Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | January 2024

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Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10 JAN. 10FEB. 8, 2024

2024 Annual Community Guide

The future of I45

The $9 billion North Houston Highway Improvement Project will involve redesigning parts of the road infrastructure in Downtown Houston.

COURTESY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Construction to start in 2024 on downtown elements of I45 expansion project

process that is already underway. While the $9.7 billion project has been touted by TxDOT as a way to improve safety and congestion, it has drawn opposition from community groups.

The project, with elements under construction as far out as 2038, would revamp the downtown road network while adding lanes to the city’s major north-south highway corridor. It requires the demolition of hundreds of homes and businesses, a

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

The Texas Department of Transportation could kick o construction in 2024 on a massive I-45 expansion project that runs from the northern stretch of Beltway 8 through Downtown Houston.

CONTINUED ON 12

Also in this issue

Impacts: 11th Street eatery pays homage to Heights (Page 6)

Transportation: Safety tweaks made on Houston Avenue (Page 9)

Government: Whitmire wins Houston’s mayoral runo (Page 14)

Annual Community Guide: Snapshot of local area (Page 16)

2024 Annual Community Guide Sponsors

• HCA Houston ER 24/7

• Legacy Community Health

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Jay McMahon General Manager

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Shawn Arrajj Senior Editor

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

• Opening fall 2024 • 2124 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston • www.instagram.com/pizzaplacehtx

W. 25TH ST.

22ND ST.

290

610

20TH ST.

7 Dogtopia The dog wellness brand will offer day care, overnight services and spa services under the supervision of trained coaches. • Opening mid-January • 2311 Washington Ave., Houston • www.dogtopia.com 8 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The new 36,000-square-foot clinic will accommodate up to 18 providers across internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics. Specialty services will include dermatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, orthopedics and optometry. Patients will also be able to access an on-site pharmacy, laboratory and radiology services. • Opening fall 2024 9 The St. Regis Residences The Houston-based commercial real estate firm Satya is teaming up with Marriott International on a new 35-story condominium project. Amenities will include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a cognac room, a children’s activity center, a pet spa, a boardroom and a business center. Details on the number of residences and square footage will be released in early 2024. • Opening in 2027 • 100 Asbury Place, Houston • www.satyainc.com • 3102 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.kelsey-seybold.com

W. 18TH ST.

11B

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

W. 11TH ST.

WHITE OAK DR.

W. 6TH ST.

WHITE OAK PARK

WASHINGTON AVE.

TAYLOR ST.

MEMORIAL PARK

SAWYER ST.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU

P K

610

W. GRAY ST.

SAN JACINTO ST.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

11A

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

RICHMOND AVE.

Expansions

frescas, and Mexican and craft beer. • Opening spring 2024 • 2345 Mid Lane, Houston • www.littlerey.com

Now open

10 Dogtopia A location of Dogtopia on Waugh Drive reopened Dec. 18 with new facilities and increased capacity. Run by local entrepreneur Amber Woods, Dogtopia offers daycare, overnight care and spa services. • Reopened Dec. 18 • 1315 Waugh Drive, Houston • www.dogtopia.com

1 Tanishq The luxury Indian jewelry brand made its Texas debut. The Houston location spans 3,800 square feet and offers more than 2,000 unique designs in 18- and 22-karat gold and diamond jewelry, solitaires, and colored stones. • Opened Nov. 29 2 Sloomoo Institute This experiential destination offers multisensory play through handcrafted, artisanal slime. The 23,000 square feet of space features installations meant to engage the senses of sight, touch, smell and sound. Tickets for entry start at $39 and include a do-it- yourself slime kit to take home. • Opened Dec. 9 • 7620 Katy Freeway, Ste. 360, Houston • www.sloomooinstitute.com • 2335 Post Oak Blvd., Houston • www.facebook.com/tanishqusa

4 Wag’n World The new Heights location will be double the size of the company’s Montrose facility, with kennel space for more than 170 dogs. The 13,200-square-foot, two-story facility will include expanded grooming facilities and 9,000 square feet of outside play facilities. • Opening in January • 1616 W. 22nd St., Houston • www.wagnworld.com 5 Hush Hush Tan The new salon boasts safer and healthier spray tan practices, which company officials attribute to the business’ development of its own, all-natural tanning solution. Hush Hush Tan will feature six private tanning areas where customers can receive consultations to develop a personalized plan. • Opening January 2024 • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 128, Houston • www.hushhushtan.com 6 The Pizza Place From the owners of The Burger Joint and The Taco Stand, this new concept will offer housemade pizzas, pastas, salads and gelatos. Pizzas will be cooked in under five minutes in a Fiero Forni gas/wood oven.

