Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | September 2025

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Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 6 SEPT. 10OCT. 9, 2025

Montrose TIRZ sets sights on West Alabama Street as latest transportation project Reconstructing roads

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

West Alabama Street from Spur 527 to Shepherd Drive in the Montrose neighborhood is being prepped to undergo a controversial $28.5 million reconstruc- tion project that will span the next three to four years. The project aims to improve mobility and drainage while also prioritizing tree preservation and promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment, according to project details from the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, which will oversee and fund a portion of the project. However, Mon- trose residents are frustrated by the lack of bike lanes and multimodal transportation eorts. Plans are in the preliminary design and engi- neering phase, with construction to begin in 2026.

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

West Alabama Street from Shepherd Drive to Spur 527 is set to undergo a full roadway reconstruction from 2026 to 2028. (Cassandra Jenkins/Community Impact)

See how city ocials are distributing $314M in federal disaster aid Government 8

Check out how Houston ISD fared in the 2024, 2025 A-F accountability ratings Education 11

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Houston’s Comeback — Stronger Than Ever.

Thank You, Houston This is a high-five to every student, teacher, parent, and partner — this is your victory. Together, we are Houston ISD — and we’re just getting started. High-fives to the unstoppable students of Houston ISD! Your hard work has led to real academic gains. With the support of our dedicated teachers and families, Houston students are proving what’s possible. Houston ISD is on the rise.

“This is The Houston Comeback! Just two years ago, our students were significantly behind the rest of the state. Today, nearly three out of four of our schools are rated A or B, and no student in HISD attends an F-rated school. For the first time, geography no longer dictates destiny in HISD. These results reflect the hard work and commitment of our students, families, and educators, and I want to congratulate them on this remarkable achievement.” - Mike Miles

The Comeback Is On — Catch the stories behind the scores Watch student spotlights, school success, and more anytime at YouTube.com/@HISDNOW

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

all day. Custom cakes are also available for order. • Opened Aug. 9 • 1207 W. 34th St., Ste. 200, Houston • www.littlesistercakeshop.com 8 Reformation The LA-based fashion brand sells sustainable, vintage- inspired pieces such as dresses, denim, shoes and handbags, with an emphasis on flattering, feminine fits. • Opened Aug. 6 • 5085 Westheimer Road, #C25555, Houston • www.thereformation.com 9 Lululemon The popular retailer of yoga wear sells athletic gear, lifestyle apparel and personal care products. The store is anticipated to move to a larger space in 2026. • Opened in June • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 100, Houston • https://shop.lululemon.com 10 Ciao Bella Nail Spa This spa and salon provides seven different pedicure options and three manicure options, as well as nail removal and enhancements. • Opened Aug. 9 11 Upper Kirby Eyecare by Vision Source The clinic utilizes advanced diagnostic technology to enhance vision and treat a range of vision-related problems. The space also sells designer frames. • Opened July 20 • 2055 Westheimer Road, Ste. 125, Houston • www.upperkirbyeyecare.com CodaPet The veterinarian-owned mobile business offers in- home euthanasia for pets and helps with aftercare, transportation and cremation. • Opened Aug. 1 • www.codapet.com • 1111 Shepherd Drive, Ste. 300, Houston • www.ciaobellanailspa.com/index.html

W. 34TH ST.

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WHITE OAK DR.

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INKER ST.

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MEMORIAL PARK

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4 Main Bird Starting in 2020 as a food truck, the halal, Nashville-style hot chicken spot opened a new location that sells tenders, sandwiches and fries with six spice levels to choose from. • Opened Aug. 2 • 1150 Durham Drive, Ste. 400, Houston • www.mainbirdhotchicken.com 5 Matty G’s Steakburgers The new sports-themed restaurant serves steakburgers and is described as a mini Hall of Fame, with old-school sports decor and 16 TVs. • Opened mid-August • 1111 Studewood St., Ste. A, Houston • www.matty-gs.com 6 Pimlico Irish Pub With Guinness, Irish whiskey and craft beer on the menu, the new Irish bar opened in August and offers a happy hour special every weekday from 2-8 p.m. • Opened in August

Now open

1 Caffvino Replacing the former EQ Heights, this coffee and wine shop serves coffee, wine, beer, pastries and gelato. The spot is adults only after 6 p.m. • Opened Aug. 5 • 1030 Heights Blvd., Houston • www.caffvino.com 2 Mayahuel Award-winning Mexican Chef Luis Robledo Richards’ new restaurant is inspired by traditional Mexican flavors. Menu items range from oysters and caviar to beef carnitas and specialty tacos. • Opened July 18 • 811 Buffalo Park Drive, Ste. 130, Houston • www.mayahuelrestaurant.com 3 Boo’s Burgers The restaurant offers smashburgers made from Texas- based 44 Farms, along with American cheese, shaved onions and a locally-made challah bun. • Opened July 26 • 2510 Navigation Blvd., Bldg. A, Houston • www.boosburgershtx.com

Coming soon

12 Swish Dental-Montrose Founded in 2017 by Dr. Viraj Desai, the dental franchise offers preventative and restorative dentistry, as well as cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and Invisalign. • Opening Oct. 13 • 3230 Yoakum Blvd., Houston • www.swishsmiles.com 13 J. Aimer Jewelry The handcrafted jewelry brand specializes in 18K gold- plated pieces with crystals, pearls and mixed metals. • Opening in September • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston • Instagram: j.aimerjewelry 14 Pvolve Using low-impact functional movement with resistance- based training, members build strength, flexibility and balance at this workout studio.

