, and 

investment through the creative integration of sustainable practices 

with public art that is beautiful, functional, and educational. 

Beautiful 

Public improvements and amenities that are made to be beautiful will 

be loved by the community, embraced, and sustained over time. 

Engaging, educational 

Public improvements and displays that provide lessons about the past, 

and demonstrations for the future, will engage people and generate 

interest in the area. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

Partnerships 

Collaboration and partnership with all of the key stakeholder groups 

and organizations in the area will ensure successful implementation 

of the standards. 

Authentic - true to the unique cultural 

and natural history of the District 

Installations done with att ention to accuracy and authenticity will 

honor the past and carry the legacy forward to future generations. 

Sense of place and local pride - locally 

sourced, local craftsmen / artisans 

Pride and connection to the area through public amenities and 

infrastructure built with local materials and craftsmen, which helps 

support a vibrant local economy. 

Connections, multi-modal accessibility 

Public infrastructure that supports safe, convenient pedestrian and 

bicycle access will att ract greater investment and visitors, and will 

best serve the long-term interests of the community. 

10. Compatible with existing codes, guidelines, and policies 

Designs will be compatible with existing regulatory policies to the 

degree possible to ensure they are embraced by the municipalities 

and agencies within the District. 

SAN JACINTO TEXAS HISTORIC DISTRICT CORRIDOR STANDARDS │ 11

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District Corridor Standards are structured to be a tool to assist in the design, 

construction, and maintenance of culturally relevant, sustainable, and restorative landscapes, public 

amenities and furnishings, and other features throughout the District. This standards document includes a 

succinct set of design elements and best practices that cover planting/vegetation, pavement, lighting, 

and site amenities. Public and private landowners can turn to these standards to select specifi c vegetation 

and furnishings that will help maintain a consistent ‘look and feel’ throughout the Historic District, or they can 

use the standards to get a general idea of the desired character and identify similar design elements. 

The Corridor Standards are articulated in the three components of the 

document mentioned in the overview: Design Scenarios, Design Elements, 

and Best Practices. A user of this document can look at the Scenarios to see 

an example of the application of these standards in a similar context. For 

example, if one is designing a community main street enhancement, they 

can look at the Main Streets scenario for an idea of how Design Elements 

can be integrated into a Main Street design concept. The user can look to 

the Design Elements to see the list of proposed materials and elements, 

and choose those that are relevant for that particular project. The user can 

also refer to the Best Practices for a particular element to bett er understand 

how to best integrate the elements, and what benefi ts they off er. 

Once a particular project has been conceived, the design process includes 

a number of steps that generally include site assessment, programming, 

conceptual design, budgeting, detailed design and engineering, bidding, 

construction, and post-construction maintenance. In order to achieve 

the qualities, performance, and value envisioned by these standards, the 

design process should include the following. 


Gateway proposal for Morgan’s Point. 

IMAGE: KNUDSON LP

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Committed Sponsorship 

The leadership behind the project must understand and embrace the 

value and benefi t off ered by these standards and commit to elements 

needed to achieve them. 

Collaborative Team of Professionals 

Landscape architects, architects, engineers, transportation planners, 

horticulturists, ecologists, energy specialists, artisans, and other 

professional disciplines must be enlisted to collaborate with each 

other and the project leadership to evolve the design and integrate the 

various elements and opportunities presented by the project. 

Open, Interactive Design Process 

In order for the project to be well-received, loved, and cared for over 

time, it must meet the needs of the people it will serve. Inclusion of 

these stakeholders is essential. Identifying potential stakeholders 

and including them early in the design process greatly benefi ts the 

process and the outcome. The Economic Alliance has been working to 

raise awareness of this initiative. The planning process was open and 

inclusive; within the District, stakeholders and the Technical Advisory 

Committ ee included representatives of the following: 

La Porte 

Baytown 

Channelview 

BayTran 

Deer Park 

East End - Harrisburg 

Galena Park 


Morgan’s Point 

South Belt - Ellington 

Seabrook 

Sheldon 

South Houston 

North Shore 

Pasadena 

Pearland 

Shoreacres 

Shell Deer Park 

Harris County 

Port of Houston Authority 

Design Responsive to Local Conditions 

A thorough analysis and assessment of existing conditions and contexts 

is essential to a responsive, eff ective design. The analysis should be 

clearly documented and articulated as the basis of the design. 

5. 

Alignment with other Requirements 

A number of agencies have established protocols for project 

development. Of greatest importance, perhaps, is TxDOT’s Project 

Development Process Manual, which should be followed for work 

occurring on land owned and managed by TxDOT. The process 

is divided into several sub-processes including planning and 

programming, preliminary design, environmental, right-of-way and 

utilities, PS&E (Plans, Specifi cations, and Estimates), and lett ing. 

Complex projects may require all of these steps, while simpler ones 

may only need a few. In the context of the transportation corridor, 

the implementation of these Corridor Standards should prioritize the 

safety and security of the driver, cyclist, pedestrian, and other users 

through the application of TxDOT’s standards and requirements. 

TxDOT has embraced the San Jacinto Texas Historic District and the 

First Principles of the Corridor Standards, and indicated they would 

embrace the design guidelines for future TxDOT projects within the 

San Jacinto Texas Historic District. 

There are other design tools that should be utilized to help provide 

more eff ective, successful, sustainable projects. Eff orts are underway 

to develop a nationwide voluntary rating system for sustainable site 

development. Texans can be proud that one of the three main partners 

in this eff ort is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildfl ower Center in Austin, 

Texas. Others include the American Society of Landscape Architects 

and the U.S. Botanic Garden. The Sustainable Sites Initiative, also 

known as SITES (www.sustainablesites.org), establishes benchmarks 

for achieving sustainability within nine categories: site selection, predesign 

assessment and planning, water, soil and vegetation, materials 

selection, human health and well-being, construction, operations 

and maintenance, and monitoring and innovation. The initiative 

outlines design steps that may be missing from other established 

protocols, such as monitoring a site after construction to evaluate its 

performance. Projects within the district are encouraged to participate 

in this initiative where practical. 


Implementing the Corridor Standards 

Making the vision of a distinct Historic District a reality requires a strategic 

and conscientious action plan for short and long term priorities that relies 

on the collaborative involvement of public and private sector entities. 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District Corridor Standards should be 

presented to the Mayor, Councils, and governing boards of the sixteen 

District communities, the Houston Ship Channel and its industries, 

TxDOT, the Port of Houston, Armand Bayou, the Houston Galveston Area 

Council, Councils of Governments, and Harris County, with a request for 

recognition, endorsement, and adoption of the standards. They should 

also be posted to community websites for wide public distribution. Each 

community should hold a public forum to present the standards to the 

community and to discuss the need for public and private eff orts for 

implementation when improvements are being considered within the 

corridors, gateways, and Project Stars sites. For example, Harris County 

Commissioner Sylvia Garcia holds several meetings with the communities 

located within Precinct Two where this could be accomplished. 

Each of the eff orts of recognition should be coordinated with local, state, 

and national press coverage that is carefully orchestrated with a public 

involvement plan. Press packages will allow information to be shared in 

an effi cient and consistent way and tell the story of how communities and 

their constituents can be part of this history-making eff ort. 

A San Jacinto Texas Historic District Summit should be held in the fall with 

the goal of sharing information and preparing priorities and projects for 

the spring budget process. The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region 

could assist in facilitating the meeting. 


Communities should consider using the extensive Harris County 

Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping system to help prepare 

and map a three to fi ve year San Jacinto Texas Historic District Capital 

Improvement Plan (CIP) project list. This list can be posted annually so 

that private sector partners are aware of implementation activities. 

Implementation will require the recognition of the standards and elements 

and inclusion of standards in Capital Improvement Plans and annual 

budgets. Clearly, funding will be critical to realizing the collective District 

vision. Individual jurisdictions have an assortment of tools available to 

incentivize private investment and improvements to the public realm. 

The deployment of strategic tax abatement, tax increment fi nancing, 

economic development agreements, and other public-private partnership 

instruments can be very eff ective as catalysts for voluntary participation. 

As local and regional agencies review funding requests from communities 

in the region, they can also make sure that the Corridor Standards are 

recognized as a part of the review. For example, the Houston Galveston 

Area Council (H-GAC) is now providing funding for Livable Centers, 

walkability, and other related programs, which are recommended in the 

Corridor Standards. Since the H-GAC funding cycle is three to six years, 

planning in advance could prepare the San Jacinto Texas Historic District 

for federal or state funding using city funds as local match. 

See Appendix D Texas Toolbox for additional fi scal and regulatory tools 

for implementation.

II. 

Design Scenarios 


DESIGN SCENARIOS 

This chapter presents conceptual Design Scenarios appropriate for a variety of corridor conditions found 

throughout the San Jacinto Texas Historic District including freeways, farm to market roads, local roads, main 

streets, community gateways, and Project Stars sites. The graphics are intended to illustrate the application 

of the Design Elements (Chapter 3) and Best Practices (Chapter 4) to typical scenarios, including their 

spatial arrangement and orientation. 

Each scenario includes an aerial photograph and brief description of 

the existing site condition, contrasted with conceptual designs showing 

overhead (plan) view and street (section or profi le) view. Additional 

descriptions and details for incorporating sustainable, cultural, and 

historically relevant design elements into the corridor right-of-way 

are included in the chapters that follow, as well as in the appendices. 

These include planting lists, trees, iconography, and site amenities and 

furnishings such as fencing, benches, and street light fi xtures. 

Rather than present a prescriptive design solution for each location, these 

designs present a possible combination of Design Elements and Best 

Practices that would enhance the site with a common natural, cultural, and 

historic theme that characterizes the San Jacinto Texas Historic District. 

Green infrastructure elements have also been incorporated into the 

concepts, including bio-infi ltration, parkway rain gardens, and permeable 

pavement. Specifi c applications of the practices for development proposals 

should use the best arrangement and selection of elements for the 

particular development site as determined through a thorough analysis 

and assessment of the site and its context. All designs should also consider 

sight lines, distance, and safety of all users when placing landscaping and 

other above-ground improvements in the right-of-way. 

Concept for a main street corridor project. 


FREEWAY 

Planning and design along freeway corridors 

in the Historic District should be conducted 

following TxDOT standards and incorporate, 

as appropriate, the Design Elements and 

Best Practices presented here and detailed in 

subsequent chapters. Safe travel ways and 

clear sight lines are of primary importance and 

all design decisions should defer to the safety 

of the user. While Freeways are dominating 

features of the landscape, the impact of freeway 

traffi c and infrastructure on the surrounding 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 

18 │ SCENARIOS 

environment and communities may be 

greatly reduced using appropriate design and 

engineering practices. 

• 

• 

Architectural screening, sound walls, and 

woodland buff ers can be used to att enuate 

the increased noise and visual impact 

caused by freeway traffi c. 

Natural landforms can help add natural 

visual interest and screen unsightly uses or 

features. 

• 

• 

Bio-infi ltration may be used to capture 

and treat stormwater runoff from Freeway 

associated pavements. 

Native landscapes, including ground cover, 

shrubs, and trees (woodland buff er), can be 

installed outside of sight triangles per TxDOT 

recommendations. A maintenance edge may 

be applied along areas where roadway safety 

and sight lines are a concern. 

The existing Freeway scenario site at IH-610 and 

Clinton Drive demonstrates landscape practices 

that are ineffi cient in energy and resource 

consumption, do not exemplify the culture and 

history of the District, and do little to enhance the 

visual interest of the corridor. Large expanses of 

turf grass require maintenance out of proportion 

to the ecological services provided and do not 

evoke a native coastal Texas landscape. Views 

from the freeway, particularly those of industrial 

uses, are contrary to the desired character and 

qualities of the District.

Sound Attenuation 

Wall 

Architectural 

Screen 

PROPOSED CONDITIONS 

Native 

Landscape 

Bioretention Maintenance 

Edge 

Woodland 

Buffer 


Freeway Corridor Profi le 

The Corridor Profi le below approximates how 

the corridor could look at a single cross section 

as one is driving along the Freeway. As with 

all of the Design Scenarios, this is simply one 

design scenario using a selection of the Design 

Elements and not a prescriptive illustration. 

Freeway Corridor Profi le 


Precast concrete sound 

attenuation wall with 

artistic relief 

The character images at right illustrate the 

application of Design Elements that are similar 

to those recommended in this document and 

are intended to provide an example of the 

resulting landscape character along Freeways. 

Vegetation is kept 

low in front of mural 

Rain garden with naturalized plantings detains 

and treats stormwater runoff from highway 

Monumental signage is placed per TXDOT 

standards so as not to obstruct views 

Regional monument is placed per TXDOT 

standards so as not to obstruct views 

Manicured vegetation supports 

view of monument 

Vegetation softens impact 

of architectural screen

Split rail fencing and a somewhat formal arrangement of the same tree species result in a character that is easily 

viewed and interpreted at high traffi c speeds. 

Mural on sound attenuation wall along freeway ramp depicting the history of the District. Public art near a freeway overpass. 

IMAGE: SOURCFE UNKNOWN 

IMAGE: KNUDSON LP 

Conceptual rendering of a berm and mural on sound attenuation wall along freeway. 


IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS 

IMAGE:SOURCE UNKNOWN

Freeway intersections are of interest to more 

than this Corridor Standards eff ort, as the 

illustrations below and at right demonstrate. 

These images, from Harris County Precinct 2 

Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines (2008), 

illustrate a design concept that incorporate 

a number of the Design Elements proposed 

within the Corridor Standards, including trees, 

fencing, and signage. Incorporating additional 

Design Elements into these conceptual designs 

could enhance these intersections and add to 

their distinctive historic character, such as: 

Interstate 225 and Independence Parkway intersection (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and 

Guidelines, 2008. Clark Condon Associates). 


• 

• 

Incorporate additional iconography, such 

as locally-crafted metalwork stars welded 

into the overpass metal railing, and 

EPICArt murals painted onto structural 

walls and foundations. 

Enhance the existing planting with a 

selection from the recommended trees, 

shrubs, groundcover, and other vegetation 

that approximate the appearance of a more 

native Texas fl ora. 

• 

Integrate bio-infi ltration measures along the 

roadways to capture and infi ltrate freeway 

runoff and reduce the fl ow of pollutants to 

the area waterways. 

Interstate 10 and Independence Parkway intersection (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and 

Guidelines, 2008. Clark Condon Associates).

Interstate 10 and Independence Parkway intersection (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008). 


IMAGE: CLARK CONDON ASSOCIATES

FARM TO MARKET ROADS 

Corridor design applied along Farm to Market 

Roads, which are often more rural than urban 

in nature, should enhance roadside character 

and consider wayfi nding and other means of 

highlighting cultural and natural landscapes 

and features. 

• 

The restoration of native habitats and 

preservation of specimen trees should be 

a focus of these corridors, as well as tree 

planting. 

Existing Site 



• 

• 

Non-motorized traffi c should be safely 

separated from road traffi c through 

the use of separate paths, pavement 

markings, or the use of naturalized 

landscapes as a buff er between roadway 

and trails. 

Regional signage should eff ectively 

provide direction to tourists and 

residents while projecting a consistent 

District character. 

• 

• 

Where trails cross the roadway, well-marked 

crosswalks should give visual priority to 

pedestrians and bikes. When positioned at 

regular intervals along the trail, interpretive 

signage adds to the educational value of the 

regional trail system. 

A maintenance edge of short grass may be 

expanded near crosswalks and where sight 

triangles expand from the road corridor, such 

as at intersections. 

The existing Farm to Market Road site, along 

Independence Parkway near the San Jacinto 

Battleground State Historic Site, is an example 

of a rural roadway where wide berths and 

open views inspire fast speeds and potentially 

unsafe conditions for non-motorized traffi c. 

Large expanses of turf grass require signifi cant 

maintenance out of proportion to the ecological 

services provided, and do little to evoke a native 

Texas landscape.

Restored 

Woodlands 


Trail Barrier Maintenance 

Edge 

Crosswalk Monumental 

Signage 

Non-Motorized 

Trail 

Specimen 

Tree 

Native 

Landscape 

EPICArt 


The Corridor Profi le below presents a potential crosssection 

for a Farm to Market road, with adjoining bioswale, 

regional bike path, and vegetation. As with all of 

the Design Scenarios, this is an option and should not 

be interpreted as a prescriptive illustration appropriate 

for all locations along Farm to Market Roads. 

The character images at right illustrate roadside character 

that includes natural, cultural, and historically relevant 

elements. The image on this page depicts a regional 

bicycle trail with a rural character, a maintenance edge, 

and a range of landscape vegetation applications. These 

elements may be formally designed, as in the two left 

images (opposite page), more naturalistic in character, 

as in the upper right image, or a combination of natural 

and formal, as in the lower right image. 

Farm to Market Road Corridor Profi le 


Restored native 

prairie vegetation 

Pedestrian crossing sign 

per TXDOT standards 

Drainage swale directs runoff 

to naturalized detention area 

Taller shrub and prairie 

grass vegetation is 

interspersed to shelter 

trail users 

Non-motorized trail. 

Benches and interpretive signs 

provide amenities for trail users 

Trail barrier helps 

control traffi c 

EPICArt takes 

advantage of 

large facade on 

storage tank 


prairie vegetation 

IMAGE: LILISOLDE @ FLICKR.COM

Historically relevant architecture provides a link to the past. Natural landscape features, vegetation, and water features impart a sense of being immersed in nature. 

Rows of equally-spaced, even-aged trees provide a natural and formal aesthetic. 

IMAGE:SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: LILISOLDE @ FLICKR.COM 

Site amenities and furnishings can incorporate natural materials and designs evocative of the surrounding 

landscape. 


IMAGE: LET IDEAS COMPETE @ FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

MAIN STREETS 

Main Street corridors are typically urban and 

suburban in nature requiring designs that 

prioritize pedestrian movement and safety. 

• 

• 

Street trees should be installed to provide 

shade, to delineate pedestrian and 

automobile zones, and to provide a virtual 

protective barrier to pedestrians. 

Ornamental and native trees may be used in 

medians, park areas, and private property 

setbacks. 



• 

• 

Crosswalks should be provided at the ends 

of blocks to illuminate pedestrian priority 

areas within the automobile right-of-way. 

Lighting may be incorporated into 

crosswalk applications to ensure visibility 

in low-light conditions. Pedestrian scale 

street lights should be provided at regular 

intervals to deliver safe and consistent 

illumination. 

• 

• 

• 

Regional signage may be incorporated 

to provide wayfi nding and to enhance 

monumentation in high-visibility areas. 

Public art and fencing can add visual interest 

where space allows along the public rightof 

way. Keep obstructions out of sight 

triangles as defi ned in TxDOT and municipal 

standards. 

Fencing may be used to provide screening 

for parking and to delineate property lines. 

The existing Main Street site, at Main Street and 

SH-146 in La Porte, provides a strong example 

of a downtown streetscape that favors access 

and a higher-speed throughway for automobile 

traffi c. Parking is inappropriately located at the 

intersection, and there are few design elements 

that enhance the pedestrian experience or 

improve safety.

Street Trees Crosswalk Bio-infi ltration 

Planters 


On-Street 

Parking 

Pedestrian 

Lights 

Kiosk 

Signage 

Public Art Fence - Urban 

Traffi c Control 

Regional Signage / 

Overhead Banner 


Main Streets provide a broader range of 

opportunities to incorporate the Design 

Elements into a more dense urban environment 

than do open roads and freeways. A distinct 

character unique to the District and each 

community is possible by selecting a common 

theme in site furnishings, materials, and 

vegetation. The urban sett ing is also generally 

approached with more formal applications of 

the Design Elements than along Farm to Market 

Roads and Freeways. 

Main Street Corridor Profi le 


Pedestrian-scaled light poles provide vertical 

illumination for store front facades and are in 

proportion to the sidewalk environment 

Frequently-spaced 

benches make 

downtown areas more 

accessible to people 

with limited mobility 

City-scaled Project Stars 

monuments are important 

icons in the parkway 

Porous unit paving 

in parking stalls 

and sidewalk 

detains and treats 

stormwater runoff 

Curb extension at corners 

shorten crosswalk distance 

The Corridor Profi le below presents a 

potential cross-section for a Main Street, with 

adjoining bio-swale on one side of the street 

and permeable paver parking on the other. 

Landscaping, lighting, and amenities are 

oriented to prioritize the pedestrian experience 

over that of motorized traffi c, thereby engaging 

people in the streetscape and, by extension, in 

the businesses within the Main Street area. 

Hearty canopy trees provide 

shade for pedestrians and 

frame the sidewalk 

Bioswales in the parkway 

detain and fi lter stormwater 

runoff from the street 

Curb cuts permit runoff to 

enter bioswales from the 

street 

Planted medians break up the 

large expanse of pavement 

Refuge island for pedestrians 

in crosswalk 


application of various Design Elements along 

Main Street corridors. These elements tend more 

towards architecture and formal landscaping and 

less towards a natural Texas landscape character. 

Drinking fountains and street 

side cafes are amenities in an 

urban environment

Main Streets can be designated by architectural elements and signage. Landscaping along Main Streets commonly includes shade trees and lighting within the pedestrian right-of-way. 

The La Porte main street area and gateway monumentation. 

IMAGE: KNUDSON LP IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

Pavement and crosswalks can provide distinctive character unique to individual communities. 



IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

Main Street areas lend themselves to more 

formal and structured applications of Design 

Elements to ensure that they are seamlessly 

integrated into the urban landscape in an 

appropriate manner. The images on this page, 

from Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars 

Icon Design and Guidelines (2008), illustrate a 

design concept for John R. Harris Park at the 

intersection of State Highway 225 and Broadway 

in the historic community of Harrisburg. This 

site is a community gateway, Project Stars 

location, and adjoins the Harrisburg main 

street area. The depicted concept includes 

naturalistic landscape topography, clusters of 

trees (woodlands), and a water element that 

may serve multiple functions in addition to 

being aesthetically pleasing. 

Additional Design Elements may include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Enhance the planned planting zones along 

parkways and medians with a selection of 

recommended trees, shrubs, groundcover, 

and other vegetation. 

Integrate bio-infi ltration measures within 

parkways and/or the median to capture 

and infi ltrate polluted runoff . 

Include appropriate lighting, site 

furnishings, fencing, and signage for 

pedestrians and other users of the park and 

main street. 

Incorporate crosswalks and traffi c calming 

measures to protect pedestrians and others 

moving between the park and Harrisburg 

residential and commercial areas. 

Concept plan for the John R. Harris Park (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008. Clark 

Condon Associates). 


Concept for the John R. Harris Park (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars 

Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008. Clark Condon Associates). 

Concept for the John R. Harris Park (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 

2008. Clark Condon Associates).

The La Porte main street area gateway. 


IMAGE: KNUDSON LP

LOCAL ROADS 

Design standards for Local Roads should give 

dual priority to effi ciently moving motorized 

traffi c through the urban and suburban 

environment while providing safety and 

security to non-motorized and pedestrian 

traffi c. 

• 

Install street trees to provide shade and 

visual interest, and to ‘green’ the landscape 

with additional vegetation. 

Existing Site 



• 

• 

Curb extensions and mid-block crosswalks 

may be used to decrease road crossing 

distances, as well as delineate on-street 

parking zones. 

Bicycle lanes and sidewalks should be 

implemented to provide safe routes for a 

variety of travel modes. 

• 

• 

Bio-infi ltration planters and permeable 

pavements may be used to capture rainwater 

runoff from impervious surfaces. 

Neighborhood parks should be placed in 

locations along the streetscape where users 

are visibly connected to activity on the 

street. 

The existing Local Road corridor, Texas Avenue in 

the City of Baytown, is an urban roadway where 

the absence of enclosure of the street, which 

could be provided by trees and parkways along 

the street or sidewalk, creates a corridor that 

favors the automobile over the pedestrian. Offstreet 

parking occupies poorly utilized space that 

would be better served by landscaping or other 

visual enhancements.

Mid-Block 

Crosswalk 

Street 

Trees 


Street Lights Bio-infi ltration 

Planter 

Bike Lanes On-Street 

Parking 

Neighborhood 

Park 

Curb Extensions 


Local Roads are less dense and less urban than 

Main Streets, though they may include areas 

surrounding central commercial districts such 

as residential streets, business parks, or area 

with a mix of uses including light industrial. 

They are characterized by broader parkways, 

larger setbacks from the street, and more 

generous areas for landscaping. 

The Local Road Corridor Profi le below presents 

a typical cross-section for a local residential 

road, with a parkway bioswale, permeable 

paving parking lanes, bicycle lanes, and 

pedestrian scale lighting. 

Local Road Corridor Profi le 


The Local Road is characterized by slow traffi c 

and an environment conducive to pleasant 

living and working spaces and an engaging 

streetscape that is more generous and spacious 

than those along Main Streets. 


application of various Design Elements and 

Best Practices along Main Street corridors. As 

with Main Streets, these elements tend more 

towards formal soft and hard landscaping 

and less towards a natural Texas landscape 

character. 