In the news

11 HCA Houston Healthcare The health care brand purchased 11 area locations formerly operated by SignatureCare Emergency Centers on Dec. 1, including locations in Montrose and the Heights. The newly acquired locations will provide emergency care, clinical laboratory services, cardiac monitoring, overnight observation and telemedicine.

• A 3209 Montrose Blvd., Houston • B 1925 E. T C Jester Blvd., Houston • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

Coming soon

12 Gitano Capital Gitano Capital signed a lease at a 1920s former church building on Westheimer Road. A name was not given for the forthcoming concept, which will open in 2025, but officials said in will feature upscale Japanese food. • 1658 Westheimer Road, Houston • A phone number or website is not yet available.

3 Little Rey The menu at the fast-casual, Northern Mexico-inspired chain will feature wood-roasted chicken al carbon dishes along with traditional street-style tacos, salads and fresh salsas served with handmade tortillas. Drink options will include margaritas, housemade agua

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

13 Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Memorial Plaza Ground broke Dec. 18 on a new memorial plaza underway in Downtown Houston in memory of the social justice and anti-poverty advocate Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, who died in 2022. The plaza will include 6,000 square feet of public gathering and tribute space, a pavilion, and 140 parking spaces. • Opening spring 2024 • San Jacinto Street and St. Joseph Parkway • www.sacredhearthouston.org

14 1891 American Eatery & Bar Paying homage to the year the Houston Heights neighborhood was established, the restaurant opened in the space that used to house Berryhill Baja Grill. The eatery offers modern takes on American dishes with options that include crab fritters, Korean fried cauliflower and an array of

smash burgers. Confit duck legs, pastrami braised short ribs and seared scallops are a few featured entrees. • Opened Nov. 27

• 702 E. 11th St., Houston • www.1891heights.com

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE

along Washington Avenue to take place in early 2024, according to information from the Houston Public Works Department. The project targets Houston from Memorial Drive to just north of Center Street. The details The project involves: • Adding pedestrian medians • Restriping vehicle lanes • Rebuilding some corners and curb ramps What they’re saying Members with the advocacy group Bike Houston called on the city to include protected bicycle lanes in the project and to extend it north to Spring Street, where existing bike lanes end. HPW officials said the project specifically targeted the Washington and Houston avenues intersection, and adding bike lanes would require coordination with Union Pacific Railroad. Building bike lanes from Spring Street to Memorial Drive remains part of the city’s longterm bike plans, officials said, though no timeline has been set.

Key 1 Houston Avenue Multimodal Project 2 Planned future bike lane project

290

610

University Corridor achieves milestone The Federal Transit Administration approved Nov. 23 the environmental review for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s University Corridor project. The context The 25-mile line will connect Westchase Park & Ride and the Tidwell Transit Center. FTA’s approval paves the way for the METRO to enter the engineering phase in early 2024. Construction is slated for 2026.

Houston Avenue work nears completion Work is nearing completion on $100,000 in multimodal improvements along Houston Avenue near Washington Avenue. The overview The work is intended to make Houston Avenue safer for pedestrians ahead of a corridor study

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Number of homes sold

November 2022

November 2023

Residential market data

23 20

32 27

-13.04%

-15.63%

77006

77019

A little under one-third of the homes sold in the local area in November were sold for at least $750,000. Median prices jumped in the 77019 and 77098 ZIP codes when comparing November 2023 and November 2022 data.

