Downtown Houston Garage Demolition Brings Traffic Changes

Avenida South Garage to be torn down, new 1,000-space garage planned

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring a repeated icon of a parking garage structure in a grid pattern, rendered in a high-contrast silkscreen style with vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the changes to downtown Houston's parking and transportation landscape.The demolition of a downtown Houston parking garage signals changes to the city's infrastructure and the need for creative solutions to maintain access and mobility.Houston Today

The Avenida South Garage in downtown Houston is being demolished starting May 4, with the skybridge between the garage and George R. Brown Convention Center coming down on April 20. Several streets and paths will be closed during the demolition, and all cars must be out of the garage by 5 p.m. on May 3 or they may be towed. A new 1,000-space garage is being built at Bell and Chenevert streets to replace the Avenida South Garage.

Why it matters

The demolition of the Avenida South Garage will significantly impact traffic and parking in downtown Houston, as it is a major parking facility serving the convention center and nearby attractions. The changes will require commuters and visitors to adjust their routes and find alternative parking options during the construction period.

The details

The skybridge between the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center and the Avenida South Garage will be removed on April 20. After that, the garage itself will officially start coming down on May 4. All cars must be out of the Avenida South Garage by 5 p.m. on May 3, or they may be towed. Several streets and paths will be closed during the demolition, including Polk Street between Chartres and Jackson Street, and Avenida de las Americas between McKinney and Lamar, which will only be open for Hilton valet drivers.

  • The skybridge between the GRB and the Avenida South Garage will be removed on April 20.
  • You cannot park in the Avenida South Garage after midnight on May 3.
  • All cars must be out of the Avenida South Garage by 5 p.m. on May 3.
  • The Avenida South Garage will officially start being demolished on May 4.

The players

Avenida South Garage

A parking garage in downtown Houston that is being demolished to make way for a new 1,000-space garage.

George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center

A major convention center in downtown Houston that is connected to the Avenida South Garage by a skybridge.

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What’s next

A new 1,000-space garage is being built at Bell and Chenevert streets to replace the Avenida South Garage, and it is expected to be completed by early fall.

The takeaway

The demolition of the Avenida South Garage will significantly impact traffic and parking in downtown Houston, requiring commuters and visitors to adjust their routes and find alternative parking options during the construction period. The changes are necessary to make way for a new, larger garage that will serve the convention center and surrounding area.