Tall ornamental street lights 

provide effi cient light distribution 

Seasonal banners reinforce 

identity of local community 

Custom 5-pointed star medallion links 

community to San Jacinto region 

Curb extensions slow traffi c 

speeds and create shorter 

crosswalk distances 

Permeable unit paving in parking stalls is 

connected to bioswales through gravel base 

Open-graded stone provides effi cient 

space to store stormwater runoff 

Dedicated bike lane 

encourages alternative 

modes of transportation 

Parkway bioswales detain 

and treat stormwater runoff 

Curb cuts allow water to pass 

between gutter and bioswale

Bio-infi ltration practices within parkways can be attractive and functional elements of the urban landscape. Curb bulbs and bumpouts at street crossings can include attractive landscaping beds. 

Well-marked crosswalks and bicycle routes provide safe and attractive routes for pedestrians and cyclists. 

IMAGE:WINWALKERNID@FLICKR.COM IMAGE:ENVIRONMENATAL SERVICES. PORTLAND, OR 

Play spaces provide opportunities to interpret the history and culture of the San Jacinto Texas Historic District. 


IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

IMAGE:EPSOS/DE@FLICKR.COM

COMMUNITY GATEWAYS 

Community Gateways should be designed as 

distinctive welcome signs into the communities 

of the District, with a consistent character as 

desired by the community and aligned with 

these Corridor Standards. Designs should 

buff er non-complying or unsightly uses while 

integrating alternative transportation options. 

As with all designs, check with the appropriate 

agencies for specifi c requirements or permitt ing 

procedures. 



• 

Natural landforms can help add visual 

interest and screen unsightly uses. 

• Accent lighting, EPICArt, 

and other 

iconic visual representations of the District’s 

history and culture can be integrated into 

the industrial landscapes. 

• 

Regional signage and monumentation 

play a signifi cant role in acknowledging 

thresholds between diff ering land-uses 

and as entrances to a community. 

• 

• 

• 

Naturalized landscapes and woodland 

buff ers should be applied to screen industrial 

uses and to highlight signifi cant community 

features. 

Bio-infi ltration adjacent to impervious areas 

to fi lter and infi ltrate runoff . 

Non-motorized trails should be provided for 

circulation throughout the region. 

Much of the existing Community Gateway site, 

along the Port Road industrial corridor, is occupied 

by impervious paving, wide traffi c lanes, and 

turf grass vegetation. The industrial uses adjacent 

to this corridor may elevate the need to provide 

visual and noise screening.

Crosswalks Non-Motorized 

Trail 


Natural 

Landforms 

Bio-infi ltration Woodland 

Buffer 

Naturalized 

Landscape 

Monumental 

Signage 


Community Gateways take a variety of forms, 

from the industrial corridor in the scenario on 

the previous pages, to more open entryways on 

the edges of a community, to gateways to Main 

Street and central business districts. Thus, a 

wide variety of applications of Design Elements 

and Best Practices are possible depending on 

the context and character of the surrounding 

landscape. A few elements, however, will 

Community Gateways Profi le 


Monumental signage 

is visible from both 

directions 

Large rain garden with native 

vegetation detains and treats 

runoff from corridor 

commonly be found at Community Gateways 

that serve to announce the arrival into a unique 

community and destination distinct from 

others in the District. These elements typically 

include signage, formal landscaping, and street 

and accent lighting that set the tone for the 

character of that particular community. 

Wooded buffer 

12 foot wide multi-use trail 

Wooded buffer visually 

encloses corridor and 

screens adjacent uses 

The Community Gateway Profi le below presents 

one design concept for the Port Road corridor 

gateway, a challenging site due to the presence 

of containers, trucks, and a high coverage of 

concrete and asphalt, which have been softened by 

landscaping and the inclusion of subtle landscape 

grading. The character images at right illustrate 

the application of various Design Elements and 

Best Practices at Community Gateways. 

The restoration of native 

prairie is an ecological 

and cultural amenity 

Benches expand the usage of the trail 

system to people with a wider range of 

physical abilities 

Interpretive signage provides 

educational amenity and 

destination for trail 

Kiosk signage 

doubles as 

emergency shelter 

for trail users

EPICArt can be incorporated into many District locations, such as gateways announced by natural materials 

and a stormwater check dam. 

Community Gateways can include pedestrian and bicycling pathways that connect to neighboring towns and 

regional historic and interpretive trail systems. 

IMAGE:SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: KNUDSON LP 

EPICArt can be integrated into natural landforms and surrounded by native Texas wildfl owers. 

Street lighting, banners, fencing and landscaping can provide vast improvements to an otherwise 

featureless landscape. 



IMAGE: KNUDSON LP

As formal entryways into communities, 

gateways require the application of iconic 

monuments appropriate to the scale of the 

gateway itself and the corridors that lead 

through that gateway, as depicted in the 

conceptual plans on these pages. 

The traffi c circles on either side of the Washburn 

Tunnel are gateways into Pasadena and Galena 

Park. The Project Stars monument, formal 

landscaping, and unique traffi c elements signify 

the arrival at a special place with a cultural and 


historic signifi cance. The retaining wall, paving 

bands, and shade trees can all incorporate the 

Design Elements and Best Practices to more 

fully evoke the history and character of the 

District. Similarly, the Community Gateway 

concepts shown at right depict the use of Project 

Stars monuments with EPICArt and unique 

architectural elements. These designs can be 

further enhanced through the application of a 

fi ner grained application of Design Elements, 

such as: 

Washburn Tunnel concept (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008. Clark Condon Associates). 

• 

• 

• 

Integrate bio-infi ltration measures within 

landscaped areas to infi ltrate runoff . 

Enhance the planned planting zones using 

a selection of recommended trees, shrubs, 

groundcover, and other vegetation. 

Incorporate pedestrian crosswalks and traffi c 

calming measures to protect pedestrians and 

others moving to and from the park from 

the Harrisburg residential and commercial 

areas.

Jacinto City Community Gateway concept. 

Jacinto City Community Gateway concept. 

Deer Park Community Gateway concept. Seabrook Community Gateway concept. 




IMAGE: KNUDSON LP IMAGE: KNUDSON LP

PROJECT STARS SITES 

Design standards for Project Stars sites should 

increase the visibility and sense of place of 

culturally and historically signifi cant locations. 

The Design Elements and Best Practices that 

apply to Project Stars sites can likewise be 

applied to EPICArt sites. 



• 

• 

• 

Ornamental landscapes, natural landforms, 

naturalized landscapes and edges may be 

used to accentuate Project Star sites. 

Public art may be used to enhance the 

signifi cance of an area on a larger scale. 

Accent lighting should be used to highlight 

public art and Project Stars sites. 

• 

• 

Iconography and monumentation defi ne 

these areas as important to the history and 

culture of the area. 

The use of pavers, fencing, and other 

furnishings and materials can further enhance 

the signifi cance and beauty of these sites. 

The existing Project Stars site, at the intersection of 

SH-146 and Business 146 in Baytown, occurs at the 

juncture of a highway interchange. This expansive 

land use includes signifi cant areas of impervious 

paving that impacts the surrounding landscape. 

Large swaths of turf grass require maintenance 

out of proportion to the ecological services 

provided, and highway stormwater runoff is likely 

sent directly into the adjacent waterways .

Regional 

Monument 

Native San Jacinto 

Landscape 


Public Art Native 

Landscape 

Naturalized 

Water Edge 


Project Stars sites occur throughout the District 

in a wide variety of sett ings and environments, 

from Freeway interchanges to Community 

Gateways to sites imbued with a deep historic 

value and signifi cance. As with Community 

Gateways, a wide variety of applications of 

Design Elements and Best Practices are possible 

depending on the context and character of the 

surrounding landscape. 

Project Stars Site Profi le 

Restored native prairie and 

wetland landscape enhances the 

ecological function of the bayou 

Restored woodland landscape in 

upland areas serves as backdrop 

for monuments 


Large public art makes use of under 

utilized and fragmented space 

Accent light illuminates sculpture 

and monuments at night 

Low, ornamental landscape 

provides foundation for 

Project Stars monuments 

The enhancement of Project Stars sites is focused 

on the area surrounding the monuments, 

whether through the inclusion of benches, 

signage, accent lighting, or landscaping. It is 

critical, however, that the design and layout 

of elements must evoke the special qualities of 

each of the Project Stars locations. 

A row of regional Project Stars 

monuments creates a dynamic 

rhythm along this road corridor 

Monumental signage 


prairie landscape 

The Project Stars site Profi le below presents one 

design concept for the Baytown location. The 

character images at right illustrate the potential 

application of various Design Elements and 

Best Practices at Project Stars sites, such as 

EPICArt, water features, pedestrian routes, 

and landscaping.

EPICArt can enhance industrial landscapes. Pedestrian routes connecting historic sites and other destinations would enhance the attractiveness and visitation 

of the District. 

Water features, streams, and stormwater management facilities can enhance the character of an area. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS 

Ornamental and native vegetation can be planted to enhance Project Stars sties with an approximation of a 

historic landscape. 


IMAGE:SOURCE UNKNOWN 

IMAGE:WLCUTLER@FLICKR.COM

Project Stars sites require additional att ention 

and investment to enhance the site with a 

historically and culturally relevant landscape, 

site furnishings, vegetation, and other 

amenities. The images on this page, from 

Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon 

Design and Guidelines (2008), illustrate a 

design concept for Independence Plaza (below 

left and opposite page) and Juan Seguin Park. 

The depicted concept includes soft and hard 

landscape elements, pedestrian amenities, 

and other elements complimentary to those 

included in this document. 

More specifi c landscape and site details can 

be incorporated into these concepts using the 

Corridor Standards Design Elements and Best 

Practices, such as. 

• 

• 

• 

Enhance the planting zones with a selection 

from the recommended trees, shrubs, 

groundcover, and other vegetation to evoke 

a naturalistic Texas landscape. 

Include appropriate street, pedestrian, and 

accent lighting to highlight pedestrian ways, 

historic markers, and other elements. 

Incorporate brick pavers into pedestrian 

crosswalks, permeable pavers into parking 

areas, and fencing to help guide and protect 

patrons of these sites. 

Independence Plaza concept (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008). Juan Seguin Park concept (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008). 

48 │ SCENARIOS

Independence Plaza concept (Harris County Precinct 2 Project Stars Icon Design and Guidelines, 2008). 


50 │ SCENARIOS

III. 

Design Elements

DESIGN ELEMENTS 

Design Elements refer to materials, amenities, and details that refl ect local spirit, culture, history, and character. 

This section includes recommendations for various elements covered by the standards including pavements, 

plantings, and street furnishings that are intended to emulate the natural and cultural character of Texas 

and the Historic District. As such, Design Elements should incorporate characteristics from the surrounding 

District context (form, color, materials, natural history, texture, and pattern) in the design and location of 

these Design Elements across the landscape. 

The Design Elements are presented here as options to be used where 

feasible and appropriate rather than as mandatory components of every 

community and corridor. As such, the Elements represent the style and 

character that such amenities should emulate. They are not intended to 

remove design fl exibility but to suggest the style and character being 

targeted in the District. In some cases the details and diagrams presented 

here are conceptual and do not represent specifi c products off ered in the 

marketplace. In other cases, specifi c products have been presented as 

examples of the general desired character and style and do not represent 

an endorsement or preference for a particular vendor or product. 

While these practices require creative and open-minded thinking on the 

part of the partners, communities, and developers working within the 

San Jacinto Texas Historic District, they can be designed into not only the 

corridors for which they were selected but into almost any development 

area. However, it is essential that the Design Elements are examined 

individually and in combination so that an appropriate and representative 

aesthetic results from the design process. All designs should also consider 

sight lines, distance, and safety of all users when placing landscaping and 

other above-ground improvements in the right-of-way. 

EPICArt along a freeway ramp. 


IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS

DESIGN ELEMENTS 

54 │ DESIGN ELEMENTS 

Design Inspiration 

Plant Lists 

Top 10 Trees 

Iconography 

Lighting 

Pavers 

Site Furnishings 

Fencing 

Signage 

Gateways

DESIGN INSPIRATION 

IMAGE:FAUNGG@FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE:KODAMAKITTY@FLICKR.COM 

The Design Elements for the San Jacinto Historic District are inspired 

by the heritage, history, and nature of the District itself. It is through 

this integration of the colors, patterns, and forms embedded in this 

place into the built landscape that will help provide a sense of 

place and character that make District communities unique from 

other communities in southeast Texas. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKvv 


IMAGE:SOURCE UNKNOWN 

IMAGE:ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HOUSTON PORT

PLANT LISTS 

San Jacinto Native 

SHRUBS 

Ilex vomitoria ‘nana’ Dwarf Taupon Holly 

Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry 

GRASSES 

Muhlenbergia capillaris Gulf Coast Muhly 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 

Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem 

PERENNIALS 

Gaillardia pulchella Indian Blanket 

Ratibida columnifera Mexican Hat 

Asclepias tuberosa Buterfl y Weed 


The following lists offer three different planting themes for the San Jacinto Texas Historic District. The plants 

are intended to be used for ornamental garden applications where the level of maintenance will be 

average to above-average. For plantings that require less maintenance, or for restoration of naturalized 

landscapes, refer to the lists in the Appendix. The plants provided in the “San Jacinto Native” and “Texas 

Native” themes are adapted to the region’s climate and conditions, support an aesthetic that is unique to 

these areas, and require less frequent watering. 

Muhlenbergia capillaris Callicarpa americana 

Gailardia pulchella 

Sorghastrum nutans 

Coreopsis grandifl ora 

Texas Native 

SHRUBS 

Myrica cerifera Dwarf Wax Myrtle 

Leucophyllum frutescens Texas Sage 

GRASSES 

Muhlengergia lindheimeri Lindheimer’s Muhly 

Sorghastrum nutans Indian Grass 

PERENNIALS 

Echinacea purpurea Purple Conefl ower 

Salvia farinacea Mealy Cup Sage 

Coreopsis grandifl ora Baby Sun Coreopsis 

GROUNDCOVERS 

Ipomoea pes-caprae Goats Foot Morning Glory

PLANT LISTS 

Non-Native* 

SHRUBS 

Pitt osporum tobira ‘variegata’ Variegated Pitt ospurum 

Abelia grandifl ora Dwarf Abelia 

Euonymus alatus Burningbush 

Cycas revolute Sago Palm 

Colocasia esclenta Caladium 

Aspidistra elatior Cast Iron Plant 

Nerium oleander Dwarf Oleandor 

Gardenia grandifl ora Gardenia 

Monstera deliciosa Split Leaf Philodendron 

Hibiscus spp. Hibiscus 

Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm 

*all selected plants shall be non-invasive 

The plants in the “Non-Native” theme provide an aesthetic that evokes the landscapes of the Caribbean 

and other tropical climes. Their large glossy leaves and profuse fl owers will create an exotic display, but 

they will also require supplemental irrigation. Consult your local nursery for other species adapted to the 

District. As with all landscaping, consider vegetation that is appropriate to local conditions and standards, 

such as allowing planting to occur with pipeline easements, and require long term management plans to 

increase the chances of planting success. Prescribed burning is the best vegetation management option 

for native or adapted species, but this will not be possible in all areas. 

Leucophyllum frutescens Ipomoea pes-caprae 

Aspidistra elatior 

Washingtonia robusta 

Ratibida columnifera 

PERENNIALS 

Bulbine frutescens African Bulbine 

Cuphea ignea Firecracker Plant 

Yucca fi lamentosa Yucca 

GROUNDCOVERS 

Trachelospermum jasminoides Confederate Jasmine 

Mitchella repens Patridge-berry 

Ophiopogon japonicus Mondo Grass 

Trachelospermum asiaticum Asian Jasmine 


TOP 10 TREES 

Carya illinoensis 

PECAN 

Mature Height: 70-100 feet 

Mature Spread: 40-75 feet 

Leaf Type: Compound 

leaves with several leaflets 

Comments: 

• State Tree of Texas 

• Difficult to transplant 

• Needs room for growth 

• Native to San Jacinto 

area 


Persea borbonia 

RED BAY 



Leaf Type: Simple oblong 

and evergreen leaves 

Comments: 

• Salt tolerant 

• Tolerant of saturated 

soils 

• Good for naturalizing 


area 

Trees play a signifi cant role in creating a consistent appearance within the San Jacinto Texas 

Historic District. Species included in the Top Ten list are culturally and ecologically signifi cant 

to the District. Whenever planting trees within parkways near utilities, close attention must be 

paid to the mature height and spread of the species selected. See a further discussion of this 

issue in Appendix A under ‘Tree Protection Measures’. 

Magnolia grandiflora 

BULLY BAY MAGNOLIA 



Leaf Type: Simple elliptic, 

evergreen leaves 

Comments: 

• Attractive glossy, 

evergreen foliage 

• Beautiful flowers 


area 

Crataegus marshallii 

PARSLEY HAWTHORN 



Leaf Type: Simple broad 

ovate with lobes 

Comments: 


soils 

• Great for bird habitat 


area 

Taxodium distichum 

LOBLOLLY PINE 



Leaf Type: Spirally 

arranged on branchlets 

Comments: 

• Highly tolerant of 

saturated soils 

• Tall, stately 

appearance 


area

TOP 10 TREES 

Ilex opaca 

AMERICAN HOLLY 



Leaf Type: Simple, 

toothed, evergreen leaves 

Comments: 

• Attractive glossy 

leaves 

• Prefers well-drained 

soils and protection 

from wind and sun 


area 

Phoenix dactylifera 

MEDJOOL DATE PALM 


Mature Spread: 40 feet 

Leaf Type: Pinnate 

Comments: 

• Drought Tolerant 

• Edible Fruit 

• Sharp Spines/Edges 

• Evergreen 

Quercus alba 

WHITE OAK 



Leaf Type: Simple obovate 

Comments: 

• Beautiful tree 

• Slow growing 

• Prefers dry, sandy soils 


area 

Quercus shumardii 

SHUMARD OAK 



Leaf Type: Simple 

obovate 

Comments: 

• Drought tolerant 

• Excellent fall color 


Quercus michauxii 

SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK 



Leaf Type: Oblong with 

rounded teeth 

Comments: 

• Relatively fast growing 


soils 


area 


ICONOGRAPHY 

REGIONAL PROJECT STARS MONUMENT 

■ 

■ 

■ 

The largest of the Project Stars monuments is intended to be used along 

the sides of freeways and integrated into bridges. 

The regional monuments are 77 feet tall and constructed of a base with 

cast stone and brick veneers. A three-dimensional star is held aloft by 

four metal columns. 

Estimated Installed Cost: $2,242,500.00 


IMAGE: HARRIS CO PRECENT 2 PROJECT STARS: ICON DESIGN & GUIDELINES 

Iconography should be applied in a context-sensitive manner throughout the San 

Jacinto Texas Historic District to provide clear wayfi nding and branding. Specifi cally, 

these monuments should be installed at Project Stars sites. Iconic monumentation, art 

and signage may be used to establish focal points along corridors and at signifi cant 

thresholds to reinforce the overall importance and legacy of San Jacinto. The Texas Star is 

the primary icon and can be incorporated into many of the Design Elements presented 

in this chapter. A fi ve-pointed star should be used in two-dimensional applications, and 

a nine-pointed star should be used in three-dimensional applications. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

CITY PROJECT STARS MONUMENT 

City monuments are smaller than regional monuments so that they can 

be integrated into the scale of a city street. 

The monuments are constructed of the same materials as the regional 

monument, but only rise to a height of 33 feet. 

Estimated Installed Cost: $598,000.00 

IMAGE: HARRIS CO PRECENT 2 PROJECT STARS: ICON DESIGN & GUIDELINES

ICONOGRAPHY 

NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT STARS MONUMENT 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Neighborhood monuments are 18 feet tall and respond to the scale of 

pedestrian environments. 

The majority of the column is faced in brick and the smaller star is 

supported by truncated metal supports. 


IMAGE: HARRIS CO PRECENT 2 PROJECT STARS: ICON DESIGN & GUIDELINES 

SITE PROJECT STARS MONUMENT 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Site monuments are designed to fi t into a variety of small scaled applications 

as either stand alone focal elements or series of monuments. 

The height of the site monument is only 7 feet. The column is replaced 

entirely by a stone base and metal arm supports. 



IMAGE: HARRIS CO PRECINCT 2 PROJECT STARS: ICON DESIGN & GUIDELINES

ICONOGRAPHY 

Example of tank covered with EPICArt. 

EPICArt 

■ Through partnerships with local businesses, EPICArt 

can transform 

industrial eyesores into beautiful depictions of historical events. 

■ Interspersing EPICArt 

throughout the district will create a museum 

without walls. 

■ Current examples of EPICArt 

in the district include two murals that 

grace the fronts of storage tanks. Collectively titled “Two Storms Passing” 

each mural is roughly 40 feet tall by 140 feet wide. The murals are printed 

on 3M vinyl and were assembled on site. 

Recommended Manufacturer/Model 

■ 

Native Sun Productions (www.nativesunproductions.com) 



Example of tanks with images from the rise of an industry. 

Example of tanks with historical Texas fl ags. 

Example of tanks covered with native wildfl owers. 

Example of tanks depicting a calvary charge. 

IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS IMAGE: NATIVE SUN PRODUCTIONS

ICONOGRAPHY 

ICONS 

■ The fi ve-pointed lone star, and the colors red, white, and blue, make up 

the Texas State fl ag and are the most iconic images in Texas. 

■ The fl ag most commonly associated with the Batt le of San Jacinto was 

presented by the ladies of Newport, Kentucky to Sherman’s Newport 

Volunteers. It depicts Lady Liberty holding a spear and a banner that 

reads “Liberty or Death.” 

■ The song “The Yellow Rose of Texas” refers to a woman named Emily D. 

West who was seized by Mexican forces and supposedly seduced General 

Santa Anna. Because she was mulatt o the song’s writers referred to her 

as a “yellow rose”. The legend credits her with distracting Santa Anna 

during the Batt le of San Jacinto, which allowed General Sam Houston’s 

forces to catch the Mexican forces off guard. 

The images below depict the symbols most closely associated with the District. Every 

attempt should be made to reference these symbols in the built features within the corridors. 

The fi ve-pointed star is the most important of these symbols and should be given 

priority when incorporating them into a design element. 

Harris Co Precinct Two: Project Stars medallion. Five-pointed Lone Star. Project Stars three-dimensional star. Battle fl ag of Sherman’s Newport Volunteers. 

Yellow rose of Texas. 

San Jacinto Texas Historic District license plate. 

Texas fl ag. 


LIGHTING 

Street Light (20’-35’ height) 

■ Taller poles have extended arms which allow the light source to be positioned 

over the roadway. Refl ectors in the luminaire direct light downward. 

■ The taller height of the pole allows the fi xtures to be spaced further apart. 

■ The decorative arm and teardrop luminaire replace the conventional ‘cobrahead’ 

fi xture for a look that is distinctive to the District. 

■ Arms for mounting banners and fl ags should be provided. 

■ A custom emblem should be incorporated into the banner arm and light pole 

base. 

■ Consider LED for energy effi ciency and light quality / color rendition in 

selection of luminaires and light sources. 

■ Hurricane wind stresses should be considered in design of pole and footing. 


■ Holophane/Tear Drop series (CenterPoint Standard) 

■ Rolled Steel Shaft and Washington Style Aluminum Base (CenterPoint ‘River 

Oaks’ Standard) 

■ Color: Black 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: ~$6000 (c.2010) 

■ Fiscal Note from CenterPoint Energy: unit prices per installation are diffi cult 

to estimate due to design (luminaire, pole, watt age, system voltage) and 

location (residential, collector, thoroughfare, open ditch, curb / gutt er, etc.). 

■ Installation Note from CenterPoint Energy: construction credits are available 

for new lighting installation. Retrofi ts (removing old and installing new 

lighting) require the requestor to pay full labor and material costs. 

■ CenterPoint Energy creates lighting solutions in accordance with IES 

(Illumination Engineering Society of North America) recommendations and 

according to the road type, characteristic, width, and surface. State highways 

and freeways are generally lighted by TxDOT. Street lighting on farm-tomarket 

roads may or may not be provided through CenterPoint Energy. 

Due to recent changes at TxDOT, CenterPoint Energy only provides new 

overhead street lighting on TxDOT right-of-way projects (overhead street 

lights mounted on wood poles). Existing TxDOT underground street lighting 

(street lights served by underground conductors and mounted on steel poles) 

will be owned, operated and maintained by CenterPoint, however, they can 

not be relocated, modifi ed or converted to a new pole or light type. 


Light poles and lighting fi xtures can be the most visible features in a streetscape. The 

selections for these elements should reinforce the historic qualities of the District with 

their style and ornamentation. Designers should coordinate their plans with CenterPoint 

Energy, which works with communities to select and fund the installation of lighting. 

Communities should also consider fi xtures and solar panel strategies to reduce energy 

consumption. According to CenterPoint Energy, three new Holophane post top decorative 

fi xtures which are Dark Sky compliant will soon be available.