63 46

11 13

-26.98%

+18.18%

77007

77098

77006

610

77007

57 61

+7.02%

77008

77019

Median home sales price

77098

2022

2023

77006

-2.66%

$462,750

$475,379

288

77007

+0.74%

$513,750

$510,000

Homes sold in Heights-River Oaks- Montrose area by price point

77008

-5.11%

$557,500

$587,500

77019

+38.35%

$965,000

$697,500

November 2023

$1 million+

77098

+82.8%

$850,000

$465,000

$750,000-$999,999

Average days on market

$500,000-$749,999

+60%

-8.33%

-28.57%

-40%

+65.22%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY VICTORIA HAWES DEVENNEY JAMESTOWN ESTATE HOMES 832-296-1663 VH@JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM WWW.JAMESTOWNESTATEHOMES.COM

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

In-house custom home design In-house interior design center in The Heights Available homes in Oak Forest and The Heights

JamestownEstateHomes.com Victoria Hawes vh@jamestownestatehomes.com

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

The future of I-45 From the cover

A closer look

Two-minute impact

The Federal Highway Administration opened a civil rights investigation into the project in 2021. In March 2023, TxDOT signed a voluntary reso- lution agreement with the FHWA that allowed the project to proceed, laying out requirements TxDOT must follow, including requirements intended to protect residents from flooding and air pollution, as well as how TxDOT handles the eminent domain process. Critics of the project—including organizers with the advocacy group Stop TxDOT I-45—have expressed concerns about the disproportional effects the project will have on communities of color in its footprint. The VRA has done little to alleviate fears about the project’s harms, said Steph Valdez, an organizer with Stop TxDOT I-45. In addition, information at December public meet- ings lacked specifics on how TxDOT was trying to reduce the project footprint and its environmental impacts, she said. “I thought that was supposed to be the point of these meetings, that we would get more answers,” she said. Stop TxDOT I-45 organizer Erin Eriksen said accessibility was a problem, particularly at the Segment 3 meeting, where she said the room was too small to accommodate crowds. She said she would like to see TxDOT bring more specifics to future meetings and to host more interactive town hall meetings, where attendees can ask questions in a communal forum.

construction will take place on Segment 3 first. Segment 3 will entail straightening I-69 and widening it from eight lanes to 10 or 12 lanes in each direction as well as building a new downtown connector from I-45 to replace the Pierce Elevated, an elevated stretch of I-45 that cuts through the southern part of downtown. Cap structures—bridges built over the highway at certain points that would be accessible to the public and could feature parklike amenities—are being planned at three locations, Mapes said. Most of the elements in the Inner Loop are fully funded, Mapes said, while projects outside of Loop 610 are unfunded. Approximately $5 billion of the project is currently funded, and roughly 80% of the funding comes from federal sources. The project will require the displacement of more than 1,400 homes and businesses, as well as places of worship, schools and medical care facilities. TxDOT has programs in place meant to assist people with the relocation process, and officials said residents will not be displaced until adequate replacement housing has been identified.

TxDOT officials hosted public meetings on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project in December, inviting residents to learn more about its three segments. • Segment 1: a $907 million project along I-45 from Loop 610 to Beltway 8 • Segment 2: a $1.6 billion project along I-45 from I-10 to Loop 610 and parts of Loop 610 • Segment 3: a $5.7 billion project along I-45 from I-10 to I-69, along parts of I-10 and along some downtown roadways The project involves adding four managed lanes on I-45 from Downtown Houston to Beltway 8 North as well as rerouting I-45 to be parallel with I-10 on the north side of downtown and parallel with I-69 on the east side of downtown, according to TxDOT information. Other elements include bicycle and pedestrian features along frontage roads and cross streets, and new trails parallel to bayous. Speaking to members of Houston’s Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee in November, Grady Mapes, director of the TxDOT Houston District Comprehensive Development Agreements program, said

Segment 3 detailed look

Build new downtown connector from I-45 to replace Pierce Elevated Reroute I-45 to be parallel with I-10; straighten I-10 and add two express lanes in each direction Reroute I-45 to be parallel with I-69; straighten and widen I-69

