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Revitalization of Fifth Ward's DeLuxe Theater Recognized as a 'Success Story'
The federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has named the DeLuxe Theater one of its "Section 106 Success Stories" and highlights what can be accomplished when community partners work to save historically significant structures.
 
The historic Fifth Ward DeLuxe Theater was the first movie theater opened for African-Americans in Houston and served the community for almost 30 years. The original theater closed in 1969, and the space was then used to host one of the city's first interracial art exhibits under the Menil Foundation. After that ended in 1973 the theater sat vacant for 40 years before the City of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation teamed up to renovate the historic structure using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
 
The rejuvenated DeLuxe Theater now hosts a 125 seat theater, with spaces available for education or community programs.
 
Section 106 refers to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act which requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects on the historic properties being renovated. This process lead to the decision to save the shell of the theater and a storefront next door to create a culture and arts center for the surrounding community.
2016 PSEFI Workshop Was a Success!
 
Workshop presenters and participants pose for a photo.
 
  
Each year in October, the Planning Department participates in the annual Profession Surveyors Educational Foundation, Inc. (PSEFI) Workshop on platting. This year's external training session and professional development event went into depth on platting topics, relevant to the land planners, surveyors, and civil engineering consultants who regularly submit plats via Plat Tracker.
 
The 2016 PSEFI closing session focused on flooding and drainage, with guest presentations by Harris County Flood Control District, and Stephen C. Costello, Chief Resiliency Officer of the City of Houston.

According to Teresa Geisheker, the event's coordinator and emcee: "This external training workshop averages over 100 attendees yearly. The high percentage of repeat participants validates the effort of many staffers, to produce this timely and very relevant training event."

Proposed Dowling Street Name Change Updates
As a pilot project for Ch. 41 changes, the City of Houston is considering a proposal to rename Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. Informational community meetings were held in September, and other community engagement initiatives are ongoing in October. Public comment was received at the Houston Planning Commission on October 13, with a hearing on October 27 that ended with an unanimous vote to recommend the name be changed. Ultimately, City Council will decide on the proposal. This street name change would correspond to significant Emancipation Park renovations and civic reinvestment. Please visit www.houstonplanning.com for further details.

P&D Gives Back Through the Coordinated Campaign
 
Every year in October, City of Houston employees come together by department and work to raise money for various charities. This year the Planning and Development Department had a goal of $12,000, but together raised over $14,000! P&D employees participated in a variety of events to raise the money to benefit Autism Speaks, Make A Wish Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project.