Study finds Buffalo Bayou redevelopment quadrupled businesses in the area

$15m was spent on the improvements including a

a new 5-foot-wide asphalt trail for runners. $15m was spent on the improvements including a

a new 5-foot-wide asphalt trail for runners. Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close Study finds Buffalo Bayou redevelopment quadrupled businesses in the area 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

The $15 million redevelopment of Buffalo Bayou led to a fourfold increase in the number of business in the area, according to a landscape architecture study from UT-Arlington.

The bayou improvements completed in 2006 reclaimed space under the freeway, hike and bike trails were built, footbridges crossing the water, lighting as well as a huge amount of green space cleared.

Since then, the study says, employment in the area went up as did the number of businesses - from 54 to 236. Total retail sales in the area also jumped from $10,467,000 to $57,281,000, according to the report.

There were also environmental benefits for the city. The study estimate that the more than 600 newly planted trees remove around 29 tons of carbon dioxide from the air.

The study found that these trees also alleviate flooding by intercepting nearly 340,000 gallons of stormwater runoff.

A survey of 99% of park users said the park improved their quality of life by giving them a place to run or bike or walk their dog or just by giving them somewhere to be outside so reducing stress.

The survey also showed that 66% of park users felt safe in the park because of adequate lighting and layout of planting in the park.