Segment 1

Under the VRA, some requirements TxDOT must fulfill include: Accountability • Meet monthly to discuss commitments in the agreement; host public meetings twice annually Quality of life • Evaluate opportunities to reduce footprint in segments 1 and 2 • Come up with a community access plan during construction to make sure people can still access essential services Environmental • Add drainage to reduce flooding • Mitigate air quality, including the use of an active monitoring station installed at I-69 and Hwy. 288 Connectivity • Build structural highway caps, a kind of bridge built over a highway that can provide opportunities for park space and other amenities

Segment 2

Cap structure

225

288

610

SOURCE: TXDOT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT N

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

What they're saying

What's next?

bridges and pedestrian areas. Construction on Segment 2 is not slated to begin until 2028 at the earliest. Meanwhile, work in downtown will involve removing the Pierce Elevated, an elevated portion of I-45 that connects drivers to Downtown roadways. As I-45 is rerouted along I-10, the Pierce Elevated will be replaced with connector ramps, according to TxDOT information.

TxDOT officials said they hope to start construction this fall on the first subproject, which involves drainage work along I-69 in Downtown Houston near the George R. Brown Convention Center. In 2025, construction could begin on the next downtown subproject, which involves building depressed main lanes where I-69 travels to Hwy. 288, including new arch

“I came looking for clarification on what is going to happen and what is an idea. It seems like a lot of it is aspirational.” KATHERINE MIZE, RESIDENT OF DOWNTOWN HOUSTON, AT A DEC. 6 PUBLIC MEETING

Timeline

Fall 2024

2028

2032

2038

“It’s important to talk about how these areas can be preserved. Even things like the graffiti—some of that graffiti is very important to people.” GORDON QUAN, CHAIR OF TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 15, DISCUSSING THE PROJECT’S POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON EAST DOWNTOWN AT A DEC. 6 PUBLIC MEETING

Construction on Downtown segments to begin with drainage work along I-69

Construction to begin on Segment 2, including the widening of I-45 main lanes between I-10 and Cavalcade Street

Construction to begin on first elements of Segment 1, including widening of main lanes from Beltway 8 North to West Road

Estimated project completion

SOURCE: TXDOT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

WE FOUND BIBLICAL TRUTH BIBLICAL TRUTH The Jordan family found scripture taught in a way that each member of their family could understand and apply.

WHAT WILL YOU FIND AT HOUSTON’S FIRST?

T WO OPTIONS IN THE HEART OF HOUSTON! 7401 SUNDAYS @ 9:15A, 11A & 5P KATY FREEWAY THE LOOP CAMPUS DOWNTOWN CAMPUS SUNDAYS @ 9:30A & 11A 1730 JEFFERSON STREET

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Government

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE

Whitmire wins Houston mayoral runoff election John Whitmire won the race for Houston mayor against Sheila Jackson Lee in the Dec. 9 runoff election, while seven candidates were also elected to Houston City Council. Zooming in Whitmire has served as a Texas senator represent- ing the Houston area for 40 years. He was sworn in during a Jan. 1 ceremony, replacing Sylvester Turner, who was term-limited. Three incumbents up for election in council run- offs—Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Mary Nan Huffman and Letitia Plummer—were all re-elected. Huffman represents District G on council, which covers River Oaks and the Memorial area. Four new faces also joined council in January, including Mario Castillo in District H, which covers parts of the Heights, Washington Corridor and Northside/Northline communities.

Harris County approves $11.3M jail contract Harris County Commissioners Court approved an $11.3 million contract to outsource a number of county inmates to a private correctional facility in Mississippi at a November meeting. The details Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez led a November presentation to address challenges within the jail, including the department’s monthly initiative to provide updates, analyses, data and staff-level actions at Commissioners

911 network’s $55.6M budget approved Harris County and Houston officials approved on Oct. 31 the Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network’s $55.6 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The network processes emergency calls within Harris and Fort Bend counties. The breakdown The budget includes a 3%-5% salary increase for the GHC 911 staff as well as increased pay and health insurance costs. • $28.6 million in call center operation costs, including call center employees • $7.6 million for network services • $6.2 million for the 289 staff salaries • $4.8 million in contract services • $8.4 million in other general expenses

Harris County inmate population snapshot, November 2023 Inmate populations reached above 90% of jail capacity at these six Texas and Louisiana facilities.

