$1,724,574 was granted to fund building repairs and improvements to the historic Dow School building, which houses MECA, a cultural community center that provides arts and cultural programming and support to Houston’s Old Sixth Ward Historic District neighborhood and surrounding communities. The building was damaged during Hurricane Harvey when significant amounts of rain water leaked through the roof and flooded the basement and several classrooms. Funds will support building repair and restoration, including renovation of MECA’s theater as well as the installation of an elevator. The grant will also provide 16 three-year arts education scholarships to MECA students whose families are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Status: Renovations are partially complete. The theater renovation and elevator installation are scheduled to be substantially completed by March 31, 2024. All scholarships have been awarded.

As of March 2023, 52% of funds have been disbursed.