LIGHTING 

Pedestrian Light (12’-15’ height) 

■ The shorter pole provides a bett er scale for spaces with frequent pedestrian 

traffi c. 

■ Shorter poles will typically require more frequent spacing. 

■ The short pole and post-top light confi guration provides improved 

vertical illumination which can be used to light store fronts in retail 

environments. 

■ A custom San Jacinto District emblem should be incorporated into the 

light pole base. 

■ Consider LED for energy effi ciency and light quality / color rendition in 

selection of luminaires and light sources. 

■ Hurricane wind stresses should be considered in design of pole and 

footing. 


■ Holophane/Granville with Gold Cage (CenterPoint Standard). The City 

of La Porte has used the Traditionaire style luminaire. 

■ Rolled Steel Shaft and Washington Style Aluminum Base 


■ Estimated Installed Cost: ~$4000 (c.2010) 

Lighted Bollard 

■ Decorative 

■ 39” height 

■ Traditional Detailing 

■ Cast Aluminum with Powder coat Finish 


■ Holophane/Wadsworth 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $1800 (c.2010) 

Gran Ville Luminaire with Gold Cage 


PAVERS 

Clay brick pavers Ironspot 

Clay Brick Pavers 

■ Once fi red, clay is one of the longest lasting paving materials available. 

■ Clay pavers are created by either pressing the clay into molds, or by 

extruding the clay through a die and wire-cutt ing them to size. Wire 

cut pavers often have a higher coeffi cient of friction which is good for a 

walking surface, but molded pavers may off er more textural options. 

■ Clay pavers can either be sand-set onto a gravel sub-base for a fl exible 

pavement, or mortar-set onto a concrete sub-base for a rigid one. 

■ A herringbone patt ern distributes wheel loads the best and should be 

used for vehicular areas. 


■ Pinehall Hall Brick / English Edge, www.pinehallbrick.com 

(colors: Ironspot, Rose FR*, Accent Grey*, and Buff *) 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $12/sf (c.2010) 

* Color has good heat refl ectance properties 


Poured-in-place concrete ($5/sf) and hot-mixed asphalt ($2.5/sf) are the most commonly used surfacing types due to very low 

initial installation cost. These two surface types continue to be used for many applications. However, individual unit pavers are a 

good alternative to these traditional materials in applications where aesthetics, stormwater infi ltration, and long-term durability are 

important. When set into a sand base, the unit pavers create a fl exible surface capable of handling shifting subgrade conditions 

without cracking. The primary paver materials are clay or precast concrete, and a variety of shapes and colors are available. Pavers 

also provide a much more fl exible material as it relates to integrating creativity and artistry into the paved surface, whether through 

design, orientation or color. The Texas star, a natural landscape mosaic, and historic scenes can be created using pavers. 

Accent Gray Rose 

Buff Permeable unit pavers in pedestrian walk. Permeable unit pavers in parking lot 

Permeable Unit Pavers 

■ Permeable unit pavers are available in clay and precast concrete and 

provide the best infi ltration rates of all permeable paving systems. 

■ Infi ltration occurs in the joints between individual units. An open-graded 

gravel is required for the sub-base. 

■ Narrow jointed pavers should be used for areas with high pedestrian 

traffi c to minimize confl icts with high heels and canes. 

■ Larger jointed pavers should be used for vehicular areas where increased 

infi ltration rates will be helpful. 

■ L-shaped, or other interlocking paver type should be used for vehicular 

areas where heavy wheel loads and turning movements will need to be 

resisted. 

Recommended Manufacturer/Model for pedestrian areas 

■ Unilock/Eco-priora, www.unilock.com 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $10/sf 

Recommended Manufacturer/Model for vehicular areas 

■ Unilock/Eco-Optilock, www.unilock.com 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $8/sf (c.2010)

PAVERS 

Matrix #2088 

Matrix #1914 

Matrix #1914 Application of architectural tile. Custom paving surfaces. 

Architectural Tile 

■ Architectural tiles are generally thinner (2”) and larger than unit pavers 

and replicate the appearance of natural cut-stone. They are primarily 

suited for pedestrian loads only. 

■ Tiles can be manufactured from stone, terra cott a, ceramic, or precast 

concrete. Precast concrete tile will be the most aff ordable and will come 

in the widest range of colors and textures. 


■ Hanover Architectural Products, www.hanoverpavers.com 

■ Recommended Colors: Matrix #1914*, Matrix #2088*, Matrix #1916 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $8/sf (c.2010) 

* Color has good heat refl ectance properties 

Decorative Insets 

■ The use of unit paving as a surface permits the application of a number 

of custom insets, such as the fi ve-pointed star. 


■ 

Urban Accessories / Star 25”, www.urbanaccessories.com 


SITE FURNISHINGS 

Trail Bench 

■ An all wood bench fi ts in well with the rural 

character of most trail systems. 

■ The wood used for construction should be 

naturally rot resistant (i.e. Douglas Fir or 

Redwood). Cedar should not be used because 

of its propensity to splinter. 

■ Arm rests and backs should be provided for 

most applications for added comfort and to 

assist the elderly and disabled. 

■ A backless bench can be provided where 

seating in two directions is desired. 

■ Benches should be embedded in concrete 

footings or surface mounted to the pavement 


■ DuMor / #51 and #105 



Local Retail Benches 

■ 

■ 

■ 

A variety of custom benches are available 

through local retailers. 

Many retail benches are intended for noncommercial 

applications, but may be suitable 

for certain applications in the district 

Estimated Installed Cost: $225 (top), $200 

(bott om) 

Amenities such as benches, drinking fountains, bike racks, and bus shelters may 

be used throughout the region to reinforce the corridor character at a pedestrianscale. 

The suggested selection of materials and options should be a starting point 

for product sourcing. Care should be given during the selection process to identify 

site-specifi c issues that may inform long-term maintenance decisions. In some 

cases custom furnishings may be desired, which presents additional opportunities 

to incorporate local materials, artisans, and craftsment into the design and 

fabrication process. 

Urban Bench 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

In urban areas, benches should be steel or 

aluminum frame for added stability. 

Wooden slats will be more comfortable when 

dry but will also require more maintenance. 

Metal slats will dry quickly in both the winter 

and summer. 

Arm rests and backs should be provided for 

most applications for added comfort and to 

assist the elderly and disabled. 

A backless bench can be provided where 

seating in two directions is desired. 

Benches should be embedded in concrete 

footings or surface mounted to the pavement. 


■ DuMor / #165 and #166 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $1200 (c.2010)


Bike Rack 

■ Individual bike hoops are more space effi cient and provide more points 

of support than a singular loop arrangement. 

■ Hoops should be constructed of thick gauge, galvanized, or PVC-coated 

steel. 

■ Hoops should be embedded in concrete footings or surface mounted to 

the pavement. 

■ Custom fabrications are also available – see inset. 


■ Dero / Downtown Rack 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $300/loop (c.2010) 

■ Cost of inset rack varies due to customization 

Drinking Fountain 

■ The ornamentation of drinking fountains should be coordinated with 

light poles. 

■ Two bowl heights should be provided. One should be arm mounted to 

accommodate wheelchairs. 


■ Murdock/MC-76-2-PF 

■ Color: Black with Brass Bowl 




Waste Receptacle 

■ Waste receptacle style should match bench style where applicable. 

■ Receptacles should be capable of holding 22 or 32 gallon liners. 

■ Separate receptacles should be designated for recyclable waste. 

■ Covers should be provided where a large proportion of food waste is 

expected. 

■ Receptacles should be surface mounted to the pavement. 


■ Landscape Forms / Plainwell 



Bus Shelter 

■ Round, tubular steel column and barrel vault canopy construction. 

Column supports shall match the fl uting and base supports of the District 

light poles. A decorative canopy frame support shall be constructed of 

steel with arches that refl ect the roof design. The metal roof shall be of 

standing seam construction with a wood roof deck facing the interior. 

■ Finish: All metal components shall have a minimum two-coat powder 

coat fi nish. 

■ Color: Posts and rails to be black, roof to be patina green. 

■ Comments: Consult manufacturer or structural engineer for footing 

design. Wind loading should take into account potential for hurricanes. 

Incorporate custom San Jacinto emblem into either end of roof support. 


■ Poligon / Barrel vaulted Walkway Cover 

■ Estimated Installed Cost: $35,000 (c.2010)

FENCING 

Vinyl ‘Horse’ Fence 

■ Vinyl fencing requires litt le maintenance and 

is a cost eff ective alternative for long lengths 

of fence. 

■ The post and three-rail or two-rail style of fence 

is reminiscent of historic pasture fencing. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $35/LF 

Trail Traffi c Control (3’-5” height) 

■ Style: 4x4 Cedar post and double split rail 

construction. 

■ Finish: Natural 

■ Comments: Posts should be set into 12” 

diameter poured concrete footings. Care 

should be taken to direct drainage away from 

posts to discourage rot. 


■ 


Fencing in the San Jacinto region provides an opportunity to defi ne thresholds and 

property ownership, and can serve to direct pedestrian traffi c. Fencing options are provided 

for trail and urban applications, both of which present opportunities to employ 

the talents, skills, and artistry of the local workforce. 

Trail Barrier (4’-5’ tall) 

■ Style: 4x4 cedar post and stacked split rail 

construction. 

■ Finish: Natural 

■ Comments: Posts should be set into 12” 

diameter poured concrete footings. Care 

should be taken to direct drainage away from 

posts to discourage rot. 


■ 



FENCING 

Urban Traffi c Control (4’ tall) 

■ Style: Prefabricated tubular steel post and triple rail construction with ¾” 

solid pickets spaced 4.5 inches on center. Include rail ornamentation and 

decorative fi nials. 

■ Maximum Post Spacing: 8’ on center 

■ Finish: Factory-applied hot-dip galvanized coating with powder coating 

overtop. 


■ Comments: Provide paved maintenance strip underneath fence. 


■ 



Urban Barrier (5’-8’ tall) 

■ Style: Prefabricated tubular steel post and triple rail construction. The ¾” 

solid pickets extend through top rail for added security. Double pickets 

on lower portion of fence are spaced 2.5 inches on center. Include rail 

ornamentation and decorative fi nials. 

■ Maximum Post Spacing = 10’ on center 

■ Finish: Factory-applied hot-dip galvanized coating with powder coating 

overtop. 


■ Comments: Provide paved maintenance strip underneath fence. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $70/LF

FENCING 

Brick Column Option 

■ Replace steel posts every 20-30 feet with brick 

faced column. 

■ Brick and cap color should match Project Stars 

monumentation. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $1200/Column 

Sonterra 

Brick Selections 

Highland Gray 

■ The type of facebrick selected for columns and 

walls should exhibit warm and rustic tones 

like those shown above. 

Example of artistic relief in pre-cast panel. 

Permeable unit pavers in pedestrian walk Autumn Lane 

Kennewick Example of artistic relief, integral dye, and exposed aggregate texture. 

Screening Walls 

■ Screening walls can be manufactured of 

precast concrete panels, board on board wood, 

or metal picket with vinyl panels. Sound 

barriers are generally manufactured of precast 

concrete panels. 

■ Precast concrete panels off er an opportunity 

to include custom embossments. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $100-200/LF 


FENCING 

Custom Panel Inserts 

■ Prefabricated metal fences can be customized with simple railing inserts 

that are welded in place. 

■ The example shown here uses a fi ve-pointed star between the top tworails. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $15/LF extra (c.2010) 


Custom Panels 

■ It is possible to have an entirely custom panel fabricated out of wrought 

iron or steel bar. 

■ Care must be taken to allow no openings within 4-inches and 9-inches 

wide in order to avoid head entrapment issues. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: Highly variable; dependent upon design.

SIGNAGE 

Historic Street Signage 

■ Historic street signage can be mounted into 

light poles using a decorative arm. 

■ Hanging signs can be constructed of routed 

PVC panels or sandblasted wood panels for a 

more authentic look. 

Recommended Panel Manufacturer/Model 

■ 

Estimate Installed Cost: $300-1000 (c.2010) 

Signage may be used to elaborate upon signifi cant locations within the San Jacinto Historic Corridor, as 

well as provide literal direction in a consistent and identifi able manner. Signage may be addressed at 

the variety of scales provided below. Signage opportunities that occur outside these proposed scales 

may best support the character of the region by adopting size, color and language in a manner that 

is consistent. 

Cantilevered Panel Signage 

■ Important signage display for medium 

■ 

wayfi nding signs and large interpretive signs. 

Tubular aluminum post and frame construction 

with custom arched frame embellishments. 

Provide custom San Jacinto emblem to top of 

sign. 

■ Sign panel to be standard NPS 18” or 24” high 

by 24”, 36”, or 42” wide. 

■ Graphics can be created with fi berglass 

embedment, porcelain enamel on steel, photoprocessed 

aluminum, or digital high-pressure 

laminates. 

■ Finish: All aluminum components shall have 

a minimum two-coat powder coat fi nish. 


■ Rhino / Cantilevered Base 


Upright Panel Signage 

■ Signage display for medium to small signs. 

■ Tubular aluminum post and frame construction 

with custom arched angle supports. 

■ Sign panel to be standard NPS 18” or 24” high 

by 24”,36”, or 42” wide. Single post pedestals 

are available 12”x12”, 12”x18”, or 16”x20”. 

■ Graphics can be created with fi berglass 

embedment, porcelain enamel on steel, photoprocessed 

aluminum, or digital high-pressure 

laminates. 

■ Finish: All aluminum components shall have 

a minimum two-coat powder coat fi nish. 


■ Rhino / Base 



SIGNAGE 

Kiosk Signage 

■ Major signage display for large wayfi nding signs and welcome boards. 

Can be fi tt ed with single permanent display or with enclosed bulletin 

board for temporary announcements. 

■ Round, tubular steel column and barrel vault canopy construction. 

Design to match that of bus shelter. 

■ Sign graphics can be created with fi berglass embedment, porcelain 

enamel on steel, photo-processed aluminum, or digital high-pressure 

laminates. 

■ Finish: All metal kiosk components shall have a minimum two-coat 

powdercoat fi nish. 

■ Color: Posts and rails to be Black, roof to be Patina Green 

■ Comments: Incorporate custom San Jacinto emblem above sign panel. 

■ Wind loading should take into account potential for hurricanes. 

Recommended Kiosk Manufacturer/Model 

■ Poligon/Barrel vaulted Walkway Cover 



MONUMENTAL SIGNAGE 

■ Important gateways within the district can be memorialized through the 

use of monumental signage. 

■ The signage should be positioned so that the intended viewer can see it 

clearly. Text height should be sized appropriately. 

■ The signage should be anchored by column treatments that use the same 

veneers and icons as the Project Stars monuments. 


■ 

Estimated Installed Cost: $80,000 (c.2010)

GATEWAYS 

Morgan’s Point 

Estimated Installed Cost: $80,000 

The images on these pages represent a sampling of ideas for Gateway Projects that local municipalities 

are considering. Each of the concepts feature the three-dimensional nine-pointed star in prominent 

locations. These examples depict the Economic Aliance’s effort to unify materials and concepts between 

the Project Stars Monuments and the San Jacinto Texas Historic District Community Gateways. As with 

all designs, check with the appropriate agencies for specifi c requirements or permitting procedures. 

City of Deer Park 

Estimated Installed Cost: $400,000-800,000 

City of La Porte 



GATEWAYS 

Seabrook 



Baytown 



Estimated Installed Cost: $89,000

IV. Best Practices 

LA IN LI CI AM 

landscape 

infrastructure lighting circulation amenities

LANDSCAPE 

Landscape is the fi rst section of these Best 

Practices because natural elements provide 

the foundation around which all other 

features are designed. These natural elements 

include hydrologic and geologic conditions 

as well as biological features such as plants 

and animals. 

The Best Practices in this section seek to restore 

a balance between the built environment 

and the natural features within it. When this 

balance is achieved, natural features can be 

a resource and an amenity to urban spaces. 

In all cases, however, it is critical to consider 

the safety and security of people, such as the 

preservation of sight distance, sight lines, and 

view triangles at intersections, medians, and 

other areas along corridors where visibility is 

paramount. 

These landscape practices address important 

system-level concepts such as plant 

selection, water conservation, and long-term 

maintenance. 

Best Practices for trees are given special 

att ention because no other landscape feature 

has the ability to transform the urban 

environment in the way that trees can. The 

practices here describe a few of the important 

roles that trees can play in urban spaces. 

Requirements for properly integrating and 

protecting trees are also presented. 

Ground-level vegetation also has an important 

role to play in the urban environment. The 

practices here demonstrate a few of their 

benefi ts. 


Landscapes are often thought of as the green “stuff” that fi lls the voids in our built environment. Through 

careful planning and design, landscapes can be more than a beautiful backdrop. When properly integrated, 

soils can remove pollutants from runoff, rainfall can be harvested for reuse, and plants can literally breathe 

life back into desolate urban spaces, reactivate the landscape, and provide a more cultural and historically 

relevant setting for the District. 

Consideration should also be given to high 

winds and hurricane conditions, which tend 

to uproot shallow-rooted trees. 

Recommended Suggested Strategies and 

supplemental information are also provided 

where appropriate and are included in 

Appendix A. 


LA 

01 


Design landscape planting materials, beds, and vegetation 

for multiple benefi ts. 

Conventional landscaping tends to serve a 

single purpose: to provide aesthetic amenities 

to the roadside. Landscapes, however, can 

and should be planned and designed to serve 

multiple purposes including aesthetics, a 

sense of place, stormwater management, and 

shading. Landscaped areas that break up large 

areas of paved surfaces and provide cooling 

shade can help reduce the heat island eff ect 

in communities and along roadways. If the 

areas are not within two miles of an airport, 

landscaping can also provide wildlife habitat 

that may include nesting sites, food, cover, 

and shelter for wading birds, songbirds, 

mammals, and other animals. 

82 │ BEST PRACTICES 

Landscape beds designed to capture rainwater runoff from rooftops. 

Parking lot bioswales intercept runoff and trees will provide shading. 

Trellises and other vertical structures can provide green screens. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

Roadside native plantings evoke a historic landscape. 

Native and adaptive landscapes can be attractive and require less 

maintenance than conventional turf grass. 

Natural vegetation and edges are more benefi cial to environmental 

resources. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

Plants native to the biological region 

(‘bioregion’) should be maintained or 

restored within the District to promote a 

regional identity and sense of place. Many 

native plants will only thrive as part of an 

ecological system that is managed to replicate 

the natural conditions the plants need, 

such as annual controlled burning, invasive 

species removal, and a stable hydrology. 

Native vegetation will also require diff erent, 

less intensive and generally less expensive 

maintenance practices than conventional 

plantings with exotic species. 

Plant material should be allowed to grow 

and develop in a natural, organic state in 

terms of shape, size and character where 

natural character will not compromise safety 

and security. Once established the general 

maintenance that should be performed 

should be limited to: 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 


Promote a sense of place by planting native and adapted, low 

input vegetation as part of the overall landscape and site plan. 

Minor pruning for visual and physical 

safety at drives, crossings, and trail and 

pathway clearances. 

Regular monthly trash pickup. 

Distressed and dead plants should be 

allowed to decay naturally in certain 

naturalized landscapes, except where 

safety and security may be compromised. 

Plant replacement should take place 

only as a means to mitigate disturbances 

or density loss due to pollution or other 

natural or man-made causes. 


LA 

02

LA 

03 

Whether planting along roads, highways, 

or parks, a successful strategy for planting 

native and adaptive plants requires the 

proper preparation of a planting bed with 

appropriate soils that allow roots easy access 

to oxygen, nutrients, water, and room to 

spread and expand. Other recommendations 

include: 

■ 


Prepare, install, and maintain planting beds using appropriate 

practices to maximize success of landscape plantings. 

A minimum of 12” of amended topsoil 

containing a mix of sand and organic 

matt er can optimize plant growth. Check 

soil nutrient and pH levels before adding 

mineral or nutrient amendments. 


■ 

■ 

Provide trees with a clear, permeable 

surface area. Where possible, an area equal 

to the size of the expected tree canopy is 

desired. In an urban context, ensure that 

the clear tree planting area is a minimum 

6’ wide by 6’ deep continuous trench of 

planting soil. 

Where rooting area is limited, such as 

in parkways or planters, use strategies 

such as connected planting beds, rooting 

breakouts under parking, or walkways 

suspended on root-permeable soils 

(structural soil) to extend rooting space, 

provide air and water to the tree, and 

increase plant vigor. 

Appropriately designed planting beds will enhance success of vegetation. 

Properly constructed and maintained beds will result in fl ourishing 

landscapes. 

Planting beds can be as broad as the context allows and designed to 

compliment the surrounding built environment. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM

Native species lend a historic and culturally relevant ‘look and feel’ to the 

built environment. 

Landscaping within the right-of-way can include a combination of native and 

adaptive species. 



Plant both native and adapted species derived from regional stocks 

and sources. 

Plants should be selected based on their ability 

to grow well in the local climate and withstand 

harsh roadside conditions. They should 

also have low maintenance requirements 

(minimal mowing, supplemental watering, 

and inputs of fertilizers, herbicides and 

pesticides.) Specify native and adapted plant 

and tree species appropriate to the specifi c 

site, att ributes, and microclimatic conditions 

rather than exotic, non-native species (refer 

to the Design Elements for plant and tree 

lists). These species contribute to biodiversity, 

habitat, water quality, and aesthetic objectives 

for the San Jacinto District. Non-native 

species or species native to other regions of 

North America may be included for their 

ornamental or functional qualities; however, 

avoid invasive or overly aggressive species 

that tend to crowd out native species and 

eventually dominate planting beds. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 


Plant live native plants, tubers, bulbs, 

and dormant rootstocks, and native seeds 

of grass, sedge, rush, and forbs derived 

from parent generations that originated 

within one hundred fi fty mile radius of 

the District. 

Select plants adjacent to paved surfaces 

according to anticipated stressors such 

as soil compaction, heat and drought 

conditions, strong winds, shade, minimal 

water infi ltration, and polluted soils and 

rain water runoff . 

Select plant species based in part on low 

or no need for supplemental irrigation 

and drought tolerance. Native landscapes 

or carefully selected, drought-tolerant 

plants can thrive without supplemental 

irrigation once they have been established, 

even in dry periods. 

Select plants that are resistant to diseases 

and insects and have a long life cycle. 

[ 

Suggested Strategy: 

] 

Native Landscape Systems 

(Appendix A) 


LA 

04

LA 

05 


Minimize potable water use. 

Where irrigation water is desired or 

necessary, it can be drawn from harvested 

rainwater stored in ponds or basins rather 

than valuable potable water drawn from 

municipal sources. Irrigate with watereffi 

cient systems (drip irrigation, moisture 

sensors, and weather data based controllers, 

see subsurface irrigation image at top right) 

and from captured roof surfaces. Water from 

paved surfaces, such as parking lots, can also 

be used if properly treated. 

[ 


] 

Rain Water Harvesting + Reuse 

(Appendix A) 


Caption for IMAGE shown above. 

Subsurface drip irrigation system. 

Native species often require less supplemental irrigation than vegetation 

from elsewhere. 



Active monitoring can help ensure successful landscaping. 

Prairie immediately following maintenance burn, April 2008. 

Prairie one month after maintenance burn, May 2008. 

Revegetation of prairie following maintenance burn. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

The successful establishment of native 

and adapted species requires a burning 

management regimen that stimulates the 

growth of these and other desirable species 

while reducing the survival of non-natives 

and invasive species that can overtake a 

planting area. Burn management returns the 

carbon stored in the plant cells to the ground, 

and primarily releases water vapor and 

carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. As such, 

burning is a bett er practice for improving air 

quality as it releases much less carbon and 

pollutants than does the regular mowing 

regime practiced along most roadways. 

The use of native and adaptive species 

and burn management regimen should be 

carefully outlined if used with proximity to 

petrochemical plants and pipelines. 


Require landscape plans and long-term maintenance plans for all 

public space. 

Landscape plans, specifi cations, and longterm 

maintenance or stewardship plans 

should be included as part of the design 

requirements for new or reconstructed 

regional roads and rights-of-way, parks, 

open space, and other landscapes covered 

by these Corridor Standards and as part 

of development applications for adjacent 

visible sites. Landscape plans should 

clearly demonstrate how these practices are 

proposed to be met. 


LA 

06

LA 

07 


Preserve existing native trees, particularly ‘Special Status’ trees. 

Existing native trees should be identifi ed, 

preserved, and designated as important 

amenities by local, state, of federal entities. 

Each community may create criteria for 

Special Status designations, which may 

include trees of a specifi ed size, species, 


age, historic signifi cance, ecological 

value, aesthetic, location, or other unique 

characteristics. 

Old, large trees should be preserved as links to the past. 

If lost, benefi ts provided by older trees can not be replaced for many years. 

Protective fencing should be used to protect existing trees. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: ROUND ROCK @ FLICKR.COM 


Shade trees enhance the pedestrian experience, particularly in hot 

climates. 

Shading courtyards and other plazas creates inviting spaces. 

A canopy of broad branches and leaves can create a cathedral-like 

atmosphere. 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

Provide shade trees along sidewalks or paths. 