Winner

Houston mayor

WATER WORKS BLVD.

John Whitmire: 64.4% Sheila Jackson Lee: 35.6%

WATER WORKS WAY

Houston City Council District H

K E H

T O N

Percentage of beds occupied Available space

Mario Castillo: 63.9% Cynthia Reyes Revilla: 36.1%

700 N. San Jacinto St. Occupancy at Harris County jail facilities 711 N. San Jacinto St.

Houston cuts ribbon on new water plant Officials with the city of Houston gath- ered Dec. 11 to cut the ribbon on a roughly $1.8 billion expansion project at the city’s Northeast Water Purification Plant. The details Phase 1 is near completion and will allow 80 million additional gallons of water per day to be treated. Phase 2 will be completed in 2025 and will allow another 320 million gallons per day to be treated.

Julian Ramirez: 50.1% Melanie Miles: 49.9% Houston City Council At-Large No. 1 Willie Davis: 55.1% Nick Hellyar: 44.9% Houston City Council At-Large No. 2 Twila Carter: 51% Richard Cantu: 49% Houston City Council At-Large No. 3 Letitia Plummer: 52.8% Roy Morales: 47.2% Houston City Council At-Large No. 4

701 N. San Jacinto St.

92%

93%

91%

Occupancy at non-Houston facilities (contract jails)

Court meetings. By the numbers

Jefferson County (Beaumont, TX)

La Salle Correction Center (Louisiana)

Dalby Correctional Facility (Post, TX)

Harris County’s 9,300-plus inmate population is housed throughout detention centers in Texas and Louisiana, not including the number of inmates who will be transferred to Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Mississippi.

95%

99%

100%

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK/COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, RESULTS ARE ONLY SHOWN FOR THE MOST RELEVANT SIX OF THE EIGHT ELECTIONS

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787

WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161

SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849

Community

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Community Impact is proud to say THANK YOU to our Annual Community Guide sponsors

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Gold Sponsor

Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of over 50 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region oering primary and specialty care, as well as pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to underserved communities. As the largest Federally Qualied Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way aliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. To learn more, visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org.

2024 Annual Community Guide

Houston, Harris County snapshot

Houston

Population continues to grow in both the city of Houston and Harris County, according to new data released Dec. 7 by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, growth has slowed down compared to ve-year trends in 2021. Harris County is growing at a faster rate than Houston, seeing 4.4% population growth between 2017 and 2022, compared to 1.3% growth in Houston. When data was released for 2021, the ve-year growth rates for Harris County and Houston were 5.9% and 2.4%, respectively.

Harris County

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5YEAR ESTIMATESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Age analysis

Population change

Texas

27.6% 26% 26% 16.3%

28.2% 21.5% 26.1% 19.1%

29.6% 23.3% 26.9% 16.5% 3.7% 34.1

0-19

2,267,336

2017 4,525,519

2017

20-34

2022 2,296,253

2022 4,726,177

35-54

55-74

5-year population change

5.1% 35.2

4.1% 33.8

75+

+1.3%

+4.4%

Median age

Houston ISD's boundaries: +1.6%

Texas: +6.7%

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Fiora’s Bottle Shop Fiora’s sells a vast array of wines by the glass and bottle. Its sandwich menu is crafted with ingredients from local vendors and freshly baked breads. The wine bar has an open concept with a patio with greenery. • Opened Aug. 26 • 888 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.fiorasbottleshop.com NettBar The pet-friendly bar is known for hosting social activities, including patio games and trivia. The new location offers an expanded patio and more games. • Opened Sept. 22 Best Regards The woman-led social club and cocktail bar offers signature cocktails, such as the Wolf of 11th Street, made with Hoja Santa Sous Vide Tequila, cantaloupe melon, honey cilantro syrup, ancho verde and black salt. • Opened Aug. 27 • 1717 W. 22nd St., Houston • www.nettbarhouston.com New bars The following stories are based on trends Community Impact staff identified through monthly Impacts section reporting in 2023.

