The Boulevard Project

Over time, the City of Houston recognized the need to provide drainage improvements to alleviate flooding due to insufficient pipe capacity in the River Oaks neighborhood. In July 2002, Phase I of the Kirby Drive storm sewer relief project was launched with its focus along Kirby Drive.

In 2009, Phase II of the project commenced and the project area was generally bounded by River Oaks Boulevard, Westheimer Road, Kirby Drive and Inwood Drive. River Oaks Boulevard was demolished to make way for the new storm sewers and other infrastructure.

Now ten years later, the River Oaks Foundation is committed to the beautification of our signature Boulevard and has launched a campaign to fund the improvements to the esplanades and provide long-term maintenance funds.

Our goal is to honor our founders’ vision and restore the Boulevard to its historic role as the exemplary design element in the original landscape plan.

• The Boulevard esplandades will finally be restored and planted to reaffirm the original historic design.
• Moss Landscaping will design and develop the esplanades, embracing the original use of grass, low hedges and roses.
• The esplanades are positioned from River Oaks Country Club to Inwood Drive, Del Monte Drive, Chevy Chase Drive, San Felipe Road, Huntingdon Place, Avalon Place, Ella Lee Lane, and Reba Drive.
• The plan includes low hedges, knock out roses and brick end caps.
• Zoysia grass, known for its density and evergreen color, will carpet the esplanades, providing an easy to maintain landscape.

We began construction on three of the nine esplanades in April 2020. With more fundraising, we hope to complete the remaining esplanades within the next year.