Shade trees create more pleasant walking 

spaces and reduce the urban heat island eff ect 

of paved surfaces. Trees improve air quality, 

provide shading and cooling for the urban 

heat island, increase property values, and 

create wildlife habitat for native species. Tree 

planting should avoid confl icts with utility 

corridors, such as pipeline easements. 


{T Texas Forest Service Guidelines for Planting Trees in Rights of Way: 

11. 

Make sure that it’s okay to plant in the right of way. 

22. 

Before you dig, contact utility companies to locate and mark any 

underground utilities. (Call 1-800-DIG-TESS) 

33. 

Clear a proper size circle of vegetation. 

44. 

Dig a hole 2 to 3 times larger in diameter than the tree root ball. 

55. 

Remove the container or burlap from the root ball. 

66. 

Loosen the roots and set the tree in the hole, with the root collar 

slightly above soil level. 

77. 

Fill around the root ball, mulch around the tree and protect the trunk 

with a tree guard. 

88. 

Finally, whether you consider it the last step of your planting or the 

beginning of your aftercare, water the tree thoroughly with a drip or 

trickle method. 

For F more information: texastreeplanting.tamu.edu 

Video V at: http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/websites/treeselector/video_viewer. 

aspx?lang=english&segment=4 

a 


LA 

08

LA 

09 

Street trees provide architecture and interest 

to the street and roadway and create a virtual 

and physical buff er between the road and 

sidewalk giving pedestrians a greater level of 

safety and comfort. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 


Provide street trees to buffer the sidewalk and pedestrians from 

the roadway. 

Base quantity, spacing, and species of 

trees in part upon the context (Freeway, 

Main Street, etc.) 

Plant trees on both sides of the street and, 

if applicable, in street medians. 

Limb up trees to a height of 8 feet and 

ensure at least 10 feet between intersections 

and trees to maintain visibility of signs, 

signals, cars, and pedestrians. 

Select a variety of species of street trees 

rather than a monoculture of single 

species, which is more susceptible to an 

epidemic of disease or infestation and 

complicates replacement eff orts. 

[ 


] 

Urban Tree Plantings 

(Appendix A) 


■ 

■ 

■ 

Space street trees and groups of trees on 

average 30’ to 40’ on center, depending 

on the context; groups of trees may add 

interest and diversity to the streetscape. 

Clusters, or a double allee’ of street trees, 

as opposed to a single row, can provide 

immediate visual impacts in those areas 

of the right-of-way that allows suffi cient 

room for a sidewalk and trees. 

Along highways, roadside trees should be 

introduced beyond the roadside swales 

and other drainage facilities. 

In constrained areas street trees can be planted in tree wells. 

Trees shade outdoor sidewalk cafes. 

Trees and planting beds separate the car ‘habitat’ from pedestrian ‘habitat.’ 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM

A diversity of tree species, age, and spacing provides visual interest. 

Diverse tree species show off their colors, fruits, and other qualities and 

different times of the year. 


Plant a diversity of tree species. 


Multiple species and varieties of street trees 

will safeguard against the eff ects of disease 

related to individual species and to provide 

vertical massing and aesthetic interest. Mass 

or dispersed tree plantings should att empt to 

duplicate natural forests or woodlands typical 

of the region. Tree planting within the District 

should connect to its historic status and 

evoke the historic, pre-sett lement landscape. 

Groups of trees of diff erent height, species, 

and character are more evocative of historic 

conditions than large scale plantings of a 

single species. Tree groupings also provide 

a greater habitat diversity and resistance to 

disease and pest infestations. 

{ 

University of Florida – USFS Tree Fact Sheets 

The Environmental Horticulture Department at 

the University of Florida maintains a helpful list of 

trees specifi c to the Southern United States. Each 

entry provides a fact sheet prepared by the US 

Forest Service that includes information such 

as a description of the tree, its range, use, and 

management needs. (http://hort.ufl .edu/trees/) 


LA 

10

LA 

11 


Plant trees appropriate to the context of the right-of-way in which they 

are planted. 

Mature tree heights, spread, and roots should 

be considered in relation to above-ground 

and below-ground infrastructure. Do not 

place services within the tree dripline unless 

they are buried two meters deep or more. 

Consider single-stemmed trees planted in the 

public right-of-way that have a mature height 

of twenty feet (20') or more. Locate trees 

so that, at their mature size, any branches 

over the street are at least fourteen feet (14') 

above the ground and do not interfere with 

overhead utilities. Avoid pipeline easements 

for all tree planting. 

Guidelines for Planting the Right Tree in the Right Place 

Texas Forest Service 

1. Be sure you allow plenty of space for the tree to grow. 

2. Purchase a tree size that you are physically able to plant or hire a professional to help you. 

3. It’s important to plan where you want the shade and to think about where your full size tree 

will best fi t into your site design. 

For more information: texastreeplanting.tamu.edu 

Video at: http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/websites/treeselector/video_viewer.aspx?lang=english&segment=1e 


Trees along this corridor may be too far apart to provide aesthetic benefi ts. 

Trees can provide an artistic fl air. 

The distinct visual qualities of tree lined streets are unmistakable. 

IMAGE: IDLEWIILD@FLICKR.COM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COMA

Native plants can enhance roadside water features and turn a ditch into a 

landscape amenity. 

Landscaping screens and shades cars while fi ltering and infi ltrating rain 

water. 


Use vegetation to screen and enhance parking areas or other roadside 

features or uses. 

The District can enhance the appearance 

and att ractiveness of the views from road 

corridors through the use of plantings and 

vegetation appropriately selected to screen 

undesirable or unatt ractive uses, structures, 

or features. Integrating native and adapted 

vegetation along waterways and water 

features can enhance their appearance. 



LA 

12

LA 

13 


Preserve and restore plant biomass on-site. 

Healthy, suitable vegetative biomass 

(the amount of living and regenerating 

organic material) should be maintained or 

increased to enhance the ecosystem service 

benefi ts. Those benefi ts include cleaner air, 

cooling and climate moderation, rainwater 

att enuation, visual connection to nature, 

and other ecological and health benefi ts. 

Organic matt er and root masses within the 

soil signifi cantly reduces the volume of water 

runoff . Healthy, viable landscape systems that 

remain intact, should be preserved, restored, 

and maintained in order to provide an 

associated volume of biomass. On disturbed 

sites that have been altered, cleared, or are 

otherwise dominated by weedy, invasive, 

exotic vegetation, recreate healthy systems 

and increase the total amount of biomass. 

In urban and suburban landscape sett ings, 

add layers of vegetation in accordance with 

the other practices to increase overall site 

biomass. 

[ 


] 

Healthy Groundcover Planting 

(Appendix A) 



Deep-rooted native plants help build soil organic matter as roots grow and 

die. 

Expanses of native plants can help move carbon from the atmosphere into 

the soil. 





INFRASTRUCTURE 


Our habitation requires a network of support infrastructure – roads, energy, communications, water 

management, waste management, etc. When these networks are designed separately for a single purpose 

the result is often redundancy and waste. Where feasible and practical, infrastructure should achieve 

multiple benefi ts and support the function and aesthetics of the surrounding landscape. 

The infrastructure of the San Jacinto Texas 

Historic District includes a network of paved 

surfaces, systems for handling stormwater 

runoff , and the utilities that provide people 

with potable water, power, and other 

services. 

Infrastructure does not need to be ugly. It is 

also not necessary to pollute the environment 

and disrupt natural systems to achieve the 

benefi ts that infrastructure provides. The Best 

Practices in this section provide designers 

with a number of tactics to minimize 

environmental impacts and achieve multiple 

benefi ts from the everyday infrastructure 

around us. 

Sculpting the ground plane is often necessary 

to build roads and structures, but it can also 

disrupt hydrology, destroy soil structure, and 

make development appear incongruous with 

the surrounding landscape. Landform Best 

Practices suggest how grading activities can 

make a positive contribution to the District. 

Paved surfaces are impervious and therefore 

shed excess stormwater runoff into our 

streams and waterways. They also discharge 

pollutants such as fi ne sediments and oils, 

and can contribute to urban heat island 

eff ects when darker surfaces are used. Paving 

practices highlight these issues and establish 

strategies for addressing them. 

Water Best Practices illustrate measures that 

can be employed to minimize detrimental 

eff ects when stormwater is discharged from 

impervious surfaces. 

Utility Best Practices seek to reconcile the 

spatial requirements for above and belowground 

utilities with the aesthetic goals for 

District corridors. 

Decisions for designing, locating, and 

installing utilities and infrastructure should 

consider the potential for coastal fl ooding 

and saltwater intrusions. 


IN 

01 


Preserve, restore, and recreate natural landscape elements. 

Native habitat, hydrology, and landscape 

features, including healthy soils, topography, 

wetlands, streams and water resource buff ers 

should be identifi ed, preserved and recreated. 

It is especially critical to preserve and protect 

rare remnant native vegetation because they 

represent the genetic memory of the region. 

Landscape features that have been modifi ed, 

degraded, or lost (buried, piped, drained, 

Capping Agricultural Drain Tiles 


channelized, etc.) can be restored to help 

evoke the pre-sett lement landscape of the 

historic district. Any remnant natural areas 

within the 228,000-acre District should be 

identifi ed. Identify areas to recreate the native 

habitat where appropriate, as these areas 

provide opportunities for interpretation, 

education, and eco-tourism. 


Natural landscape elements can include water features, stone, and 

vegetation. 

Natural river edges can greatly benefi t the District’s water resources. 



Natural landforms provide visual interest. 

Natural vegetation and landforms can screen and de-emphasize utilities and 

industrial features of the landscape. 


Incorporate natural landforms. 

Shape earth forms (berms, troughs) for 

screening (and surface water management 

where necessary) to emulate the generally 

fl at or gently sloping landform of the presett 

lement landscape. Unnatural-looking 

landforms should be avoided. As various 

areas develop with residential, commercial 

or industrial uses, they should incorporate 

natural land forms to minimize mass grading 

and soil compaction, and emulate the natural 

landscape aesthetic. Including native and 

adapted species with natural landforms can 

further enhance the views and character of 

the District. 



IN 

02

IN 

03 


Reduce the area and impact of impervious cover and hardscape 

areas. 

Impervious cover includes conventional 

paving materials such as asphalt and concrete 

parking lots. Impervious cover should be 

minimized to the fullest degree possible 

because it disrupts natural hydrology, 

contributes to the pollution of streams and 

other water resources, and is expensive to 

maintain. 


Roadside swales in the parkway. 


Schoolyard rain gardens to fi lter runoff from the asphalt playlot. 


IMAGE: CENTER FOR NEIGHBORHOOD TECHNOLOGY

Permeable pavement used in parking applications. 

Permeable pavements in drive aisles with slow traffi c. 

Pavers and landscapes can turn unsightly parking lots into attractive urban 

elements. 

IMAGE: HOLOPHANE IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 


Encourage permeable and high albedo paving techniques. 

Porous unit pavers, concrete grid pavers, 

pervious asphalt, compacted gravel, pervious 

concrete, and gravel-grass can be used in place 

of conventional concrete and asphalt paving 

for many roadway, parking, and walkway 

applications. Porous paving systems allow 

for stormwater infi ltration and retention. 

Stormwater can also be temporarily detained 

in the gravel base beneath the pavement. 

Where permeable paving is not appropriate, 

minimize the use of asphalt and use brick or 

concrete. Permeable pavements and bright 

colored (high albedo) pavements, such as 

white or grey concrete, refl ect solar radiation 

bett er than dark pavements and can reduce 

urban heat island eff ects. 


[ 


] 

Porous Paving 

(Appendix A) 


IN 

04

IN 

05 


Manage and cleanse rain water runoff on-site. 

The natural hydrology of the site landscape 

(infi ltration, runoff , and evapotranspiration) 

should be replicated based on historic, natural, 

undeveloped ecosystems in the region to the 

extent practical. Retain as much rainwater as 

possible using bioretention and infi ltration 

features such as bioswales and planting beds, 

that allow vegetation to absorb, cleanse, cool, 

infi ltrate, and evapotranspire water into 

the atmosphere. Surface water runoff from 

non-permeable roadways, alleys, sidewalks, 

and parking surfaces can be directed into 

bioretention features seamlessly installed 

within rights-of-way, parkways, and other 

corridor features. Curbs and gutt ers may 

need to be retrofi tt ed to bett er direct water 

into landscape features. Treat runoff on-site 

to improve the water quality of downstream 

water resources. Porous paving practices, 

bioretention features, and native landscaping 

support sustainable rainwater treatment. 

[ 


] 

Bioretention Practices 

(Appendix A) 


Bio-infi ltration features fi lter and infi ltrate runoff. 


Excess runoff ponds in landscape beds rather than on roads or buildings. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM

Stormwater detention can be designed as a complimentary landscape 

feature. 

Rainwater can also be an artistic element. 



Multifunctional stormwater management 

features should be integrated into site design 

to improve both water quality and aesthetics 

and to provide a landscape amenity. When 

new drainage improvements are required, 

they should also be landscaped and 

constructed in a manner that replicates a 

natural drainage channel or pond. The high 

water table common to the District should 

be a primary consideration in all stormwater 

infrastructure design and engineering 

decisions. Consider including the following 

natural / environmental features in and along 

stormwater channels and detention basins. 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Native grass plantings. 


Convert stormwater management features (including channels and 

basins) to be a landscape and environmental amenity. 

Prairie creation around detention basins. 

Wetland creation in detention basins. 

Preservation of existing trees and shrubs. 

Habitat-type tree and shrub plantings in 

areas of excess channel right-of-way. 

Habitat-type tree and shrub plantings 

along margins and around detention 

basins. 

Naturally designed low fl ow channels in 

detention basins and channels. 

Horizontal and vertical curvilinear 

contouring of detention basins. 

Variations of the side slopes of detention 

basins. 

Variations of the side slopes and 

horizontal alignment of channels. 

Naturally vegetated basin bott oms. 


IN 

06

IN 

07 


Stabilize and retrofi t stormwater outfall structures and the associated 

streambanks and channel. 

Environmentally friendly fl ow att enuation 

and outlet protection measures should be 

installed to reduce erosion and improve 

fi ltration of stormwater runoff . Outfall 

structures are typically constructed using 

least cost methods that create liabilities for 

the managing agency and the community, 

because the energy associated with 

stormwater discharges erode the very 

infrastructure from which it fl ows. 

Due to poor stormwater management 

practices, heavy rainfall causes high 

stormwater fl ows to enter streams and rivers 

and to erode the channel and streambanks. 

Managing stormwater upstream can help 

reduce this damage, and stabilization of 

streambanks can help repair damage and 

restore streams to a natural condition. 


Downspout infi ltration structure. 

Outfall stabilization can include natural materials. 

Internal roof drains can discharge into rain gardens or other infi ltration 

structures. 


IMAGE: MARCUS DE LA FLEUR

Native streamside buffer in a utility corridor. 

This recovering stream edge will be more stable with deep-rooted 

vegetation. 

Vegetation and bio-engineering methods can stabilize streambanks. 


Provide a buffer of native plantings along water edges, including 

ditches, drainage channels, ponds and basins to help fi lter 

rainwater. 

Rain water runoff from paved surfaces, 

particularly roadways, increases the volume 

and rate of stormwater runoff and carries 

pollutants such as oil and grease, eroding soil 

and sediment, and metals into streams and 

waterways. These pollutants accumulate as 

the water fl ows downstream and eventually 

begin to degrade the quality of the Gulf for 

fi shing, recreation, and other uses. 



IN 

08

IN 

09 


Minimize the visibility and visual impact of services and utilities, 

especially in historic or other areas where they detract from attractive 

views and vistas. 

Where feasible, bury services and utility 

accessories, i.e., utility boxes, to minimize 

their visual impact. Where this is not possible, 

maximize the joint use of utility poles and 

street lights to minimize their number and/ 

or cluster or group them. Screen, soften, or 

blend utilities, telecommunication towers 

and other elements. Consider innovative 

methods of containing utility features, such 

as with landscaping or within streetscape 

features such as gateways, lamp posts, or 

transit shelters. 


Vertical ‘green screens’ can shield undesirable views. 


Utility boxes can be painted to blend into the surroundings. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM

Landscaping and stormwater inlets can be planned and engineered 

together. 

This parking lot bioswale is tied into the stormwater system. 



Coordinate landscape plans with service/utility plans. 

Consider trees as a type of utility that 

provides services for atmospheric quality 

and rain water management. Minimize longterm 

confl icts with tree roots and branches, 

particularly where pipeline and power utility 

easements exist. 



IN 

10

LIGHTING 

Street lights are the most visible lighting 

feature in the San Jacinto Texas Historic District 

and account for the majority of applications. 

Street lights can be characterized by the type 

of road they are illuminating. Generally, 

corridors with higher travel speeds are lit 

by taller and more widely spaced lighting 

fi xtures. 

What is appropriate for a driver in a car, 

however, is not always good for a pedestrian 

on a sidewalk or a cyclist. Streets that 

have important pedestrian environments 

have a diff erent set of lighting needs to be 

accommodated. Retail areas with storefronts 

also benefi t from a unique distribution of 

light. 

Light can provide visual interest in the 

landscape as well. For many visitors to the 

District, one of the most striking views is 

created by the multitude of individual lights 

that adorn the oil refi neries and chemical 

plants. What can appear to be a blighted 

industrial landscape during the day is 

transformed into an ethereal visual spectacle 

at night. With the addition of artistic lighting 

displays, industrial areas could become 

unlikely tourist att ractions. 

All of these needs and opportunities should 

be balanced with the hazards of energy 

waste and light pollution. The following best 

practices provide a few measures that will 

help to achieve this goal. 


By some estimates, street lighting accounts for approximately 40% of a typical American city’s electrical 

use. And while there is little doubt that lights are critical for making urban areas safe, there is a shifting public 

awareness to the issues of energy consumption and light pollution. 

SAN JACINTO HISTORIC DISTRICT CORRIDOR STANDARDS │ 109

LI 

01 


Provide lighting for safety and comfort and minimize light trespass and 

pollution. 

Provide lighting which promotes a feeling of 

safety and comfort at night with consistent 

illumination and without excessive light 

levels or glare. Ensure that light corners, 

pockets, out of the way spaces and areas 

that are not visually accessible from streets 

or windows are well lighted to enhance 

security. Consider motion sensor lighting 

where possible to enhance security while 

minimizing lighting spaces when it is rarely 

needed. 

[ 


] 

Directional + Full Cutoff Lighting 

(Appendix A) 


Properly aim lights and strategically place 

shade trees and plants to help prevent 

unwanted glare into adjacent properties 

and natural areas (light trespass), limit sky 

glow (light pollution), and match the proper 

brightness with the application. Protect 

the night sky by directing illumination 

downward onto the ground or target and 

away from observes via shielded or full cutoff 

(FCO) lamp housings. Use low-refl ectance 

surfaces to reduce glare and luster. When 

lighting signs and plantings, use low-angle 

spotlights that are low intensity, shielded, 

and directed down and away from adjacent 

properties and streets. 

Pedestrian lighting is imperative for safety.. 

Full cut-off luminaires reduce light trespass and energy waste. 

Solar powered lighting is a sustainable strategy. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN


IESNA Cutoff Post Top directs light only onto pavement surfaces, but dark 

spots can be a problem. 

Prismatic Acorn Distriburtion provides vertical illumination of surrounding 

building facades, but also leaks light in the night sky. 

IMAGE: HOLOPHANE IMAGE: HOLOPHANE 

Make effi cient use of energy for lighting applications. 

Minimize lighting by illuminating only areas 

as required for safety and comfort. Encourage 

the use of high-effi ciency lighting to reduce 

energy consumption and increase lamp 

longevity, such as with advanced LED warm 

light technology. When security lighting is 

not required, lighting should use motion 

sensors or daylight sensors to turn off or 

be automatically controlled to turn off after 

curfew hours, which will help reduce night 

sky illumination and conserve energy. 

Where practical, direct lighting to surfaces 

that will refl ect diff used lighting into wide 

areas to improve illumination and reduce 


the number of fi xtures and amount of lighting 

(and energy) used. This technique is especially 

eff ective at illuminating spaces under canopies, 

or other overhangs. Refl ective-type lighting 

fi xtures can reduce or eliminate glare and 

increase light dispersal. Care must be taken 

to balance the benefi ts of diff used, scatt ered 

light with the detriments of night sky light 

pollution. Use high effi ciency (metal halide or 

high pressure sodium lamps) or alternatively 

powered (solar) lighting. To reduce dependence 

on high-watt age electrical lighting at night, 

use light colored or refl ective edges along 

driveways or walkways. 


LI 

02

LI 

03 


Incorporate light fi xtures with consistent luminaire and pole styles that 

are unique and refl ect the character and heritage of San Jacinto. 

A common lighting standard for the San 

Jacinto Texas Historic District can help brand 

the District. Each community can reinforce 

its identity with lighting fi xtures and other 

street furnishings within an overall theme 

consistent with the District. Select lighting 

fi xtures that can serve multiple functions 

such as to support street lights, pedestrian 

scaled lights, signs, banners, fl ags, festival 

and holiday lighting, and hanging or other 

landscape planters. In areas with high 

potential for pedestrian traffi c, provide 

ornamental, pedestrian-scaled lighting 

fi xtures that add to the visual character 

and pedestrian appeal of the streetscape. 

Pedestrian lighting can be located either as 

stand-alone poles or as att achments to street 

light poles or buildings. See Design Elements 

for suggested pole and luminaire styles. 



Consistent lighting style conveys a consistent character, as in the City of 

La Porte. 

Accent lighting can signifi cantly enhance the look and feel of a place. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: KNUDSON LP

Creative and playful lighting designs can enhance the industrial landscape. 

Monumental lighting fi xtures such as this make a bold statement. 

Holding tanks can be turned into artistic elements of the landscape. 

IMAGE: KNUDSON LP IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN 

Incorporate accent lighting into the industrial landscape. 

Lighting elements such as stars associated 

with the Project Stars initiative can be 

combined with the lighting of storage tanks, 

stacks, and pipes to create a visual amenity 

where visual blight currently exists. Ongoing 

technological advances allow high-effi ciency 

lighting improvements to be made with 

relatively low capital, maintenance, and 

operating costs. 



LI 

04

CIRCULATION 

Pedestrians and bicyclists require many 

of the same things that drivers of vehicles 

do in order to navigate through the cities 

and region. Both rely upon fl at, dedicated 

travel routes that are properly marked. But 

pedestrians and bicyclists are uniquely 

vulnerable on congested urban streets and 

require additional safety considerations. 

By providing adequate space for walking 

and off ering designated bicycle lanes, streets 

can be made truly livable. The following Best 

Practices address strategies for crosswalks, 

sidewalks, and bicycle routes and facilities. 


In order to create environments that support walkable neighborhoods and thriving downtowns, designers 

must put as much thought into the design of the sidewalk and travelways for the pedestrian as they put into 

the street. 


CI 

01 


Improve pedestrian safety at vehicle crossings. 

Pedestrian crosswalks and routes at vehicle 

crossings should be delineated with a 

contrasting surface material or other elements 

to distinguish walking areas and to alert and 

caution drivers. Suggested practices include 

detectable warning surfaces, directional 

textures, warning signs or lights, audible 

signals, or paint markings. A change in 

paving material or color can also indicate 

a change in conditions, such as modular 

pavers, integrated color concrete or asphalt, 

or stamped concrete or asphalt. As suggested 

in other Best Practices, permeable pavements 

are encouraged. Also consider using bollards 

or other separation devices at pedestrian 

crossings, such as on medians or islands 

within long pedestrian crossings, to increase 

the visibility of the crossing location and 

improve pedestrian safety. 


A creative crosswalk. 

Bollards and pavers signal drivers to be aware. 

Colored pavements help designate pedestrian zones. 


IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN

Curb bump outs help protect pedestrians from traffi c. 

Landscaping can be incorporated into crosswalks. 



Provide curb bulb outs or corner curb extensions with landscaped 

stormwater planters at gateway and main street corners. 

Curb extensions can eff ectively narrow the 

street at pedestrian crossings by shortening 

the crossing distance, improve the ability 

of pedestrians and motorists to see each 

other, and reduce the time pedestrians are 

in the roadway. Curb bulb outs can also 

be used to promote traffi c calming, which 

increases pedestrian safety. These features 

can also expand the landscape, amenities, 

and walkable zone. As a distinguishing 

characteristic, the San Jacinto Texas Historic 

District should consider planter boxes or 

beds at key intersections, such as community 

gateways, planted with native and adapted 

species. 


[ 


] 

Curb Extensions 

(Appendix A) 


CI 

02

CI 

03 


Provide an interconnected network of safe, attractive, and shaded 

sidewalks and walkways. 

Walkway systems allow pedestrians to safely 

access their destinations and encourage 

walking as part of a healthier lifestyle. 