The Heights Social In addition to happy hour, this cocktail-forward concept features “champagne hours” on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., which includes a roaming champagne cart where patrons can purchase bubbles by the bottle and glass. • Opened late March Roswell’s Saloon Drinks on Roswell’s cocktail menu have nods to either the space or Western themes of the restaurant, such as the Crop Circles cocktail, which features a homemade elote syrup topped with a crop circle formation.

• Opened late May • 1417 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.roswellssaloon.com

• 222 W. 11th St., Houston • www.bestregardshou.com

Bayou Heights Bier Garten Bayou Heights offers 74 types of craft beer and 16 wines in addition to specialty libations and coffees. A cocktail menu ranges from “refreshing and balanced” to “fruity and sweet” to “spirit forward,” among other categories. • Opened Jan. 17

SOSH Coffee + Cocktails The cafe offers cocktail service and freshly brewed coffee with beans from the Houston-based Rivas. • Opened May 23 • 2221 W. Dallas St., Houston • www.usbayoupark.com

• 3905 Washington Ave., Houston • www.bayouheightsbiergarten.com This list is not comprehensive.

• 1213 W. 20th St., Houston • www.heightssocialhtx.com

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Community

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Now open

BRAZOS ST.

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Stick Talk Cajun Hibachi 502 Elgin St., Houston www.sticktalkhouston.com

Chi’Lantro 1324 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston www.chilantrobbq.com

Chi’Lantro Founder Jae Kim opened a new location in the Heights in April.

Four new fusion food concepts joining area A number of new fusion eateries opened in 2023 or will open in early 2024, including the Austin-based Korean and Tex-Mex fusion eatery Chi’Lantro. Founder Jae Kim launched the concept as a food truck in 2010. Zooming in Other concepts include the Cajun and Japanese hibachi chain Stick Talk Cajun Hibachi, and Fusion Eats Canteen & Cocktails, which uses Pan-Asian and South American ingredients. Annam, a concept from restaurateurs Chris Kinjo and Dung Nguyen, will open in February, oering Vietnam- ese tapas with a French twist.

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Fusion Eats Canteen & Cocktails 302 Fairview St., Houston www.fusioneatshouston.com

Annam 3737 Cogdell St., Houston Contact information is not yet available.

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FThroamt’sawnhuynexpected fall to sudden chest pain, nobody plans for an emergency. HCA Houston ER 24/7 has conveniently located emergency rooms that are ready to serve your family with quick emergency care when you need it most. Sde mi cr aeencr tgti ooe nnl ecs ayt rocneamn ft oreerr ee n- oes rta art noy dogi une . gt Adult and pediatric care On-site X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans Short ER wait times

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Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

path across the Houston metro. This is not comprehensive. Destinations

Check out details on well-known entertainment venues and newer destinations off the beaten

Houston

Tomball

Conroe

Space Center Houston This space-themed museum is one of the biggest attractions in Houston, seeing more than 1 million visitors annually. Visitors can stop by the NASA Johnson Space Center and see Mission Control. Exhibits include a SpaceX booster, information about upcoming Artemis missions to the moon and Mars displays. • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston • www.spacecenter.org

Old Town Tomball Visitors can stroll through four blocks of locally owned shopping and dining options. The Tomball Farmers Market is also held weekly on Saturdays. The Historic Depot Plaza hosts festivals throughout the year and is home to a historic railroad depot with memorabilia and model railroads. • Downtown Tomball, Pine to Elm streets, Tomball • www.visittomball.com

Crighton Theatre This historic theater is home to Stage-Right Productions and Christian Youth Theatre, among other arts groups. The theater is located in Downtown Conroe and is a short walk from dining and shopping establishments to enjoy before or after a show.

• 234 N. Main St., Conroe • www.crightontheatre.org

Katy

Houston

Pearland

Katy Asian Town The shopping center opened in 2018 and is now home to many of the city’s Asian restaurants and businesses. Among the numerous eateries in the development is Michelin-starred restaurant Tim Ho Wan as well as businesses serving signature treats, such as Korean corn dogs, boba tea and bubble waffle ice cream cones. • 23119 Colonial Parkway, Katy • www.asiantownkaty.com

Hermann Park The 445-acre park is situated between Houston’s Museum District and Texas Medical Center. Several of Houston’s cultural institutions can be found within the park, including the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Miller Outdoor Theatre. Other attractions include the Japanese Garden and the Hermann Park railroad.

