“The Gateway Plaza project will serve as an official entrance for Miller Outdoor Theatre, signaling to visitors, ‘You’re here. You’ve arrived. This is your arts home,'” de Vasco said.<\/p>\n
About the project<\/p>\n
When reflecting on what the next 100 years would look like for the venue, de Vasco said the advisory board decided to focus on projects that would improve visitors\u2019 experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw areas that flooded after light rain, pads that were too narrow for crowds or for our teams driving utility vehicles into the park safely,\u201d de Vasco said. \u201cWe saw families struggling with strollers on the pathways or folks with mobility needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Gateway Plaza will be the first project to address these needs and make the grounds more accessible. Additionally, the plaza will feature three large sculptural structures that resemble birds to create shaded areas, de Vasco said.<\/p>\n
Funds for the project were raised through the support of donors and the theater’s 100th Anniversary Campaign Cabinet. Construction will begin shortly, and de Vasco said the project will continue through the summer of 2026.<\/p>\n
![\"Mayor](\"https:\/\/communityimpact.com\/uploads\/images\/2025\/11\/13\/395724.jpg\")
Mayor Whitmire and council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. (Roo Moody\/Community Impact)<\/p>\n
More details<\/p>\n
Several local government officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire and council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz.<\/p>\n
Evans-Shabazz is the representative for District D and recalls visiting Miller Outdoor Theatre while growing up in Houston\u2019s Third Ward. She spoke at the ceremony about the importance of preserving and improving the venue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe signature project of Miller’s 100th anniversary capital campaign represents not only an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in access, equity and legacy preservation,\u201d Evans-Shabazz said. \u201cThis is about ensuring … that students, artists and visitors continue to experience the magic, the magic of Miller Outdoor Theater for the next 100 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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