Destinations include transit stops, places of 

employment, parks and open space, recreation 

facilities, schools, churches, temples and 

residences. Primary walking areas should 

be clear of all vertical obstructions, such 

as utility boxes, fi re hydrants, and other 

elements. Relocation of existing utilities may 

be required to meet safety considerations. All 

sidewalks and walkways should be barrier 

free and meet universal access and ADA 

standards. 

Ensure that major or primary pedestrian 

pathways are paved, well-lighted and signed, 

and wide enough to accommodate peak 

pedestrian fl ows. Wide sidewalks can also 

provide amenity zones for local businesses 

to display signs or include outdoor seating 

areas for cafes and restaurants. 


TxDOT and some cities within the District 

have developed a network of trail systems. 

Every eff ort should be made to link residential 

areas, employment centers, and Project 

Stars sites to help complete the network. 

The region’s bikeway plans can be found in 

Appendix C. 

Wide, landscaped pedestrian ways enhance the pedestrian experience. 

Sidewalks can take many shapes and forms. 

Natural elements provide a sense of adventure and added visual interest. 


IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE @FLICKR.COM

Separated bicycle paths are substantially safer than on-street paths. 

Complete streets provide paths for cars, bicycles, transit, and pedestrians. 

Bollards enhance safety for pedestrians. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM 

Separate pedestrian circulation from vehicle traffi c. 

Separate the sidewalk from vehicle lanes 

through the use of trees, landscape strips, 

light standards, utility poles, parking meters, 

signage, transit shelters, and other features to 

enhance the sense of security for pedestrians 

and to improve splash protection. 



CI 

04

CI 

05 


Accommodate bicycle traffi c on roadways by designating them 

as shared roadways. 

Where moderate bicycle traffi c is expected, 

and permitt ed, provide signage along the 

road to identify it as a shared roadway. Shared 

roadways should be the preferred route for 

bicyclists between two regional destinations. 

Traffi c control devices along shared roadways 

should be adjusted to give greater priority to 

bicyclists, as opposed to alternative streets. 

Care should be given to select pavement 

materials and utility structures (i.e. drainage 

grates) that are bicycle-friendly. Shared 

roadways may also have larger curb-side 

lanes to accommodate bicyclists, though 

AASHTO does not recommend traffi c lanes 

over 14 feet wide. Shared roadways should 

not be located on streets with diagonal (headin) 

parking because of the additional confl icts 

between bicyclists and cars. 


Shared roadways can provide separate bicycle paths or integrate them on 

the edges of traffi c lanes. 

Clearly marked bicycle lanes enhance safety for bicyclists. 

Paint and other markings help drivers see bicycle zones. 


IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

Indoor bicycle facilities. 

Covered bicycle racks with a curb bump out. 

A bicycle rack appropriate to the San Jacinto Texas Historic District. 



IMAGE: CREATIVEMETALWORKSLLC.COM 

Provide dedicated bicycle facilities such as bike lanes and bike racks 

where bicycle traffi c is expected to be high. 

Dedicated bike lanes can be provided where 

frequent bicycle traffi c is expected. Striped 

bike lanes create an environment where 

bicycle and vehicle movements are more 

predictable. They also make it less likely that 

motorists will stray into the path of a bicyclist. 

Bike lanes should be one-way facilities and 

should carry bike traffi c in the same direction 

as the adjacent motor vehicle traffi c. (Consult 

AASHTO’s Guide for the development of 

bicycle facilities.) 

Bike racks should be located in downtown 

and commercial retail environments. Racks 

can be placed in parkway areas on paved 

surfaces. Adequate space should be given to 

the rack to ensure that bicycles do not overlap 

sidewalk, or parking areas. 



CI 

06

AMENITIES 

Wayfi nding and interpretive signage 

are important amenities in a streetscape 

environment. Wayfi nding signage that is 

tailored to pedestrians can supplement 

existing street signs which are usually 

designed for motorists. Custom wayfi nding 

signage can link together distant sites and 

reinforce a regional identity in a way that 

standard street signs can’t. Once visitors 

have arrived at a site, interpretive signage 

can be used to identify and describe specifi c 

features. Furnishings such as benches and 

drinking fountains also encourage pedestrian 

travel through a corridor. 

Cultural amenities are what will truly 

distinguish the San Jacinto Texas Historic 

District from other places in the Houston 

metropolitan area. Public art that draws 

upon the primary cultural, industrial, and 

environmental themes of the District will 

help to create unique environments. Art 

installations will also broaden the appeal 

of the district to a wider group of visitors. 

Artistic contributions can be solicited from 

youths and other groups that are often 

disenfranchised. 

Schools, colleges, business and industrial 

parks, and other campus-like sett ings 

are prime locations for community art 

installations. Properties along street fronts 


A corridor without amenities is just a travelway. It may allow people to get from one location to the other, 

but the journey will be mundane. With the right application of amenities, however, the corridors of the San 

Jacinto Texas Historic District can become destinations in their own right. 

of industrial operations are prime locations 

for steelwork and other arts that emulate the 

area’s industrial history. 

Eff orts should also be made to integrate the 

style and people involved with local arts 

and crafts into the design and fabrication 

of furnishings and other amenities of the 

San Jacinto District. This includes not 

only traditional artists but also welders, 

metal workers, and others whose talents 

are typically directed to more industrious 

tasks. It may also be possible to recycle the 

waste products from local industries in the 

fabrication of furnishings and amenities, 

such as petrochemical waste polymers used 

to fabricate benches. 


AM 

01 


Create a network of wayfi nding signage that incorporates a variety of 

wayfi nding strategies. 

Wayfi nding signage can highlight local assets 

and att ractions and should be installed as 

areas are redeveloped. Locate signage at key 

points and intersections, particularly as they 

relate to Project Stars sites, and design at a 

scale that is appropriate to either pedestrians 

or motorists. Signage should link routes to 

destinations and points of interest whether 

these routes are pedestrian, bicycle, or 

automobile oriented. 



Wayfi nding should be visually appealing. 

Signage can include architectural elements from the surrounding built 

environment. 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

Gateways and architecture can announce the arrival into a district or 

community. 

Informational, interpretive, and directional signage. 



Signage along the district corridors should have a unifi ed appearance, 

and be designed with a clear hierarchy that assists in differentiating 

major gateways, districts, nodes, and historical markers. 

Standard background colors, text type and 

color, supporting structures and lighting 

should be developed. Low wall or ground 

mounted signs built from natural or simulated 

natural material with heavy textures and 

deep colors natural to the Texas landscape 

are preferred. 

Sign designs should evoke the historic 

character of the district and avoid fl ashing, 

animated, rotating, or otherwise moving 

components, so that road users are not 

distracted. Large billboard-type signs and 

signs for the purpose of advertisement should 

be carefully located so as to avoid competing 

with scenic and historic resources, art, or 

other views that enhance the appearance 

and quality of the District. Also minimize 

the number and size of signs to reduce visual 

clutt er where the natural landscape sett ing is 

desired. Mounting signs on existing utility or 

light poles can help preserve views and sight 

lines 



AM 

02

AM 

03 


Select furnishings and other site details from a consistent family of 

products germane to the history and character of the District. 

Consider the fencing, brick, hardware, 

benches, etc. that have already been 

incorporated into the Project Stars designs. 

For example, use custom sewer covers 

showing the District stars theme and 

incorporate additional information as desired 

by individual communities. This information 

may include wayfi nding, points of historic 

or cultural interest, or other information. 

TXDOT has recently adopted a District 

license plate, which should also be promoted 

within the District. See Design Elements for 

suggested furnishings and details. 


Poligon Park Architecture bus shelter. 

Site furnishings evoke a local character. 

Rustic furnishings evoke a more rural look and feel. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: PORTERCORP

Attractive and interesting seating encourages people to use the space. 

Drinking fountains can add visual interest. 

Bicycle racks can include artistic elements. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 

Provide site furnishings to enhance the pedestrian environment. 

Creating comfortable and engaging spaces 

for pedestrians is critical to making att ractive 

places where people want to be. Benches, 

water fountains, and visually appealing 

landscaping, art, or other features encourage 

people to spend time (and money) within the 

communities of the San Jacinto Texas Historic 

District. 


[ 


] 

Universal Design 

(Appendix A) 


AM 

04

AM 

05 


Provide maps, kiosks, signage, and other amenities that identify a 

place and inform about its signifi cance to the San Jacinto region. 

Informational and interpretive features 

are especially important in proximity to 

Project Stars locations, museums, parks 

or other venues including water features 

such as Lynchburg Ferry. Kiosks should 

be constructed of recycled materials (such 

as reclaimed waste polymers from the 

petrochemical industry), locally produced, 

and may incorporate a consistent design 

theme such as the Texas star. Maps and 

wayfi nding should include a variety of routes 

and transportation options for navigating 

throughout the District. It is recommended 

that kiosks and signage for Project Stars and 

the San Jacinto Texas Historic District be 

consistent in design to the extent possible. 


Informational kiosks. 

Attractive maps and wayfi nding. 

Markers can designate signifi cant sites or people. 

IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM

Artistic elements can be incorporated into many settings and features. 

Large format art is appropriate for plazas and large ‘canvases’. 

Art murals create local character. 

IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM IMAGE: @FLICKR.COM 


Encourage the location of public and private art within or adjacent to 

the right-of way. 

Sculptures, wall murals, fountains, 

decorative walls, and custom designed 

furnishings can enhance the streetscape, 

create a local and distinct District character 

and vernacular, and educate visitors about 

the historic and cultural signifi cance of the 

District. Campuses, public plazas, and open 

space surrounding industrial facilities within 

public view are good locations for sculpture 

and other larger format art installations. 


[ 


] 

Community Art + Local Craftsmen 

(Appendix A) 


AM 

06

130 │ BEST PRACTICES

V. 

Appendices

APPENDIX A - STRATEGIES 

The San Jacinto Texas Historic District Corridor Standards includes 39 Best Practices for Landscape, 

Infrastructure, Lighting, Circulation, and Amenities. Some of these practices refer to a particular “Suggested 

Strategy” intended to provide implementation guidance including how and why a particular strategy is 

important. These and other strategies are included in this Appendix. Information presented includes a 

defi nition of the strategy, applicability, benefi ts, and maintenance, design, and cost considerations. 


Native Landscape Systems 

Defi nition 

Establishment of native vegetation in 

landscaped areas and often as a component of 

other stormwater best management practices 

such as fi lter strips, bioretention features, and 

green roofs. Deep root systems (3 to 10 feet 

or more) help fi lter and absorb rainwater. A 

fi lter strip is an area with dense, preferably 

native vegetative cover (they can also be 

planted with turf grass) that is used to slow, 

fi lter, and absorb runoff from impervious 

areas. Use native plant and tree species that 

are adapted to urban applications. 

Applicability 

Native landscapes are appropriate for nearly 

all new and retrofi t landscapes on individual 

lots and District-wide. Native landscapes can 

be used for rainwater management practices, 

parks, green roofs, residential courtyards, 

and gardens. 

134 │ APPENDICES 

Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Reduces runoff volumes (by up to 65% 

when used with bioretention and/or fi lter 

strips). 

Increases ability of landscape to remove 

nutrients (up to 70%), heavy metals (up 

to 80%), sediment, and other pollutants, 

especially when used with other 

stormwater practices. 

Stabilizes and increases organic content 

of soils. 

Reduces irrigation and fertilization 

requirements. 

Reduces use of fossil fuels and air and 

noise pollution relative to turf landscapes 

that require regular mowing and 

maintenance. 

Provides wildlife habitat for birds, 

butt erfl ies, and insects. 

Moderates temperature extremes and 

urban heat island eff ect. 

Provides aesthetic benefi ts throughout 

the year. 

Native landscapes and natural materials can enhance the look and feel of 

a space. 

Native plants can be used as an accent material with conventional turfgrass. 

Native species can add year-round color and beauty. 



Water resources can also be used as an artistic element. 

Water and natural materials provide a sense of place and serenity. 

Native species used in parking lot stormwater management bioswales. 


Maintenance Considerations 

Natural landscaping requires less irrigation, 

mowing, fertilizers, and pesticides than 

conventional landscapes. Annual mowing 

or controlled burning are appropriate for 

natural landscapes. Initial watering and 

herbiciding may be necessary in the fi rst 2-3 

years after planting, but once established (3-4 

years) these needs are greatly diminished. 

Cost Considerations 

Costs vary from project to project depending 

on area, plant selection, and design 

features. In general, native landscapes cost 

approximately $3000 to $6000 per acre to 

install, compared to $7500 to $15,000 for 

conventional turf. These costs consider fi rst 

establishment costs, such as mowing and 

watering, and refl ect planting seed as opposed 

to native plant plugs. Maintenance costs after 

establishment are on average between $1600 

and $1800 per acre for native landscapes, 

compared to $5500 to $6500 for turf grass. 

Maintenance costs for native landscapes are 

slightly less than turf for the fi rst fi ve years, 

and signifi cantly less thereafter, when annual 

burning or other control method is the only 

maintenance needed. 

Design Considerations 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Design should be tailored to site 

characteristics including topography, 

soils, drainage, and solar exposure. 

Some local “weed” ordinances may need 

to be amended to allow native and taller 

vegetation. 

Plant diversity and health is maximized 

by annual burning. Plots may be mowed 

and then burned to prevent spread of fi re 

on small sites. 

On compacted or disturbed soils, 

amendment may be necessary to increase 

organic content, improving success of 

plant establishment. Good soil preparation 

vastly improves the appearance and vigor 

of plantings in the fi rst season. 

Filter strips must be sized and designed to 

account for drainage area, slope and soils. 

The highest eff ectiveness is achieved for 

small (1 or 2 year) storm events when the 

drainage area is not greater than 4 or 5 

times the area of the fi lter strip. 


Rainwater Harvesting & Reuse 

Defi nition 

Downspouts from roof runoff , which are 

typically routed to the municipal sewer 

system, can be directed into a vessel specially 

designed to capture and temporarily store 

rainwater for various uses, including 

greywater reuse and landscape irrigation. 

Applicability 

Rain collectors and cisterns can be used at a 

variety of scales on new and retrofi t buildings. 

The area and confi guration of the roof, as 

well as the desired volume of collected 

water, will determine the size and location 

of the vessels. As the cost of potable water 

rises, and as the availability of groundwater 

sources decreases, collecting and using this 

‘free’ water becomes an economic necessity, 

both on an individual and a regional scale. 


Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Reduces annual runoff volumes fl ows into 

the sewer system and streams and rivers, 

which can also help reduce downstream 

fl ooding. 

Conserves water for reuse (e.g. irrigation 

of lawns and gardens). 

Collected water can be used to irrigate 

landscapes or for some internal building 

uses such as toilet fl ushing, or it can be 

released into the sewer system between 

storm events. 

A mesh fi lter or screen can be inserted at 

the top of the collector to prevent leaves 

and other debris from entering. 

One inch of rainfall over 1,000 square feet 

of roof area is equivalent to 625 gallons of 

rainwater. 

Rain collectors can be used in combination 

with bioretention, green roofs, and other 

practices to increase stormwater benefi ts. 

Larger cisterns in some sett ings may be 

used to provide greywater for use in toilet 

fl ushing and other non-potable uses. 


An above-ground cistern. 

Cistern at the Kresge Foundation Headquarters. 


Cistern, overhead view. 

Cistern with a vegetated green screen. 


Below-grade cistern schematic. Below-grade cistern installation. 

IMAGE: XERXES IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM 


Small rain collectors made specifi cally for 

this purpose can cost between $20 and 

$150. Larger steel, concrete, or fi berglass 

cisterns can cost between $1.50 to $3.00 per 

gallon depending on the proximity to the 

manufacturer and project requirements. 

IMAGE: XERXES 


■ 

■ 

Rain collectors and cisterns must be 

drained between storm events if they 

are to be used to detain stormwater. 

Occasional draining and cleaning may 

also be necessary to remove debris, such 

as leaves, that may fall into the vessel. 

Draining and cleaning will also prevent 

stagnation and buildup of algae. 

Rain collectors should be sealed during 

warm weather to avoid mosquito 

breeding. 


Urban Tree Protection Measures 

Defi nition 

One of the biggest obstacles to growing 

healthy trees in urban environments is soil 

compaction. In parkway areas, compaction 

can result from frequent foot traffi c and 

from the installation of adjacent curbs and 

sidewalks. When soils are compacted they 

prevent water and air from reaching the 

tree’s roots. Urban trees can be protected in 

several ways. Concrete curbs and railings 

can be installed around tree planters to 

discourage foot traffi c. Where space is tight, 

trees can be installed in pits with steel tree 

grates. Subgrade conditions can be improved 

through the use of root paths and structural 

soil. 

Applicability 

Street trees should only be located after a 

close examination of existing utilities (above 

and below ground), buildings, and traffi c 

concerns. Existing parkway planters can be 

retrofi tt ed with concrete curbs or railings to 

direct pedestrians away from sensitive tree 

roots. New construction may warrant the use 

of tree grates, root paths, or structural soil. 

Parkways that are between nine and twelve 


feet wide are good candidates for tree grates. 

Tree grates can also be used where a heavy 

fl ow of pedestrian traffi c is expected along 

the curb line (i.e. on-street parking locations). 

Where the construction of new sidewalks 

separates tree planters from larger green 

spaces, root paths or structural soils will 

provide bridges for growing roots. 

Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Standard 6 inch high concrete curbs can 

reduce the volume of foot traffi c across 

planted areas. 

An 18 inch high ornamental railing 

mounted on top of a 6 inch high concrete 

curb can nearly eliminate foot traffi c 

across planted areas. 

Planter pits with tree grates eliminate foot 

traffi c and make it possible to place trees 

in tight spaces. 

Roots can be encouraged to cross under 

sidewalks by placing structural soil, or 

root paths underneath the paved surfaces 

allowing trees to access water, oxygen, 

and nutrients from larger green spaces. 

Relative tree sizes. 

Planting guidelines for trees. 


Guidelines for tree planting near utility lines. 

Guidelines for tree planting appropriate to local conditions. 


Design & Maintenance Considerations 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Parkway planter curbs should provide 

enough space between them for 

pedestrians to access the street edge. 

Ornamental steel railings will require 

frequent painting to protect them from 

rusting. Aluminum railings should not be 

used in high impact areas, or in areas with 

signifi cant salt spray. 

In soils with low permeability, drainage 

needs to be provided at the bott om of tree 

pits to prevent saturated conditions. 

In urban areas, wire mesh may need to 

be installed within a tree pit to prevent 

rodents from nesting. 

Root paths and structural soil may be 

used to connect parkway tree planters to 

each other, or to green spaces on private 

property. 

Root paths should be spaced four feet 

apart in a radial fashion to connect each 

tree to the adjacent green space. 

The Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell 

University has detailed specifi cations for 

structural soil. Care should be taken to 

specify similar performance parameters. 

(http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/ 

outreach/csc/article.html) 


■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Costs range from $14 to $18 for each lineal 

foot of poured concrete curb and $50 to 

$80 per lineal foot for an ornamental steel 

railing installed. 

Tree grates require a poured concrete curb 

to support their steel frame. The curb will 

cost $14 to $18 per lineal foot installed. 

Cast iron tree grates cost $15 to $25 per 

square foot. 

Costs for root paths will range from $8 to 

$12 per lineal foot installed. 

Depending on the product specifi ed and 

the proximity to the aggregate source, 

structural soil will range from $50 to $80 

per cubic yard installed. 


Porous Pavements 

Defi nition 

Porous paving materials or paver units with 

porous joints allow transmission of water 

to an aggregate base, reducing runoff rates 

and improving water quality. Runoff is 

temporarily stored in the base and slowly 

evaporated and released to storm sewers. 

When porous paving systems are installed 

over permeable soils, runoff volumes can be 

reduced. Porous unit pavers are a common 

type of porous pavement system that contain 

openings fi lled with gravel or rock chips. 

Porous concrete, and asphalt contain larger 

than typical aggregates and pore spaces to 

allow water percolation, but are less common. 

Variations on gravel pavements are a third 

type of permeable practice. 

Applicability 

Porous pavement is appropriate for new 

and retrofi t projects on existing streets, full 

and temporary (overfl ow and special event) 

parking lots, alleys, sidewalks, utility and 

access roads, emergency access lanes, fi re 

lanes, and driveways. Porous pavements are 

not appropriate for vehicle service stations, 


gas stations, and other areas used for transfer 

or storage of hazardous materials, unless 

they are properly lined. 

Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Reduces stormwater runoff volumes 

by 20% or more depending on depth of 

the aggregate base and permeability of 

underlying soils. 

Reduces stormwater runoff rates by up to 

95%. 

Filters sediments, hydrocarbons, nutrients, 

and other urban pollutants from runoff 

and reduces runoff temperatures. 

Can help meet detention requirements 

and reduce stormwater conveyance and 

detention infrastructure needs (detention 

storage can be provided within the gravel 

base below the surface.) 

Reduces need for deicing salt and salt 

impacts to water quality in cold climates. 

Less ponding of water on the driving 

or parking surface reduces skidding, 

hydroplaning, and ice buildup. 

Pervious pavers used in a road cross section with parkway bioswales. 

Grasspave paving blocks. 

Concrete pavers with interior spaces for drainage. 



Installation of permeable pavers. 

Permeable paver parking lot. 

Porous concrete. 



■ 

■ 

Standard vacuum street sweeping 

equipment and high pressure washing 

may be used to maintain pavement 

infi ltration capacity. 

Porous asphalt and concrete paving may 

have higher maintenance requirements 

than permeable paving blocks. 


Installation costs can be 1.5 - 2 times greater 

than conventional concrete, but may require 

less frequent replacement. The runoff 

reduction capacity of permeable paving can 

reduce the cost of stormwater engineering 

and infrastructure (curbs, gutt ers, and storm 

sewers.) 

System Installed Cost/SquareFoot 

Conventional Asphalt $1.00 - $2.50 

Conventional Concrete $4.00 - $6.50 

Porous Concrete $6.50 - $8.00 

Gravel / Gravel-Grass $1.50 / $2.50 - $3.50 

Porous Unit Pavers $7.00 to $12.00 


■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Requires an open graded gravel base with 

no fi nes. 

Larger pore space improves eff ectiveness, 

though larger openings may reduce the 

strength of the paver for load bearing and 

driving. 

For vehicular applications, depth of base 

and subbase materials should be at least 

12” of coarse aggregate with no fi nes to 

allow adequate drainage, prevent frost 

heave, and provide adequate load bearing 

strength. 

Subgrade should be graded at minimum 

1% slope to allow drainage. 

Impermeable geotextiles should be used 

between base and subgrade to prevent 

infi ltration where contaminated subgrade 

soils are present. 

Underdrains should be placed at edge 

of pavement to provide drainage as 

necessary to prevent ponding in the base 

for periods greater than 24 to 48 hours. 

Permeable paving may not be appropriate 

for land uses utilizing or storing hazardous 

materials. 


Bioretention Practices 

Defi nition 

Rain gardens, tree wells, and planter boxes 

can be designed as vegetated stormwater 

bioretention features that convey, retain, 

cool, and cleanse stormwater before being 

discharged to sewer systems. They are 

installed in parkways, medians, and parking 

lot islands, and along the sides of buildings 

to capture roof runoff . These practices are 

typically designed to allow stormwater to 

pond slightly and infi ltrate into the ground, 

or to be absorbed and evaporated into the 

atmosphere by vegetation. Impermeable 

liners should be used to prevent water from 

infi ltrating into the underlying soils where 

contaminated soils are present. Excess water 

is collected by a drain and discharged to 

storm sewers. 

Applicability 

Bioretention practices are appropriate for 

most new and retrofi t projects on individual 

lots and rights-of-way to accept runoff from 

roof downspouts, streets, driveways, alleys, 

sidewalks, and parking lots. 


Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Reduces impervious surface runoff 

volumes (up to 15%) and rates (50% or 

more). 

Reduces sediments and metals (30 to 70%), 

nutrients (10 to 30%), and other pollutants 

from runoff . 

Provides stormwater detention depending 

on the thickness of the gravel layer and 

depth of basin. 

Provides limited habitat for birds, 

butt erfl ies, and benefi cial insects such as 

dragonfl ies, which eat mosquitoes. 

Can increase aesthetic value of 

properties. 


Costs range from $3 to $4 per square foot for 

very simple designs and from $10 to $40 per 

square foot for complex designs, depending 

on the plants, drainage structures, and curb 

designs. 

Bioretention / infi ltration tree wells. 

Parkway bioretention / infi ltration planters. 

Bioretention planters within a curb bumpout. 


IMAGE: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, PORTLAND, OR IMAGE: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, PORTLAND, OR

Volunteer installation of a parking lot bioretention swale. 

Parking lot bioretention swale, early season growth. 

Parking lot bioretention swale, later season growth. 



■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Impermeable liners should be installed 

to prevent infi ltration of stormwater into 

underlying soils where contaminated 

soils are present, or where rain gardens 

are immediately adjacent to buildings 

with basements. 

Bioretention practices must be sized and 

designed to account for drainage area and 

soils and to convey the design runoff rate 

(typically the 10-year storm). 

A gravel trench with underdrain should 

be used to allow excess fl ow to drain into 

storm sewer system. 