Sri Meenakshi Temple The temple along McLean Road has served as a Hindu place of worship since 1978. It is the only temple outside of India dedicated to Meenakshi, the goddess of marriage. More than a dozen statues of deities adorned with bright flowers or brass jewels are offered prayers and gifts from observers. • 17130 McLean Road, Pearland • www.meenakshi.org

• 6001 Fannin St., Houston • www.hermannpark.org

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

• Jan. 20, noon-6 p.m. • Free (general admission), $5 (VIP) • 941 W. 18th St., Houston • www.facebook.com/thepoppinveganbistro

January

Craig Robinson at the Houston Improv Best known for his role as Darryl Philban in NBC’s “The Office,” comedian Craig Robinson will headline several shows at the Houston Improv. • Jan. 11-14, times vary • Starts at $90 (general admission table for two) • 7620 Katy Freeway, Ste. 455, Houston • www.improvtx.com/houston 2024 Annual MLK Birthday Observance: Public Health Epidemic of Gun Violence This event at the Rothko Chapel will feature keynote speaker David Hogg and a panel of local public health researchers and organizers. The event delves into the why and how of addressing the gun violence epidemic. • Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Writespace Reading and Open Mic The nonprofit Writespace will host a reading and open mic at Antidote Coffee. The event features author Icess Fernandez Rojas and will also have a small book fair with works by members and friends of the organization. • Jan. 26, 7-9:30 p.m. • $5 (nonmembers), free (members)

• 729 Studewood St., Houston • www.writespacehouston.org

February

Glow in the Glades Urban Wild—a group of professionals who support the work of the Memorial Park Conservancy—will throw the ninth annual event benefiting the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Memorial Park. Ticket holders can expect an open bar, light bites and entertainment. • Feb. 16, 7:30-11 p.m. • Tickets start at $75 • Clay Family Eastern Glades, Washington Avenue at Memorial Drive, Houston • www.memorialparkconservancy.org

ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival The 19-day event opens with a reception of works featured at Sabine Street Studios. Works will include painting, photography and glass fusion, and are available for purchase. • Feb. 4-22, (times vary; opening reception takes place from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 4) • Free (registration required) • Locations vary (opening reception takes place at 1907 Sabine St., Houston) • www.reelabilitieshouston.org

• $0-$25 (pay what you can) • 3900 Yupon St., Houston • www.rothkochapel.org/experience

Vegan BrewFest Houston Vegan food, activities and a selection of brews crafted by Eureka Heights Brew Co. are the hallmarks of this year’s plant-based party hosted by Florida pop-up shop for vegan eats, The Poppin Vegan.

We’re bringing high-tech, high-touch care to patients. Our doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs and work with you—not just on treatment, but also education and preventive care. open in Cypress- Fairbanks Neda Mehmandoost, DPM Podiatric Medicine/ Foot and Ankle Surgery

Neda Mehmandoost, DPM, AACFAS earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her surgical residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with added certification in reconstructive rear foot/ankle surgery at West Houston Medical Center where she excelled in the advanced techniques of foot and ankle reconstruction, podiatric surgery, sports medicine, as well as treatment of the diabetic foot. She provides surgical and non surgical services for the following conditions:

• Bunions • Hammertoes • Plantar fasciitis/Heel pain • Ingrown toenails • Ankle sprains • Achilles tendon tears

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• Achilles tendinitis • Ankle instability • Flat foot • High arches • Diabetic foot care • Sports injuries • Gout • Ankle fracture

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To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com

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You have convenient care right in your hands. Getting healthy and staying healthy should be easy and on your terms. That’s why we offer virtual urgent care and virtual office visits with your own doctor. Plus emergency centers open 24/7. It’s an easy-to-access network of care, all designed around you. memorialhermann.org

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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