What began as a marketing exercise in 2005 to brand the area east of downtown Houston with a name that would herald its arrival has caught on—much like the place itself.
“For every person who doesn’t like the name EaDo, 10 people do,” says Anton Sinkewich, executive director of the East Downtown Management District.
A triangle demarcated by U.S. Highway 59, Interstate 45 and the HB&T rail line, EaDo is a stone’s throw from the George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green. It used to be heavily industrial, but is increasingly becoming more residential and entertainment oriented. The former home of Houston’s Chinatown before many Asians moved their businesses to the southwest, EaDo still reflects this heritage.
About 3,000 people live here, many of whom are young professionals and empty nesters according to Sinkewich, who also cites the multi-generational appeal and walkability of the area as big draws. There are nearly 100 new housing units under construction with more on the way.
“It’s an interesting neighborhood,” says Sinkewich. “A game changer for the area will be the Metro Light Rail extension.”