Protect bioretention practices from 

construction site runoff to prevent sealing 

of amended topsoil. 

A minimum 12 inch layer of planting 

soil containing approximately 50% 

organic compost, and 50% sand will 

enhance fi ltration. Planting soil thickness 

should be increased to 18 to 24 inches to 

accommodate trees. 

Cross section of a bioretention swale. 

■ 

■ 

Provide adequate side slopes and 

underdrains to prevent ponding of water 

for greater than 48-72 hours. 

Filtration benefi ts can be improved by 

planting native deep-rooted grasses and 

forbs and minimizing side slopes. Plants 

can include a combination of native shrubs, 

grasses, and fl owering perennials. Plants 

should be selected for low maintenance 

and to tolerate winter salt. 


■ 

■ 

■ 

Similar to typical gardens requiring 

occasional 

plantings. 

weeding and additional 

Periodic sediment removal may be needed 

to maintain function. 

Bioretention practices may need to be 

replaced periodically (every 20 years or 

more) due to sediment accumulation 



Lighting Effi ciency & Pollution Control Methods 

Defi nition 

Exterior lighting systems can improve the 

safety of pedestrian and vehicular circulation, 

aid surveillance and increase perceptions of 

safety, and enhance retail environments. The 

most common type of exterior fi xture is the 

street light, which is available in a variety 

of pole heights and luminaire shapes to suit 

both street and pedestrian uses. 

By some estimates, street lights account for 

approximately 40% of a typical city’s electrical 

consumption. For this reason, energy 

effi ciency is an important objective for most 

lighting designs. Designs that greatly exceed 

minimum illumination standards may be 

wasting energy. The choice of lamp type also 

aff ects the amount of energy needed (watt s) to 

produce the required illumination (lumens). 

Light-emitt ing diode (LED) technologies 

are emerging that promise to provide 

more lumens per watt of energy consumed 

than other lamp types. LED’s also off er the 

advantages of a long lamp life, good color 

rendering, and improved directional control. 


Improperly designed lighting systems 

can also contribute to light pollution. The 

International Darksky Association and its 

local Texas affi liate (www.darksky.org and 

www.texasida.org) describe Light Pollution 

as “any adverse eff ect of artifi cial light 

including sky glow, glare, light trespass, 

light clutt er, decreased visibility at night, and 

energy waste.” Upward facing light fi xtures 

are one of the primary contributors to light 

pollution. To address this issue, the American 

National Standard Practice for Roadway 

Lighting identifi es four classifi cations of 

luminaires: Noncutoff , Seimcutoff , Cutoff , 

and Full Cutoff . They each allow a decreasing 

intensity of light (as measured in candelas 

per 1000 lamp lumens) above 80 degrees and 

above 90 degrees (from vertical). A full cutoff 

luminaire permits no light to leave the fi xture 

above 90 degrees and is the only fi xture type 

that does not directly contribute to light 

pollution. 

Applicability 

The American National Standards Institute 

(ANSI) and the Illuminating Engineering 

Society of North America (IESNA) jointly 

Parking lot lighting design. 

IMAGE: HOLOPHANE

Luminaires with various cutoff angles. 


publish the “American National Standard 

Practice for Roadway Lighting.” This 

document establishes various classifi cations 

for roadway, pedestrian walkway, and 

bikeway lighting needs. It sets minimum 

horizontal light levels (on pavements) and 

vertical light levels (on building faces) for 

each classifi cation with the goal of mitigating 

confl icts between people and cars. 

Benefi ts 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Full cutoff fi xtures eliminate direct 

contribution to light pollution, light 

trespass onto adjacent properties, and 

problems with glare. 

LED lamps have demonstrated reduced 

energy costs of 35-60% compared to 

standard high pressure sodium fi xtures. 

The life expectancy of LED lamps can 

range from 40,000 to 60,000 hours 

compared with an average life expectancy 

of 24,000 hours for high pressure sodium 

and 12,000 hours for pulse start metal 

halide lamps. 

LED lamps produce whiter appearing 

light than high pressure sodium. 

LED lamps distribute their light in a more 

controlled fashion than other lamps which 

can reduce light trespassing issues. 


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Install full cutoff fi xtures without any 

uptilt by installing the fi xture on a rigid 

mounting arm without an adjustable 

knuckle or slipfi tt er. 

Full cutoff lighting may require additional 

poles and fi xtures overall since the 

individual fi xtures do not allow as much 

light to be dispersed at shallow angles. 

LED lamps are more likely to produce 

glare than other lamps. Design to stay 

within recommended guidelines for 

uniformity ratios (defi ned as average light 

level over minimum light level). 

The total amount of light (lumens) emitt ed 

by LED lamps is often less than other 

lamps. This may limit their use in high 

volume roadway applications. 


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Full cutoff lighting can cost as much as 

25% more than other types of lighting. 

This is directly related to the need for 

additional poles and fi xtures because 

light does not get distributed as far with 

full cutoff fi xtures. The individual fi xtures 

cost approximately the same from the 

manufacturer as other fi xture types do. 

LED lamp fi xtures can cost 10-50% more 

than their HPS counterparts. 


Traffi c Calming Measures 

Defi nition 

Traffi c calming measures such as tightened 

curb radii at intersections, crosswalk 

markings, and curb extensions reduce the 

potential for confl icts between people and 

vehicles in urban street environments. By 

decreasing the radius of curbs at intersections 

the length of crosswalks can be reduced and 

right turning vehicles can be forced to reduce 

their speed through the turn. Crosswalk 

markings direct the fl ow of pedestrian traffi c 

at intersections and make approaching 

drivers aware of pedestrians. Curb extensions 

(also known as bulb outs, or neck downs) are 

areas of the parkway that extend out into 

the road area. These occur at intersections, 

or mid-block crossings where they serve to 

reduce the crosswalk distance and enhance 

the pedestrian environment. 

Applicability 

The Institute of Transportation Engineers 

(ITE) promotes a transportation planning 

model known as Context Sensitive Solutions 

(CSS) that identifi es ways to integrate traffi c 


calming measures. CSS defi nes a range 

of recommended practices to improve 

pedestrian safety and circulation. Many 

of these practices are applicable to street 

intersections where the majority of confl icts 

between people and vehicles are likely to 

occur. (For more information go to htt p:// 

www.contextsensitivesolutions.org.) 

Benefi ts 

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Using a tighter, or smaller, curb radii at 

intersections can reduce the pedestrian 

crossing distance and force right-turning 

vehicles to reduce their speed. 

Marked crosswalks alert approaching 

drivers to the potential presence of 

pedestrians. 

Marked crosswalks restrict pedestrian 

crossings to determined locations. 

Curb extensions reduce the pedestrian 

crossing distance at intersections. 

Curb extensions alert motorists to the 

presence of a crosswalk and place waiting 

pedestrians into the driver’s fi eld of 

vision. 

Eff ect of Curb Radii on Pedestrian Crossing Distance 

(compared to 15 � . radius) 

Curb Return 

Radius (feet) 

Added Crossing 

Distance (feet) 

Added Crossing 

Time (Seconds)1 

15 0 0 

25 8 2 

50 38 10 

1 Crossing � me at 4� per second. 

SOURCE: TIMESAVER STANDARDS FOR 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE


High frequency points for vehicle-pedestrian collisions. 

SOURCE: TIMESAVER STANDARDS FOR 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 

■ 

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The presence of curb extensions narrows 

the street width and can reduce driving 

speeds. 

Curb extensions separate parking 

maneuvers from vehicles turning at 

intersections. 


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The cost for retrofi tt ing an existing 

intersection with tighter curbs can range 

between $1,500 to $2,500 per corner 

depending upon existing conditions. 

The cost of painted crosswalk can range 

from $12 to $15 per lineal foot. 

To renovate an existing roadway surface 

with a separate paving material for the 

crosswalk area, a budget of $10 to $15 per 

square foot is recommended. 

To renovate an existing roadway with a 

curb extension a budget of $2,500 to $5,000 

per corner is recommended. 


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The radii selected for intersection corners 

should accommodate the largest vehicle 

type that will frequently turn the corner. 

This principle assumes that the occasional 

large vehicle can encroach into the 

opposing travel lane, or mount the curb. 

A minimum marking treatment should 

consist of high contrast painted lines in 

accordance with the most recent edition 

of the Federal Highway Administration’s 

Manual on Uniform Traffi c Control 

Devices. See (htt p://mutcd.fh wa.dot.gov/) 

A bett er marking treatment will integrate 

a separate paving material within the 

crosswalk area that visibly contrasts with 

the road surface. This approach will be 

more durable and last longer than painted 

lines which will wear away. 

The design of curb extensions should 

respect street drainage patt erns so that 

rain water runoff does not collect behind 

them. 

The use of curb extensions should be 

limited to situations where on-street 

parking exists. 


Universal Design 

Defi nition 

Universal Design involves an approach 

to the design and engineering of the built 

environment that seeks to remove as 

many barriers as possible for people with 

disabilities. Individuals are often prevented 

or discouraged from accessing public 

spaces because of visual, mobility, hearing, 

and learning impairments. The thoughtful 

application of measures to improve 

accessibility can remove these barriers. 

Not all individuals with a visual impairment 

are completely blind. In the United States, 

nearly half have limited vision. Most of these 

people have some memory of how the urban 

environment is constructed since 96% of 

visually impaired people in the United States 

developed their disability during adulthood. 

The Typhlo cane is the primary means by 

which visually-impaired people navigate 

the urban environment. Using the cane, 

individuals can locate the edges of walks and 

identify tactile warning strips that warn them 

of hazardous areas. 


Many of the people with a mobility 

impairment are elderly. These individuals 

require frequent places to sit, smooth surfaces 

to walk on, and handrails to navigate stairs 

and ramps. Ramps are probably the most 

visible of all accessibility measures. They are 

critical for providing an accessible route for 

people using wheelchairs. 

Visual cues that rely on universal design 

symbols can assist people with hearing and 

learning impairments. 

Applicability 

The Americans with Disabilities Act 

Accessibility Guidelines (1991) establishes 

minimum accessibility standards for public 

environments (see htt p://www.access-board. 

gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm). This includes 

most privately held property with the 

exception of single family homes. In Texas, 

the federal law is supplemented by the Texas 

Accessibility Standards (TAS) (see htt p:// 

www.license.state.tx.us/AB/tas/abtas.htm). 

Yellow tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to the intersection. 

Sidewalk ramps for accessibility. 

Trails designed for all users. 

IMAGE: FLICKR.COM 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: CONSERVATION DESIGN FORUM

Accessible sidewalks with frequent seating provide opportunities for rest. 

Trails with gentle slope for accessibility. 

IMAGE: FLICKR.COM 


Benefi ts 

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Tactile warning strips alert visually 

impaired people of approaching hazards 

Benches and seatwalls provide resting 

opportunities for people with impaired 

mobility 

Handrails at steps and ramps off er 

additional support for those with mobility 

impairments 

Ramps provide an accessible route where 

elevation changes abruptly 

Universal design symbols assist those 

with hearing and learning impairments 

as well as those who are illiterate in the 

local language(s). 


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Tactile warning strips with truncated 

domes can cost $250-$800 per application 

depending upon the material chosen. 

Ductile iron is the most expensive, but 

also the longest lasting. 

Adding grooves into freshly poured 

concrete at the tops of steps can add $100 

to $200 in labor. 

Benches with backs and arm rests range 

in price between $500 and $2000 installed. 

Consumers should expect to pay 10-15% 

more for models with arm rests and 

backs. 

Constructing a ramp can cost between 

$100 and $300 per lineal foot, depending 

upon materials and site issues. 


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Typhlo canes won’t detect objects above 

waist height, so designers should eliminate 

projections into public walkways above 

27 inches in height. 

Tactile warning strips with truncated 

domes are required wherever pedestrian 

traffi c enters a vehicular-use area. This is 

usually a crosswalk at a public street, but 

can also be a service yard, alley, or parking 

lot. Tactile warnings must be a contrasting 

color to the adjacent pavement. 

Tactile warning strips are recommended 

at the tops of stairs - a common treatment 

uses recessed parallel grooves. 

Cross slopes on accessible routes should 

not exceed 2%. 

Avoid tactile warnings that are stamped 

into dyed, poured-in-place concrete as 

these wear away quickly – choose longer 

lasting precast tiles, or tiles made of resin 

composites, stone, or cast ductile iron 

Benches should be provided with tall 

backs and arm rests to assist people with 

mobility impairments 

ADAAG defi nes a ramp as any running 

slope between 1:20 (5%) and 1:12 (8.3%). 

Ramps are required to have handrails. 

Ramps may also require guardrails if they 

are over 30 inches above the ground. 


Community Art & Local Craftsmanship 

Defi nition 

The public realm is greatly enhanced when 

art and craftsmanship are integrated into the 

design of the street environment. The San 

Jacinto Texas Historic District is fortunate 

to have a rich cultural and environmental 

legacy that local artisans and craftsmen 

can draw upon. Art installations such as 

murals, frescoes, mosaics, and sculpture 

can be added to existing outdoor spaces in 

the district. These types of installations are 

generally created for the sake of the art itself. 

When new places are constructed, there is 

also an opportunity to integrate functional 

design elements using local craftsmen. These 

can include pavement treatments, wrought 

iron creations, fountain elements, landforms, 

lighting displays, stonework, and detailed 

carpentry. 

Applicability 

From a cultural perspective, the most 

signifi cant event in the District’s history 

is the batt le of San Jacinto that created the 

Republic of Texas and eventually led to the 


annexation of Texas by the United States. The 

district also has a strong industrial legacy as 

a major shipping port and petrochemical 

center. The region’s natural history is also 

signifi cant with its unique mix of coastal 

tallgrass prairie, mixed hardwood forest, and 

estuarine bayous. Art installations and work 

by local craftsmen should draw upon these 

primary themes in order to distinguish the 

unique qualities of the District. 

Benefi ts 

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Art and craftsmanship can enhance 

tourism opportunities. 

Art and craftsmanship can stimulate 

public and private investment. 

Art and craftsmanship can improve the 

visual appeal of the District. 

Art and craftsmanship can provide an 

educational experience for visitors. 

Art and craftsmanship can add to the 

quality of life for local residents and 

workers. 

Artistic murals depicting neighborhood history. 

Walkways using a naturalistic appearance. 

Adding personal touches to the landscape. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN

Art, water, and landscaping work together in this design. 

Local crafts used to create unique lighting solutions. 

IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN IMAGE: SOURCE UNKNOWN 


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Space should be made available in new 

streetscape designs to accommodate 

future art installations. 

Installations can be coordinated with 

existing local art initiatives to leverage 

their impact. 

Work in a public right-of-way or on public 

land is subject to conditions set forth by 

local, state, and federal requirements. A 

permit for erecting a piece of art or design 

element may be required. 

Art installations should elevate the 

awareness of visitors to the unique 

qualities of the District and to current 

cultural issues. 

Installations that intentionally off end or 

are obscene should be avoided and may 

be prohibited under local, or state laws. 

Permanent installations should be 

constructed of lasting materials that can 

withstand abuse. 

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Temporary installations should have a 

fund available to cover the cost of their 

removal. 

Art installations should be identifi ed by 

signage that includes the name of the 

installation, the date erected, and the 

artist’s name. 

Installations should not impede pedestrian 

or vehicular traffi c. 

Install art in public view, such as schools, 

colleges, public plazas, and other campustype 

environments. 


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The cost for an art installation or 

functional design element can vary greatly 

depending upon the nature of the work 

and the prominence of the artist. 

Local community groups and students 

are a great resource for low-cost art 

installations. 


APPENDIX B - NATURAL HISTORY 

Appendix B presents a summary description of the vegetation of the coastal prairie province of the San 

Jacinto River, as well as lists of native species and horticultural species, the latter being those that can 

thrive in local climatic conditions and do not spread invasively. 


VEGETATION OF THE COASTAL PRAIRIE PROVINCE OF THE SAN JACINTO RIVER 

At the time of European sett lement, the coastal province of the area 

between San Jacinto and the Gulf of Mexico was low, fl at, and everywhere 

vegetated by prairie. The water table was at or near the surface in most 

places, but in some areas, where the land undulated to form low mounds, 

there grew copses of open-grown trees, mostly oaks, a few pines. A 

few of the last remnants of this coastal vegetation is still extant at the 

Armand Bayou Nature Center, in Pasadena, Texas. For the thousands 

of years prior to Western sett lement, this vegetation was sustained at a 

fecund, maximum biodiversity by occasional grazing and regular fi res set 

by the native peoples. Overgrazing, fi re suppression, and various forms 

of development have all but obliterated the once beautiful and unique 

landscape of this area. Although there is some burning at the Armand 

Bayou preserve, if it’s combustible tracts were burned annually, it would 

represent the San Jacinto area as among the more fecund, unique, and 

beautiful landscapes of the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico. 

The verges with the estuaries along the San Jacinto and smaller drainages 

were treeless marshes, infi nitely enervated by shallow, narrow, estuarine 

channels. Those wetlands most dramatically infl uenced by salt-water 

tides are characterized by fringes or fl ats of Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina 

alternifl ora) and or Black Rush (Juncus roemerianus). Tule (Typha domingensis) 

is the common catt ail. On the more subtle rises more under the infl uence 

of fresh water fl owages from the hinterland are formed brackish marshes 

and wet meadows of Marsh-hay Cordgrass (Spartina patens), along with 

scatt erings of grasses and rushes such as Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), 

Sea Club Rush (Bulboschoenus robustus), Sword Grass (Schoenoplectus 

americanus), California Bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), Needlerush 

(Juncus eff usus) and Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum). Such 

marshes are punctuated with the yellow fl owers of the low subshrub, Sea 

Oxeye Daisy (Borrichia frutescens) or the purple-fl owerd Seaside Gerardia 

(Agalinis maritima). Gulf cordgrass (Spartina spartinae) is also widespread 

in the coastal prairies, most usually situated on the interfaces between the 

marshes and the low rises. Typical of the area is the shrub or small tree, 

Sea Myrtle (Baccharis halimifolia) and the bushy perennial Marsh Elder (Iva 

frutescens). The tidal fl ats are characterized by curious succulents such 

as the glassworts (Salicornia bigeelovii and Salicornia virginica), along with 

Vidrillos (Batis maritima). 


These watery sloughs were the spawning areas of the countless millions 

of fi sh that inhabited the western districts of the Gulf of Mexico. The 

marshes, prairies, and oak groves were the much sought-after growingseason 

homes of countless birds, many of whom had wintered in the 

Yucatan and other subequatorial districts. 

Most of the province was overlain by prairies dominated by warm-season 

grasses and wildfl owers, which passed gradually into the estuarine 

marshes. Wildfl owers and perennial grasses and sedges of the area were 

numerous and profuse throughout the prairies. In those areas that received 

regular fi re along with light grazing there were as many as twenty or more 

diff erent fl owering species in just a few square feet of area---each such 

small area unique in composition even from those nearby. The beauty of 

the warp and weft of life was indescribable. Many of these fl owering plants 

are of ornamental quality and a few are available in local nurseries. The 

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U. S. Geological Survey have described 

these coastal prairies most beautifully in an article entitled, Paraise Lost. 

[htt p://library.fws.gov/pubs/paradise_lost.pdf] 

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION 

Historically, there were probably 700-800 vascular plant species native to 

the San Jacinto area. If an ecological restoration were to be att empted as 

a landscape feature, it is from among these species that the restoration 

should consist. Most will not be available in the nursery trade, so the seed 

will have to be secured from the few local remnants, in consilience with a 

seed-collecting protocol as presented by the sponsor of the remnant. Most 

perennial beds have plants in drifts on 12-24” centers. Most of the native 

perennials are interdependent on from 10-30 diff erent species per quartermeter 

square, along with an array of insects and soil fungi. Consequently, 

many of these species will not last even fi ve years as perennial plantings in 

urban and suburban contexts. Insofar as management and maintenance is 

concerned, there can be no successful natural restoration without the use 

of regular applied landscape fi res.

Characteristic native grasses and sedges, which formed the matrix 

within which most of the animal life and wildfl ower perennials and low 

shrubs are imbedded include: 

Andropogon gerardii BIG BLUESTEM GRASS 

Andropogon glomeratus BUSHY BLUESTEM GRASS 

Andropogon ternarius SPLIT-BEARD BLUESTEM GRASS 

Andropogon virginicus BROOMSEDGE 

Anthaenantia rufa PURPLE SILKYSCALE 

Aristida oligantha PRAIRIE THREE-AWN GRASS 

Aristida purpurascens PURPLE THREE-AWN GRASS 

Bothriochloa exaristata AWNLESS BLUESTEM GRASS 

Bothriochloa laguroides SILVER BLUESTEM GRASS 

Bouteloua curtipendula SIDE-OATS GRAMA 

Carex caroliniana CAROLINA SEDGE 

Carex cherokeensis CHEROKEE SEDGE 

Carex complanata FLATTENED SEDGE 

Carex frankii FRANK’S SEDGE 

Carex fl accosperma THIN-FRUITED SEDGE 

Carex intumescens SHINING BUR SEDGE 

Chasmanthium latifolium INLAND SEA OATS 

Chasmanthium sessilifolium SPIKEGRASS 

Ctenium aromaticum TOOTHACHE GRASS 

Cyperus pseudovegetus SWEET SEDGE 

Cyperus virens GREEN FLATSEDGE 

Dichanthelium aciculare AWL PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium acuminatum SHARP PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium commutatum VARIABLE PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium dichotomum FORKED PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium laxifl orum LAX-FLOWERED PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium linearifolium NARROW-LEAVED PANIC GRASS 

Dichanthelium scribnerianum SCRIBNER’S PANIC GRASS 

Eleocharis microphylla SMALL-FRUITED SPIKERUSH 

Elymus canadensis CANADA WILD RYE 

Eragrostis hypnoides MOSS LOVEGRASS 

Eragrostis spectabilis SMALL-FLOWERED PURPLE LOVEGRASS 

Erianthus giganteus SUGARCANE PLUME GRASS 

Juncus brachycarpa WHITE-ROOT RUSH 

Juncus marginatus MARGINED RUSH 

Juncus validus STRONG RUSH 

Leptochloa dubia GREEN SPRANGLETOP 

Muhlenbergia capillaris GULF-COAST MUHLY 

Nassella leucotricha TEXAS WINTERGRASS 

Panicum anceps BEAKED PANIC GRASS 

Panicum hians GAPING PANIC GRASS 

Panicum bergii BERG’S PANIC GRASS 

Panicum texanum TEXAS PANIC GRASS 

Panicum virgatum SWITCHGRASS 

Paspalum fl oridanum FLORIDA PASPALUM 

Paspalum plicatulum BROWN-SEED PASPALUM 

Rhynchospora caduca FALLING BEAKRUSH 

Rhynchospora colorata WHITE-TOPPED SEDGE 

Rhynchospora corniculata HORNED BEAKRUSH 

Rhynchospora globularis GLOBE BEAKRUSH 

Schizachyrium scoparium LITTLE BLUESTEM GRASS 

Scleria ciliate FRINGED NUTSEDGE 

Scleria paucifl ora FEW-FLOWERED NUTRUSH 

Setaria geniculata KNEE FOXTAILI 

Sorghastrum nutans INDIAN GRASS 

Spartina spartinae GULF CORDGRASS 

Sporobolus compositus ROUGH DROPSEED 

Sporobolus junceus PINEWOODS DROPSEED 

Stipa leucotricha TEXAS SPEAR 

Tipsacum dactyloides EASTER GAMA GRASS 

Tridens strictus LONG-SPIKED TRIDENS 

Characteristic wildfl owers, whose fl owers dance just above the grasses 

as the season moves from spring to fall, include: 

Acalypha gracilens THREE-SEEDED MERCURY 

Achillea millefolium YARROW 

Acmella oppositifolia SPOTFLOWER 

Agalinis fasciculata CLUSTER-LEAVED GERARDIA 

Agalinis gatt ingeri GATTINGER’S GEARDIA 

Agalinis heterophylla PRAIRIE GERARDIA 

Agalinis purpurea PURPLE GERARDIA 

Agalinis tenuifolia NARROW-LEAVED GERARDIA 

Agalinis viridis GREEN GERARIDA 

Aletris aurea GOLDEN COLICROOT 

Aletris farinosa WHITE COLICROOT 

Allium canadense mobilense MEADOW GARLIC 

Amsonia glaberrima SMOOTH BLUE-STAR 

Amsonia tabernaemontana EASTERN BLUE-STAR 

Anemone berlandieri TEN-PETALLED ANEMONE 

Arnoglossum ovatum INDIAN PLANTAIN 

Asclepias lanceolata RED MILKWEED 

Asclepias longifolia LONG-LEAVED MILKWEED 

Asclepias obovata PINELAND MILKWEED 

Asclepias tuberosa BUTTERFLY WEED 

Asclepias verticillata WHORLED MILKWEED 


Asclepias viridifl ora GREEN MILKWEED 

Asclepias viridis ANTELOPE HORN 

Aster dumosus BUTTON ASTER 

Aster ericoides HEATH ASTER 

Aster laterifl orus SIDE-FLOWERING ASTER 

Aster patens LATE PURPLE ASTER 

Aster praealtus WILLOW-LEAVED ASTER 

Aster sericeus SILKY ASTER 

Baptisia alba WHITE WILD INDIGO 

Baptisia leucophaea CREAM WILD INDIGO 

Baptisia sphaerocarpa YELLOW WILD INDIGO 

Berchemia scandens SUPPLE JACK 

Bidens aristosa AWNED TICKSEED 

Bigelowia virgata RAYLESS GOLDENROD 

Boltonia diff usa DOLL’S DAISY 

Buchnera fl oridana FLORIDA BLUEHEARTS 

Callirhoe papaver WINECUPS 

Calopogon oklahomensis OKLAHOMA GRASS PINK 

Camaecrista fasciculate PARTRIDGE PEA 

Castilleja indivisa TEXAS PAINTBRUSH 

Ceanothus americanus NEW JERSEY TEA 

Centaurium brevifolium CENTAURY 

Centrosema virginianum SPURRED BUTTERFLY PEA 

Chrysopsis mariana MARYLAND GOLDENASTER 

Chrysopsis pilosa HAIRY GOLDENASTER 

Cicuta maculata WATER HEMLOCK 

Cirsium texanum TEXAS THISTLE 

Claytonia virginica SPRING BEAUTY 

Clematis crispa BLUE JASMINE 

Cocculus carolinus CAROLINA SNAILSEED 

Commelina erecta ERECT DAYFLOWER 

Commelina virginica VIRGINIA DAYFLOWER 

Cooperia drummondii DRUMMON RAIN LILY 

Coreopsis lanceolata LANCE-LEAF TICKSEED 

Coreopsis tinctoria PLAINS COREOPSIS 

Coreopsis tripteris TALL TICKSEED 

Crinum americanum SWAMP LILY 

Crotalaria sagitt alis ARROW-LEAF RATTLEBOX 

Croton capitatus WOOLY CROTON 

Cuscuta indecora SHOWY DODDER 

Cynanchum angustifolium NARROW-LEAVED SANDVINE 

Dalea candida WHITE PRAIRIE CLOVER 

Delphinium carolinianum CAROLINA LARKSPUR 

Desmanthus illinoensis ILLINOIS BUNDLEFLOWER 

Desmodium ciliare HAIRY TICKTREFOIL 


Desmodium sessilifolium SESSIL-LEAVED TICKTREFOIL 

Dichondra caroliniensis PONY FOOT 

Diodia virginiana POORJOE 

Echinacea pallida PALE PURPLE CONEFLOWER 

Erigeron philladelphicus MARSH FLEABANE 

Eryngium hookeri HOOKER’S ERYNGO 

Eryngium integrifolium BLUE-FLOWER ERYNGO 

Eryngium yuccifolium RATTLESNAKE MASTER 

Erythrina herbacea CORALBEAN 

Eupatorium coelestinum BLUE MIST FLOWER 

Eupatorium hyssopifolium NARROW-LEAVED BONESET 

Eupatorium ivifolium IVY-LEAF BONESET 

Eupatorium mohrii MOHR’S BONESET 

Eupatorium rotundifolium ROUND-LEAVED BONESET 

Eupatorium rugosum WHITE SNAKEROOT 

Euphorbia bicolor SNOW-ON-THE-PRAIRIE 

Euphorbia corollata FLOWERING SPURGE 

Euthamia gymnospermoides CONIFER GOLDENROD 

Euthamia leptocephala SLIM-HEADED GOLDENROD 

Evolvulus sericeus SILKY EVOLVULUS 

Gaillardia aestivalis YELLOW INDIAN BLANKET 

Gaillardia puchella FIREWHEEL 

Galactia volubilis DOWNY MILKPEA 

Galium tinctorium MARSH BEDSTRAW 

Gaura lindheimeri LARGE-FLOWERED BEEBLOSSOM 

Gaura longifl ora LONG-FLOWERED BEEBLOSSOM 

Gelsemium sempervirens EVENING TRUMPETFLOWER 

Habenaria nivea SNOWY ORCHID 

Hedyotis nigricans PRAIRIE BLUET 

Heleastrum hemisphaericum LOW ASTER 

Helenium drummondii FRINGED SNEEZEWEED 

Helenium fl exuosum PURPLE-HEAD SNEEZEWEED 

Helianthus angustifolius NARROW-LEAVED SUNFLOWER 

Helianthus maximilliani MAXMILLIAN SUNFLOWER 

Helianthus mollis DOWNY SUNFLOWER 

Herbertia lahue caerula PRAIRIE NYMPH 

Hibiscus coccineus TEXAS STAR HIBISCUS 

Hibiscus laevis HALBERD-LEAVED ROSEMALLOW 

Hibiscus lasiocarpus WOOLY ROSEMALLOW 

Hydrocotyle umbellata UMBRELLA PENNYWORT 

Hydrolea ovata BLUE WATERLEAF 

Hymenocallis caroliniana CAROLINA SPIDER LILY 

Hymenocallis liriosme SPRING SPIKDER LILY 

Hypericum cistifolium ROUND-POD ST. JOHN’S WORT 

Hypericum drummondii NITS & LICE

Hypericum hypericoides St. ANDREW’S CROSS 

Hypericum stans ST. PETER’S WORT 

Hypoxis hirsuta EASTERN YELLOW STARGRASS 

Hyptis alata CLUSTER BUSHMINT 

Ipomoea sagitt ata SALTMARSH MORNINGGLORY 

Iris fulva RED IRIS 

Iris virginica SOUTHERN BLUEFLAG IRIS 

Lespedeza capitata ROUNDED-HEADED BUSHCLOVER 

Liatris acidota SLENDER GAYFEATHER 

Liatris elegans WHITE-BRACTED BLAZINGSTAR 

Liatris pycnostachya KANSAS GAYFEATHER 

Liatris squarrosa SCALY GAYFEATHER 

Limnoscaiadium pinnatum TANSY DOGSHADE 

Linaria canadensis OLD-FIELD TOADFLAX 

Linum medium STIFF YELLOW FLAX 

Lobelia appendiculata PALE LOBELIA 

Lobelia puberula DOWNY LOBELIA 

Ludwigia linearis NARROW-LEAVED SEEDBOX 

Ludwigia palustris MARSH SEEDBOX 

Lythrum lanceolatum LANCE-LEAF LOOSESTRIFE 

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii TURK’S CAP 

Manfreda virginica AMERICAN ALOE 

Mecardonia acuminata AXILFLOWER 

Mikania scandens CLIMBING HEMP VINE 

Monarda citriodora LEMON BEEBALM 

Monarda lindheimeri LINDHEIMER’S BEEBALM 

Monarda punctata SPOTTED BEEBALM 

Neptunia lutea YELLOW PUFF 

Nothoscordum bivalve FALSE GARLIC 

Oenothera biennis COMMON EVENING PRIMROSE 

Oenothera speciosa SHOWY EVENING PRIMROSE 

Opuntia lindheimeri TEXAS PRICKLYPEAR 

Opuntia macrorhiza GRASSLAND PRICKLYPEAR 

Orbexylum pedunculatum SAMSON’S SNAKEROOT 

Orbexylum simplex SINGLE-STEMMED SCURFY PEA 

Paspalum setaceum THIN PASPALUM 

Passifl ora incarnata MAYPOP 

Pedicularis canadensis CANADA LOUSEWORT 

Penstemon laxifl orus MUSKOGEE BEARDTONGUE 

Penstemon tenuis SHARP-LOBED BEARDTONGUE 

Persicaria hydropiperoides WATER PEPPER 

Phlox drummondii DRUMMOND’S PHLOX 

Phlox pilosa PRAIRIE PHLOX 

Phyla incisa TEXAS FOGFRUIT 

Phyla nodifl ora TURKEY-TANGLE 

Physostegia intermedia SLENDER FALS DRAGONHEAD 

Pityopsis graminifolia SILK GRASS 

Pluchea foetida MARSH FLEABANE 

Polygala cruciata DRUM-HEADS 

Polygala incarnata PINK MILKWORT 

Polygala leptocaulis SWAMP MILKWORT 

Polygala mariana MARYLAND MILKWORT 

Polygala nana CANDYROOT 

Polygala verticillata WHORLED MILKWORT 

Polytaenia nutt allii PRAIRIE PARSELY 

Pseudognaphlium obtusifolium OLD-FIELD BALSAM 

Pteroglassaspis ecristata WILD COCOA 

Pycnanthemum albescens WHITE MOUNTAIN MINT 

Pycnanthemum muticum CLUSTERED MOUNTAIN MINT 

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium SLENDER MOUNTAIN MINT 

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus FALSE DANDELION 

Ranunculus carolinianus CAROLINA BUTTERCUP 

Ranunculus fascicularis PRAIRIE BUTTERCUP 

Ratibida culmnifera MEXICAN HAT 

Ratibida pinnata PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER 

Rhexia lutea YELLOW MEADOWBEAUTY 

Rhexia mariana MARYLAND MEADOWBEAUTY 

Rudbeckia grandifl ora TALL CONEFLOWER 

Rudbeckia hirta BLACK-EYED SUSAN 

Rudbeckia nitida SHINY CONEFLOWER 

Rudbeckia texana TEXAS CONEFLOWER 

Ruellia humilis PRAIRIE PETUNIA 

Sabatia campestris PRAIRIE ROSEGENTIAN 

Salvia azurea BLUE SAGE 

Salvia lyrata LYRE-LEAVED SAGE 

Schrankia hystricina SENSITIVE BRIAR 

Scutellaria integrifolia ROUGH SKULLCAP 

Scutellaria parvula SMALL SKULLCAP 

Senecio tomentosus WOOLY GROUNDSEL 

Silphium gracile ROSINWEED 

Silphium laciniatum COMPASS PLANT 

Sisyrinchium angustifolium NARROW-LEAVED BLUE-EYED GRASS 

Sisyrinchium atlanticum EASTERN BLUE-EYED GRASS 

Smilax pumila SARSAPARILLA VINE 

Solanum dimidiatum WEST HORSENETTLE 

Solanum elaeagnifolium SILVER-LEAVED NIGHTSHADE 

Solidago canadensis CANADA GOLDENROD 

Solidago nitida SHINY GOLDENROD 

Solidago odora SWEET GOLDENROD 

Solidago rugosa WRINKLE-LEAVED GOLDENROD 


Solidago sempervirens SEASIDE GOLDENROD 

Solidago stricta SEASIDE GOLDENROD 

Spilanthes americana CREEPING SPOTFLOWER 

Spiranthes vernalis SPRING LADY’S TRESSES 

Stachys drummondii PINK MINT 

Strophostyles umbellata PINK WILD BEAN 

Stylisma aquatica WATER SOUTHER MORNINGGLORY 

Stylosanthes bifl ora SIDE-BEAKED PENCILFLOWER 

Tephrosia onobrychoides HOARY PEA 

Teucrium canadense AMERICAN GERMANDER 

ThalIa dealbata POWDERY THALIA 

Tillandsia usneodes SPANISH MOSS 

Tradescantia hirsutifl ora HAIRY SPIDERWORT 

Tragia betonicifolia BETONY-LEAVED NOSEBURN 

Trepocarpus aethusa SWAMP PARSLEY 

Triodanis perfoliata VENUS’S LOOKINGGLASS 

Verbena halei TEXAS VERVAIN 

Verbesina virginica FROSTWEED 

Vernonia gigantea TALL IRONWEED 

Vernonia missurica MISSOURI IRONWEED 

Vernonia texana TEXAS IRONWEED 

Vicia ludoviciana LOUISIANA VETCH 

Vigna luteola DEER PEA 

Viola sagitt ata ARROW-LEAF VIOLET 

Xyris laxifl orus YELLOW-EYED GRASS 

The wooded copses and savannas so characteristic of the San Jacinto prairie 

province were home to a few trees. Many of them will be recognized as of 

ornamental interest and available in local nurseries. One of the principle 

grass-like species that formed the native “lawn” under the oaks was the 

sedge, Carex cherokeensis, which in itself is of ornamental quality. 

Acacia farnesiana HUISACHE 

Acer negundo BOXELDER 

Acer rubrum RED MAPLE 

Aesculus pavia RED BUCKEYE 

Aralia spinosa DEVIL’S WALKING STICK 

Betula nigra RIVER BIRCH 

Bumelia lanuginosa GUM BUMELIA 

Carpinus caroliniana MUSCLE-WOOD 

Carya aquatica WATER HICKORY 

Carya cordiformis BITTERNUT 

Carya illinoensis PECAN 

Carya ovata SHAGBARK HICKORY 

Carya tomentosa MOCKERNUT HICKORY 


Castanea pumila ALLEGHENY CHINQUAPIN 

Celtis laevigata SUGARBERRY 

Cercis canadensis REDBUD 

Chionanthus virginicus GRAND SIR’S GRAY BEARD 

Cornus drummondii DRUMMOND’S DOGWOOD 

Cornus fl orida FLOWERING DOGWOOD 

Crataegus marshallii PARSELY HAWTHORN 

Crataegus spathulata LITTLE-HIP HAWTHORN 

Crataegus texana TEXAS HAWTHORN 

Crataegus viridis GREEN HAWTHORN 

Cyrilla racemifl ora TITI 

Diospyros virginiana PERSIMMON 

Fagus grandifolia AMERICAN BEECH 

Forestiera ligustrina UPLAND PRIVET 

Fraxinus americana AMERICAN ASH 

Fraxinus pennsylvanica GREEN ASH 

Gleditsia triacanthos HONEY LOCUST 

Halesia diptera SNOWDROP TREE 

Ilex decidua POSSUM HAW 

Ilex opaca AMERICAN HOLLY 

Ilex vomitoria YAUPON 

Juglans nigra BLACK WALNUT 

Juniperus virginiana EASTERN RED CEDAR 

Liqudambar styracifl ua SWEETGUM 

Magnolia grandifl ora BULL BAY MAGNOLIA 

Magnolia virginiana SWEET BAY 

Morus rubra RED MULBERRY 

Nyssa bifl ora SWAMP TUPELO 

Nyssa sylvatica BLACK TUPELO 

Ostrya virginiana HOP HORNBEAM 

Persea borbonia REDBAY 

Pinus echinata SHORTLEAF PINE 

Pinus palustris LONGLEAF PINE 

Pinus taeda LOBLOLLY PINE 

Platanus occidentalis SYCAMORE 

Populus deltoides EASTERN COTTONWOOD 

Prosopis glandulosa MESQUITE 

Prunus caroliniana CHERRY LAUREL 

Prunus mexicana MEXICAN PLUM 

Prunus serotina WILD BLACK CHERRY 

Prunus umbellata FLATWOODS PLUM 

Ptelea trifoliata WAFER ASH 

Quercus alba WHITE OAK 

Quercus falcata SOUTHERN RED OAK 

Quercus hemisphaerica LAUREL OAK

Quercus incana SANDJACK OAK 

Quercus lyrata OVERCUP OAK 

Quercus macrocarpa BUR OAK 

Quercus marilandica BLACKJACK OAK 

Quercus michauxii SWAMP CHESTNUT OAK 

Quercus nigra WATER OAK 

Quercus phellos WILLOW OAK 

Quercus shumardii SHUMARD OAK 

Quercus stellata POST OAK 

Quercus texana TEXAS OAK 

Quercus velutina BLACK OAK 

Quercus virginiana LIVE OAK 

Rhamnus caroliniana CAROLINA BUCKTHORN 

Rhus copalina SHINING SUMAC 

Salix nigra BLACK WILLOW 

Salvia coccinea SCARLET SAGE 

Sambucus canadensis ELDERBERRY 

Sapindus saponaria WESTERN SOAPBERRY 

Sassafras albidum SASSAFRAS 

Styrax americana MOCK ORANGE 

Symplocos tinctoria SWEET LEAF 

Taxodium distichum BALD CYPRESS 

Tilia caroliniana CAROLINA LINDEN 

Vaccinium arboreum FARKELBERRY 

Viburnum rufi dulum RUSTY BLACK HAW 

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis HERCULES CLUB 

The prairies and open woods were everywhere punctuated with 

fl owering shrubs, including: 

Amorpha fruticosa INDIGO BUSH 

Callicarpa americana AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRY 

Cephalanthus occidentalis BUTTUNBUSH 

Cornus raceomosa GRAY DOGWOOD 

Lantana urticoides CALICO BUSH 

Mitchella repens PARTRIDGE BERRY 

Persea borbonia RED BAY 

Prunus angustifolia CHICKASAW PLUM 

Rubus louisianus LOUISIANA DEWERRY 

Rubus trivialis SOUTHERN DEWBERRY 

Sabal minor BUSH PALMETTO 

Sambucus canadensis ELDERBERRY 

Sesbania drummondii DRUMMOND’S RATTLEBOX 


Among the woody vines were: 

Ampelopsis arborea PEPPERVINE 

Brunnichia ovata EARDROP VINE 

Campsis radicans TRUMPET VINE 

Smilax bona-nox CATBRIER 

Smilax glauca SAWBRIER 

Smilax smallii SMOOTH GREENBRIER 

Smilax tamnoides BRISTLY GREENBRIER 

The fl ora and fauna of the San Jacinto are among the more beautiful and 

singular as in any province anywhere in the world. The extent to which 

the architecture, infrastructural approaches, and landscape contexts 

support the integration of San Jacinto’s aboriginal assets and cultural 

history involve in our made or contrived landscape programs is the extent 

to which the area will be seen as unlike anywhere else on earth---truly 

special with its endowed gifts. As with architecture, the extent to which 

our choices include the hum-drum default plantings and commondityscale 

maintenance so ubiquitous across the southern United States is 

the extent to which San Jacinto will be in competition with other areas 

across the country that have made similar expedient choices, its identity 

sublimated to render it invisible. 

HORTICULTURAL PLANTS NATIVE TO SAN JACINTO 

With respect to the inclusion of trees in landscape plantings, a number of 

those native to the San Jacinto area are suitable as street trees, parkway 

trees, or trees in parking lots, provided there is enough room suffi cient 

square-footage of soil for lateral root growth and they are planted in 

contexts that will be out of the way of trampling. Larger trees will require 

a substantially greater unpaved, uncompacted, well-stewarded soil than 

would smaller trees. 

From among the canopy trees, perhaps the ten more evocative of San 

Jacinto, tolerant of a variety of conditions, and relatively free of common 

diseases are Carya illinoensis, Juglans nigra, Magnolia grandifl ora, Pinus 

taeda, Quercus alba, Quercus lyrata, Quercus macrocarpa, Quercus michauxii, 

Quercus shumardii, and Taxodium distichum. 


One might consider the top ten smaller trees of San Jacinto to include Betula 

nigra, Chionanthus virginicus, Cornus fl orida, Crataegus marshallii, Ehretia 

anacua, Ilex opaca, Persea borbonia, Sapindus saponaria, Sassafras albidum, and 

Vaccinium arboreum. 

HORTICULTURAL PLANTS NATIVE TO TEXAS, BUT NOT SAN JACINTO 

The nearby city of Houston considers a number of Texas canopy trees 

as suitable for planting locally along parkways and in parking lots. A 

preponderance of their use can evoke Texas, but will dampen the 

opportunity to enhance and celebrate the uniqueness of San Jacinto. 

Larger trees include: 

Acer barbatum SOUTHERN SUGAR MAPLE 

Acer leucoderme CHALK MAPLE 

Ilexa opaca AMERICAN HOLLY 

Liriodendron tulipifera TULIP TREE 

Nyssa aquatica WATER TUPILO 

Quercus muhlenbergii CHINKAPIN OAK 

Quercus palustris PIN OAK 

Quercus texana TEXAS RED OAK 

Sabal texana TEXAS PALM 

Taxodium mucronatum MONTEZUMA CYPRESS 

Ulmus americana AMERICAN ELM 

Ulmus crassifolia CEDAR ELM 

Smaller trees are: 

Acacia wrightii WRIGHT’S ACACIA 

Aesculus pavia fl avescens YELLOW BUCKEYE 

Aesculua glabra var. arguta WHITE BUCKEYE 

Asimina triloba PAPAW 

Bauhinia congesta ANACACHO ORCHID TREE 

Cercis canadensis var. texensis TEXAS REDBUD 

Cercis canadensis var. mexicana MEXICAN REDBUD 

Cotinus obovatus AMERICAN SMOKE TREE 

Crataegus opaca RIVER-FLAT HAWTHORN 

Crataegus reverchonii REVERCHON’S HAW 

Diospyros texana TEXAS PERSIMMON 

Ehretia anacua KNOCK-AWAY 

Eysenhardtia texana TEXAS KIDNEYWOOD 

Fraxinus texensis TEXAS ASH 

Ilex cassine latifolia DAHOON 

Malus angustifolia NARROW-LEAVED CRAB

Myrica cerifera SOUTHERN WAX MYRTLE 

Parkinsonia aculeata RETAMA 

Pinus elliott ii SLASH PINE 

Prosopis glandulosa HONEY MESQUITE 

Prosopis pubescens SCREWBEAN 

Quercus glaucoides LACEY’S OAK 

Quercus sinuata breviloba BIGELOW’S OAK 

Pistacia texana TEXAS PISTACHIO 

Sophora secundifl ora TEXAS MOUNTAIN LAUREL 

Ungnadia speciosa MEXICAN BUCKEYE 

Zanthoxylum fagara LIME PRICKLY ASH 

Shrubs and woody vines include: 

Agave americana CENTURY PLANT 

Leucophyllum frutescens TEXAS SAGE 

Parthenocissus inserta THICKET CREEPER 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia VIRGINIA CREEPER 

Rhus virens EVERGREEN SUMAC 

Salvia farinacea MEALY CUP SAGE 

Sophora affi nis EVE’S NECKLACE 

Sophora secundifl ora TEXAS MOUNTAIN LAUREL 

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus CORALBERRY 

Vitis cinerea GRAY-BARK GRAPE 

Vitis mustangensis MUSTANG GRAPE 

Vitis rotundifolia MUSCADINE 

Grasses and perennials of ornamental quality include: 

Coreopsis grandifl ora BABY SUN COREOPSIS 

Echinacea purpurea PURPLE CONEFLOWER 

Eragrostis trichodes LARGE-FLOWERED PURPLE LOVEGRASS 

Muhlenbergia lindheimeri LINDHEIMER’S MUHLY 

HORTICULTURAL PLANTS NOT NATIVE TO TEXAS 

Trees not native to Texas, but utilized in landscape plantings locally, 

include the following. In some cases, these species are more suited to 

cultivation in harsh or casually designed and maintained contexts, which 

also means that such areas will hardly be evocative of or emblematic of 

San Jacinto, more evocative of a value system that places litt le interest on 

a pride of place and more emphasis on what is like everywhere else and 

maintainable with minimally skilled practitioners. 

Larger trees include: 

Abies concolor WHITE FIR 

Acer saccharinum SILVER MAPLE 

Acer truncatum SHANTUNG MAPLE 

Araucaria araucana MONKEY PUZZLE TREE 

Calocedrus decurrens INCENSE CEDAR 

Cassia roxburghii CEYLON SENNA 

Castanea sativa SPANISH CHESTNUT 

Casuarina equisetifolia AUSTRALIAN PINE 

Catalpha bignonioides CIGAR TREE 

Cedrus atlantica ATLAS CEDAR 

Cedrus deodar HIMALAYAN CEDAR 

Cedrus libani CEDAR OF LEBANON 

Ceiba speciosa SILK FLOSS TREE 

Chamaecyparis pisifera SAWARA FALSE CYPRESS 

Cryptomeria japonica JAPANESE CEDAR 

Cunninghamia lanceolata CHINA FIR 

x Cupressocyparis leylandii LEYLAND CYPRESS 

Cupressus sempervirens ITALIAN CYPRESS 

Fagus orientalis ORIENTAL BEECH 

Fagus sylvatica EUROPEAN BEECH 

Fraxinus angustifolia NARROW-LEAVED ASH 

Ginkgo biloba GINKGO 

Gymnocladus dioica KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE 

Koelreuteria bipinnata GOLDEN RAIN TREE 

Larix decidua EUROPEAN LARCH 

Metasequoia glyptostroboides DAWN REDWOOD 

Oxydendron arboreum SOURWOOD 

Pandanus utilis SCREW PINE 

Picea abies NORWAY SPRUCE 

Picea pungens COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE 

Pinus glabra SPRUCE PINE 

Pinus nigra AUSTRIAN PINE 

Pinus strobus EASTERN WHITE PINE 

Pinus thunbergii JAPANESE BLACK PINE 

Platanus x acerifolia LONDON PLANETREE 

Platanus mexicana MEXICAN SYCAMORE 

Pseudotsuga menziesii DOUGLAS FIR 

Quercus acutissima SAWTOOTH OAK 

Quercus graciliformis CANBY OAK 


Quercus nutt allii NUTTALL’S OAK 

Quercus polymorpha MONTERREY OAK 

Quercus rhizophylla LOQUAT-LEAVED OAK 

Quercus robur ENGLISH OAK 

Salix babylonica WEEPING WILLOW 

Sabal mexicana MEXICAN PALM 

Spathodea campanulata AFRICAN TULIPTREE 

Syagrus romanzoffi ana QUEEN PALM 

Tamarindus indica TARMARIND 

Taxodium ascendens POND CYPRESS 

Tsuga canadensis EASTERN HEMLOCK 

Tilia americana AMERICAN LINDEN 

Tilia cordata LITTLE-LEAF LINDEN 

Ulmus parvifolia drakei DRAKE ELM 

Ulmus pumila SIBERIAN ELM 

Zelkova serrata JAPANESE ZELKOVA 

Smaller trees not native to Texas can include 

Acer palmatum JAPANESE MAPLE 

Albizzia julibrissin SILK TREE, MIMOSA 

Araucaria bidillii BUNYA BUNYA TREE 

Arbutus unedo STRAWBERRY TREE 

Arbutus menziesii PACIFIC MADRONE 

Bauhinia purpurea PURPLE ORCHID TREE 

Betula pendula EUROPEAN WHITE BIRCH 

Bursera simaruba GUMBO LIMBO 

Butia capitata PINDO PALM 

Chionanthus retusus CHINESE FRINGE TREE 

Cinnamomum camphora CAMPOR TREE 

Citrus maxima PUMMELO 

Citrus reticulata MANDARIN ORANGE 

Cordia boissieri MEXICAN OLIVE 

Cornus kousa KOUSA DOGWOOD 

Cupressus glabra SMOOTH CYPRESS 

Cupressus macrocarpa MONTEREY CYPRESS 

Delonyx regia ROYAL POINCIANA 

Diospyros kaki ORIENTAL PERSIMMON 

Eriobotrya japonica LOQUAT 

Franklinia altamaha FRANKLIN TREE 

Hymenosporum fl avum FRANGIPANI 

Jacaranda mimosifolia JACARANDA 

Lagerstroemia fauriei CRAPE MYRTLE 

Lagerstroemia indica INDIAN CRAPE MYRTLE 

Larix kaempferi JAPANESE LARCH 


Magnolia ashei ASHE’S MAGNOLIA 

Magnolia x soulangiana SAUCER MAGNOLIA 

Magnolia stellata STAR MAGNOLIA 

Magnolia tripetala UMBRELLA MAGNOLIA 

Michelia fi go BANANA SHRUB 

Osmanthus americanus DEVILWOOD 

Parrotia persica PARROTIA 

Persea americana AVACADO TREE 

Phoenix canariensis CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM 

Phoenix dactylifera MEDJOOL DATE PALM 

Pimenta dioica ALSSPICE 

Pistacia chinensis CHINSESE PISTACIO 

Prunus campanulata TAIWAN FLOWERING CHERRY 

Prunus serrula PAPER-BARK CHERRY 

Prunus subhirtella HIGAN CHERRY TREE 

Prunus x yedoensis YOSHINO CHERRY TREE 

Pyrus calleryana BRADFORD PEAR 

Ravenala madagascariensis TRAVELER’S PALM 

Robinia pseudo-acacia BLACK LOCUST 

Sapium sebiferum CHINESE TALLOW 

Tabebuia chrysotricha GOLDEN TRUMPET TREE 

Vitex agnus-castus CHASTE TREE 

Washingtonia rubusta MEXICAN FAN PALM 

Locally hardy woody shrubs, vines, perennials, and groundcover species 

not native to Texas, but hardy in the area include. 

Abelia x grandifl ora GLOSSY ABELIA 

Aspidastra elatior CAST IRON 

Bambus spp. BAMBOO 

Brunfelsia paucifl ora YESTERDAY-TODAY-&-TOMORROW 

Bulbine frutesescens AFRICAN BULBINE 

Buxus microphylla var. japonica JAPANESE BOXWOOD 

Camellia japonica CAMELLIA 

Cassia corymbosa FLOWERING SENNA 

Colocasia esculenta CALADIUM 

Cotinus coggigrya SMOKE TREE 

Cuphea ignea FIRECRAKER PLANT 

Cycas revoluta SAGO PALM 

Elaeagnus pungens THORNY ELAEAGNUS 

Euonymus fortunei WINTER CREEPER 

Euonymus japonica DWARF EUONYMUS 

Feijoa sellowiana PINEAPPLE GUAVA 

Ficus pumila CREEPING FIG

Gardenia jasminoides DWARD GARDENIA 

Hedera helix ENGLISH IVY 

Ilex cornuta DWARF HOLLY 

Ilex crenata JAPANESE HOLLY 

Ipomoea pes-caprae GOAT’S FOOT MORNING GLORY 

Jasminum mesnyi PRIMROSE JASMINE 

Lantana camara WEST INDIAN LANTANA 

Lantana montevidensis WEEPING LANTANA 

Lantana urticoides 

Leucothoe populifolia POPLAR-LEAVED HEATHER 

Ligustrum japonicum WAX-LEAVED PRIVET 

Liriope gigantea AZTEC GRASS 

Liriope muscari LILYTURF 

Lonicera japonica JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE 

Mahonia trifoliolata AGARITA 

Malvaviscus arboreus TURK’S CAP 

Monstera deliciosa BREADFRUIT VINE 

Nandina domestica NANDINA 

Nerium oleander DWARD OLEANDER 

Ophiopogon japonicus MONDO GRASS 

Parthenocissus tricuspidata BOSTON IVY 

Peltophorum pterocarpum YELLOW POINCIANA 

Pennisetum setaceum PURPLE FOUNTAIN GRASS 

Photinia x fraseri FRASER’S PHOTINIA 

Pinus mugo SWISS MOUNTAIN PINE 

Pitt osporum tobira PITTOSPORUM 

Podocarpus macrophyllus JAPANESE YEW 

Punica grantum POMEGRANATE 

Pyracantha coccinea SCARLET FIRE THORN 

Pyracantha koidzumii JAPANESE FIRE THORN 

Rhaphiolepis indica INDIAN HAWTHORN 

Rhus typhina STAGHORN SUMAC 

Rosa bracteata MACARTNEY ROSE 

Rosa laevigata CHEROKEE ROSE 

Rosmarina offi cinalis ROSEMARY 

Ruellia britt oniana KATIE RUELLIA 

Spiraea x bumalda RED SPIRAEA 

Ternstroemia gymnanthera CLYCERA 

Trachelospermum asiaticum ASIATIC JASMINE 

Trachelospermum jasminoides CONFEDERATE JASMINE 

Viburnum obovatum WALTER’S VIBURNUM 

Vinca major VINCA 

Wedelia texana HAIRY WEDELIA 

Xylosma congestum BRUSH HOLLY 

Yucca fi lamentosa ADAM’S NEEDLE PALM 

Yucca treculeana SPANISH DAGGER 

The turf grasses, Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Bahia (Paspalum 

notatum) do not require anywhere near so much water as St. Augustine 

Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and are more able to sustain a traditional 

weft than Zoysia (Zoysia japonica). For a litt le fuller, less mowed look in 

semi-shade, Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina) is available. In areas with full 

sun and dry soil, Buff alo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides) can be nursed into a 

fi ne full weft that requires no irrigation; it is native to Texas, and possibly 

grew in the San Jacinto area at one time. 

The southern tip of Texas, near the mouth of the Rio Grande could be 

construed as subtropical insofar as plant hardiness. San Jacinto is 

unambiguously situated in the northern districts of Zone 9, which can 

be characterized as humid-south temperate. If, however, there is an 

interest to create a tropical sett ing with trees, but litt le interest in winter 

greenhouse storage and heavy watering, there are a few trees that can give 

the impression of the topics, at least in the minds of those who have never 

been there. Perhaps the more evocative of such trees hardy in the San 

Jacinto province are characterized by the palms and fl owering trees with 

broad, evergreen leaves or fern-like leaves with showy fl owers. With lots 

of room for argument, a “top 10” list might include the following: Pindo 

Palm (Butia capitata), Mexican Olive (Cordia boissieri), Southern Magnolia 

(Magnolia grandifl ora), Avacado Tree (Persea americana), Mexican Palm 

(Sabal mexicana), Texas Palm (Sabal texana), African Tuliptree (Spathodia 

campanulata), Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffi ana), and Tamarind 

(Tamarindus indica). 


APPENDIX C - BIKEWAY PLANS 

Appendix C presents Bikeway Plans for Harris, Chambers, & Brazoria Counties. 


Waller 

Waller County 

Fort Bend County 

36 

90A 

529 

Katy 


36 

290 

Cinco Ranch 

10 

99 

90A 

Montgomery County 

Mission Bend 

Tomball 

Houston 

249 

Jersey Village 

Hilshire Village 

Spring Valley 

Hedwig Village 

Hunters Creek Village 

Bunker Hill Village 

Piney Point Village 

Westwood 

Aldine 

Northside 

Montrose 

45 

Downtown 10 

527 

Woodlake/Briarmeadow 

Gulfton 

Third 

Ward 

West University Place 

Sharpstown 

Bellaire 

Southside Place 

Stafford 

Missouri City 

6 

45 

610 

Pearland 

288 

R 

Spring 

Magnolia Park 

Eastwood/Lawndale 

Pecan Park 

Brazoria County 

Humble 


South Houston 

35 

59 

Atascocita 

BELTWAY 

8 

Cloverleaf 

Galena Park 

225 

FARM 

1960 

ROAD 

Pasadena 

Friendswood 

League City 

Channelview 

Sheldon 

Deer Park 

Galveston County 

Webster 

Highlands 

134 

Nassau Bay 

Crosby 

90 

Barrett 

La Porte 

Morgan's Point 

146 

Shoreacres 

Taylor Lake Village 

Seabrook 

El Lago 

3 

Liberty County 

330 

201 

321 

Baytown 

Chambers County 

146 

146 

BIKEWAY FACILITIES 

HARRIS COUNTY 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 

H-GAC PEDESTRIAN-BICYCLE SPECIAL DISTRICTS 

CITY, TOWN OR PLACE 

COUNTY BOUNDARY 

MAJOR ROAD OR HIGHWAY 

WATERWAY 

www.h-gac.com/pedbike 

SHARE THE ROAD SIGNS 

SIGNED SHARED ROADWAY 

SIGNED SHOULDER BIKE ROUTE 

SHARED-USE PATH / TRAIL 

BIKE LANE 





BIKE LANE 

REGIONAL BIKEWAY PLAN 

IDENTIFIED BIKEWAY NEEDS 

0 5 MI 

0 5 KM 

Data Sources: Houston Energy Corridor Management District, 

City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control 

Harris County Public Infrastructure, H-GAC 

Map Source: H-GAC, September 2007

KENNINGS RD 

BARBERS HILL RD 

SH 330 

OLD HWY 146 

HANEY RD 

BATTLEBELL RD 

WADE RD 

CAROLINE 

E IH 10 

DECKER DR 

PARK ST 

E MAIN ST 

SH 3 HWY 

TODVILLE RD 

SH 146 

MARKET ST 

PORT RD 

FM 3436 

SH 146 HWY 

FM 646 

FM 517 

BAKER RD 

FM 1942 

E WALLISVILLE RD 

W ARCHER RD 

Harris County 

W MAIN ST 

N HUMBLE CAMP RD 

3 

ROLLINGBROOK DR 

HUMBLE CAMP RD 

LEE DR 

Liberty County 

N PRUETT ST 

S SH 146 

N MAIN ST 

E FM 517 

HADDEN RD 

SH 146 HWY N 

SJOLANDER RD 

E ARCHER RD 

BARKALOO RD 

N ALEXANDER DR 

E TEXAS AVE 

W BAYS HORE DR 

27TH ST 

CROSBY CEDAR BAYOU RD 

WARD RD 

N SH 146 

E BAYSHORE DR 

BROADWAY ST 

9TH ST 

SH 146 HWY S 

146 

Baytown 

Old River-Winfree 

Mont Belvieu 

FM 1409 

Beach City 

Cove 

10 

Galveston County 

FM 563 

Anahuac 

61 

US 61 HWY 

SH 87 HWY 

87 

FM 1410 

65 

Stowell 

SH 124 HWY 

73 

Winnie 

124 


CHAMBERS COUNTY 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 





WATERWAY 






BIKE LANE 





BIKE LANE 



Data Sources: Chambers County, H-GAC 

Map Source: H-GAC, September 2007 

0 5 MI 

0 5 KM 


90A 

RANDON SCHOOL RD 

DAILY RD 

SPUR 540 

EHLERT RD 

SPUR 10 

BLASE RD 

MEYER RD 

THUESEN RD 

MUECK RD 

MOODY RD 

FM 360 

36 

BAKER RD 

SH 36 W 

US 90A W 

HARTLEDGE 

FINNEY VALLET RD 

BUSHNELL RD 

PLEASANT RD 

FOSTER SCHOOL 

BEADLE RD 

KUNZ RD 

529 

WILLIAMS SCHOOL RD 

FM 1236 

HURTA RD 

GERKEN RD 

BAND RD 

FENSKE LN 

FM 442 

CR 647 


FM 723 

AVE H 

1ST ST 

CR 522 

AVE I 

AIRPORT AVE 

FM 361 

JESKE RD 

PADON RD 

VRLLA RD 

FM 2218 

NEEDVILLE FAIRCHILD RD 

SH 36 S 

FM 1301 

JACKSON 

FM 2977 

KOEBLEN RD 

POWER LINE RD 

JANDA RD 

LANE DR 

LAMAR DR 

BRYAN RD 

ROESLER RD 

DIPPLE RD 

ZAMANEK RD 

90A 

59 

WOLFGANG RD 

BAREK RD 

FM 359 

FM 1994 

Damon 

FM 524 

CR 321 

RANSOM RD 

BOOTHLINE RD 

CR 4 

FM 762 

US 90A E 

CR 5 

S US 59 

RICEFIELD RD 

HUGHES RD 

KOCUREK RD 

CR 359 

SH 36 

FM 1459 

CR 332 

BEARD RD 

CR 15 

FM 1464 

FM 1462 

99 

FM 2759 

CR 450 

CR 23 

59 

CR 18 

CR 353 

West Columbia 

Wild Peach 

Village 

Sweeny Brazoria 

CR 809 

US 90A 

SMITHERS LAKE RD 

DAVIS ESTATE 

G DUTY RD 

RYCADE SCHOOL RD 

N COLUMBIA DR 

FM 2852 

FM 522 

CR 334 

CR 344 

ELKINS RD 

AUSTIN PKWY 

COW CREEK RD 

CR 348 

SAWMILL RD 

CR 347 

CR 506 

CR 316 

CR 25 

DULLES AVE 

OIL FIELD RD 

GUBBELS RD 

THOMPSON OIL FIELD RD 

FM 1092 

CR 510 

CR 42 

5TH ST 

Holiday Lakes 

Bailey's Prairie 

36 

CR 310 

TEXAS PKWY 

GLENN LAKES DR 

SH 332 

CR 314 

SIENNA PKWY 

FM 2611 

CR 306 

FM 2918 

FM 655 

SH 332 W 

W FUQUA ST 

S BW 8 W 

SH 6 

MILLER RD 

FM 521 

W FM 1462 

COURT RD 

MC HARD RD 

TRAMMEL FRESNO RD 

CR 34 

Bonney 

CR 30 

Lake Jackson 

CR 400 

CR 44 

CR 290 

332 

Jones Creek 

CR 56 

CR 45 

288 

SH 288B 

CR 59 

SH 288 

288 

CR 48 

CR 58 

Iowa Colony 

CR 220 

CR 288 

CR 65 

CR 60 

Angleton 

FM 523 

CR 543 

CR 101 

Manvel 

CR 121 

CR 46 

Richwood 

CR 90 

CR 47 

CULLEN BLVD 

Clute 

CR 89 

Brookside Village 

BROADWAY ST 

FM 1128 

CR 33 

CR 511 

CR 213 

FM 2004 

CR 226 

SH 332 E 

Freeport 

E FM 1462 

35 

CR 98 

Danbury 

CR 100 

CR 99 

CR 190 

CR 171 

Pearland 

SH 35 

Quintana 

CR 143 

CR 192 

S BW 8 E 

Alvin 

CR 172 

CR 144 

W SH 6 

Liverpool 

CR 210 

CR 227 

CR 208 

Oyster Creek 

E BROADWAY 

MAIN ST 

CR 128 

MC KEEVER RD SH 96 HWY 

COEN RD 

DALLAS ST 

POST RD 

CR 57 

SPUR 300 

JIMMY PHILLIPS BLVD 

ALMEDA RD 

BULLARD RD 

CR 64 

AIRLINE RD S 

CR 51 

LOOP 274 

N VELASCO ST 

CR 219 

FM 2234 

S VELASCO ST 

OLD AIRLINE RD 

CR 687 

CR 81 

CR 428 

CR 67 

CR 403 

CLARK RD 

S BRAZOSPORT BLVD 

BISSELL RD 

SPUR 28 

N GULF BLVD 

MANVEL RD 

OILFIELD RD 

FM 1495 

MYKAWA RD 

W BROADWAY 

S MAIN ST 

CR 191 

CR 529 

CR 145 

FM 2403 

S SH 35 

Surfside Beach 

N SH 35 

S GORDON ST 

LOOP 409 

CR 127 

CR 129 

CR 424 

CR 197 

CR 203 

SCARSDALE BLVD 

DIXIE FARM RD 

S BYPASS 35 

Hillcrest 

CR 169 

CR 155 

FM 2917 

E SH 6 

FM 1959 

BEAMER RD 

W PARKWOOD AVE 

FM 2351 

CR 257 

ALGOA FRNDSWD RD 

GALVESTON RD 

FM 528 

S IH 45 

W FM 518 

W FM 517 

SH 6 HWY 

BAY AREA BLVD 

SH 3 

CEMETERY RD 

NASA PKWY 

IH 45 S 

FM 270 

N FM 646 

TEXAS AVE 

SH 3 HWY 

W FM 646 

FM 1764 

S FM 646 

KIRBY 

FM 2094 

E FM 518 

S FM 270 

DEATS RD 

IH 45 N 

6 

FM 1266 

SH 146 

146 

E FM 646 

E FM 517 

45 

FM 518 

CENTURY BLVD 

3 

2ND ST 

TODVILLE RD 

FM 646 

DELANEY RD 

SH 146 HWY 

FM 3436 

FM 517 

N HUMBLE CAMP RD 

SH 3 HWY N 

N AMBURN RD 

FAIRWOOD RD 

FM 1765 

CEDAR DR 

SAN LUIS PASS RD 

SH 146 HWY N 

25TH AVE N 

MAIN 

E BAYSHORE DR 

146 

SH 146 HWY S 

25TH ST N 

IH 45 

LOOP 197 S 

STEWART RD 

14TH ST N 


BRAZORIA COUNTY 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 





WATERWAY 






BIKE LANE 





BIKE LANE 



Data Sources: Brazoria County 

City of Lake Jackson, H-GAC 

Map Source: H-GAC, September 2007 

0 5 MI 

0 5 KM


APPENDIX D - TEXAS TOOLBOX 

Appendix D presents economic development tools for Texas communities. Assembled by Knudson, LP. 

Due to the sheer magnitude of the 280,000 acre San Jacinto Texas Historic 

District, one size cannot fi t all when it comes to implementating these 

standards. It is critical that each community and organization undertaking 

projects identify implementation tools that will best work with community 

policies and that can leverage tax dollars and funding from other sources. 

Proactive roles in adopting an economic development plan may include 

the use of current enabling legislation that allows the county and cities to 

use the tools presented here individually or, in the event that one tool is 

insuffi cient to carry out the expectations of the public, in combination. 

Economic incentives can be off ered to help fund private sector 

development while helping to achieve the public vision. These ‘publicprivate 

partnerships’ should include transparency in sharing development 

proforma and budgets with all parties. Other partnerships include 

public to public partnerships, county to city partnerships, Economic 

Development Corporation to city partnerships, as well as other agency 

public to public partnerships that can strengthen initiatives, reduce 

risk, and help implement a common vision. 

A wide range of tools and economic incentives provide opportunities 

that can create fi nancing for beautifi cation and revitalization. However, 

implementors should always consider the market forces critical to any 

redevelopment strategy, as these incentives are meant to supplement 

local funding and fi nancing. 


Tools to consider for the San Jacinto Texas Historic District include: 

4A Sales Tax: cities located in a county with a population of less than 

500,000 may impose the 4A sales tax if the new combined local sales tax 

rate would not exceed 2 percent. Some cities located in Harris County may 

also use 4A for economic development eff orts, but eligibility varies from 

county to county. For information on eligible cities call the Comptroller’s 

Local Government Assistance section (800.531.5441 ext 3-4679.) 

4B Sales Tax: 4B sales tax requires an election and can be created in ¼ 

cent increments up to ½ cent. This tool can be used to leverage municipal 

bond fi nancing. Cities are eligible to adopt the 4B sales tax if the combined 

local sales tax rate would not exceed 2 percent. 

Neighborhood Empowerment Zone: this overlay zone allows cities to 

provide incentives for property improvements aligned with the objectives 

of an approved Plan. This 10-year zone can be structured to reimburse 

property owners through revenues generated by sales, real property, and 

personal property tax revenues. For example if a business implements a 

$100,000 façade/parking lot improvement, the city can reimburse all or a 

part of that investment for a period of 10 years from taxes generated from 

that property. 

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone: this designation provides incentives 

to property owners making investments and improvements and is 

reimbursed through sales and real property taxes. Most TIRZs are 

structured for 20 year or longer. This tool would be more useful if it 

covered a larger geographical area, as it could take as long as 20 to 30 

years to fi nance improvements such as relocating/burying overheard 

power lines or making major infrastructure enhancements. 


Chapter 380/381 Development Agreements: this project specifi c tool is a 

contract between a developer and the city or county that is structured like a 

TIRZ but can also include other concessions such as gifts of right-of-way. 

Management Districts: this tool works well for multiple property owners 

seeking project funding for improvements, maintenance, management, 

promotions, and capital costs. It is an overlapping tax or assessment 

depending on how it is structured. While the enabling legislation provides for 

creation through the TCEQ, most Management Districts are created by special 

legislation, which allows cities to specify District powers. 

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): these grants fund local 

community development activities such as aff ordable housing, anti-poverty 

programs, and infrastructure development. CDBG, like other block grant 

programs, diff er from categorical grants in that they are subject to less federal 

oversight and are largely used at the discretion of state and local governments 

and their grantees. 

Hotel Occupancy Taxes: tax imposed on a hotel room or space costing $15 or 

more per night. Local hotel taxes apply to sleeping rooms costing $2 or more 

each day.

Fiscal Tools 

Fiscal Tool Project Type Authority 

Tax Increment Reinvestment 

Zone (TIRZ) 

Public Improvement Districts 

(PID) 

Public improvements to promote new development or re-development 

of specifi c area designated as TIRZ. 

City Council, Chapter 311, Tax Code 

Public improvements in a specifi c area designated as PID. City Council, Chapter 372 Local Govt. 

Code 

Management Districts (MD) Public improvements in a specifi c area designated as MD. Special Legislation/ TNRCC 

Tax Abatement New business generation, business retention City Council, Chapter 312, Tax Code 

4A, 4B Sales Tax Projects promoting job creation or general quality of life improvements Voter Approval City Council 

Neighborhood Empower- Revitalization, relocation, job creation, job retention, and aff ordable City Council, Chapter 378 Local Govt. 

ment Zones 

housing 

Code 

Community Development Infrastructure, social programs, aff ordable housing and economic de- City Council 

Block Grants 

velopment programs 

Municipal Economic Devel- Programs to promote business development, commercial activity to City Council, Chapter 380 Local Govt. 

opment Grants and Loans promote local economic development 

Code 

Crime Control Districts Law enforcement related programs, community crime prevention strat- Voter approved, Chapter 363 Local 

egies, treatment and prevention, and court and prosecution services Government Code 

Hotel Occupancy Taxes Programs or projects to promote tourism and the convention and hotel City Council, Chapter 351, Tax Code; Commis- 

industry 

sioners Court, Chapter 352, Tax 

Code 

Local Government Corpora- May facilitate public ownership; not subject to public bidding require- By petition, Texas Transportation Code, 

tionsments 

Chapter 431 


Regulatory Tools 

Regulatory Tools Powers Authority 

Change of Comprehensive Plan Zoning, urban design, housing, transportation, and other 

components can be changed to refl ect new longterm goals 

Change of Zoning District Enabling legislation allowing municipalities to regulate land 

use, density, building bulk, building location on a lot, etc. 

Overlay District Allows for additional zoning requirements to be overlaid on 

existing zoning 

Planned Unit Development Allows for deviation from development regulations in exchange 

for higher-quality development 

Change in Building Code Allows for changes to local building code to protect public 

health, safety, etc. 


City Council, Local Government Code, Chapter 

213.003 

City Council, Local Government Code, Chapter 211 


211.005 


211.005 

By local amendment

design elements - San Jacinto Texas Historic District

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