• 810 Waugh Drive, Houston • https://pubhouston.com

7 Little Sister Cake Shop & Cafe The locally-owned cafe provides breakfast pastries in the morning and cupcakes, cookies, coffee and matcha

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening in the fall • 5000 Westheimer Road, Ste. 108, Houston • https://app.pvolve.com/locations/houston-galleria 15 The Taco Stand Coming soon to Montrose, the spot sells authentic Mexican tacos with options such as pastor, barbacoa and nopales, as well as elote and chocoflan. • Opening end of 2025 • 1503 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.tacostandhtx.com

woman-owned plant shop relocated to the M-K-T shopping center. It serves as a botanical boutique with an extensive collection of plants. • Relocated in June • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 117, Houston • www.the-plantproject.com 18 Marmi Shoes The local shoe store franchise closed its storefront in Highland Village and reopened at The Centre at Post Oak shopping center in late August. The brand is known for its diverse selection of shoe sizes. • Relocated late August • 5000 Westheimer Road, Ste. 590, Houston • www.marmishoes.com

Now open

What’s next

16 Carolina Herrera According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the luxury brand is eyeing a new location in the River Oaks District to open this fall. The brand sells designer makeup, fragrances and luxury fashion. • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A18, Houston • www.carolinaherrera.com

Closings

20 Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream The popular ice cream social opened its first walk- up and drive-thru Houston location this summer in the Heights. The franchise is owned by local residents and offers 42 ice cream flavors, including banana, strawberry cheesecake chunk and rocky road. The store also offers sherbet options. • Opened July 31 • 3425 Ella Blvd., Houston • www.handelsicecream.com/store/houston-heights

19 Ginger & Fork The neighborhood bistro announced on Facebook that its final day of service will be in October, citing a staff shortage. The classic Cantonese and Hong Kong locale originally opened in 2016. • Closing Oct. 25 • 4705 Inker St., Houston • www.gingerandforkrestaurant.com

Relocations

17 The Plant Project Originally located in the Montrose Collective, the Black

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Government

Houston’s $314M federal disaster aid plan to prioritize housing, generators

List of priority facilities City officials released the list of 140 city facilities, including those within the Inner Loop, that will receive backup generators. Multiservice centers or community centers Police stations Public health centers Wastewater plants Fire stations Libraries

Houston City Council approved a plan during the Aug. 13 meeting to allocate $314 million in federal funding for disaster recovery efforts from two recent extreme weather disasters. The plan will allocate $100 million toward housing repairs. The approval came after weeks of council debate on whether the plan’s housing program should receive a funding increase. The details The $314 million comes from the U.S. Depart- ment of Housing and Urban Development to support long-term recovery efforts following major disasters such as Hurricane Beryl and the 2024 derecho, according to the agenda item. The plan will include allocating parts of the federal funding to needs such as public facilities, the city’s homeless population and housing.

• $100 million to provide backup power to public facilities during disasters • $100 million for housing programs, split equally between multifamily and single-family housing • $41 million for the city’s homeless initiative • $15 million to purchase emergency vehicles According to the original draft, over $229 million is needed for housing repair, recon- struction and personal property loss, which led to an amendment that redirected $50 million from the backup generator program to the housing program, which increased the funding to $100 million. Next steps The HUD department is expected to review and approve the plan by Oct. 3, city officials said.

290

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SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY KEVIN VU

E-scooters threatened by potential ban Houston officials are proposing a new ordinance that would prohibit the use of electric scooters in Midtown, Downtown and East Downtown, citing a rise in accidents and fatalities in recent years, according to a July 24 Quality of Life Committee meeting. What you need to know The proposed ordinance expands on a previous ordinance that passed in 2021, which restricted e-scooter companies from renting out scooters in public rights of way and restricted e-scooter use on sidewalks. Maria Irshad, the deputy director of Administration and Regulatory Affairs, said the newly proposed ordinance comes from safety issues and complaints arising from scooter use. The ordinance will return to City Council for a vote at a future date.

Solid Waste to improve pickup with 31 new trucks Houston City Council approved a $12.5 million purchase for 31 new solid waste trucks during a July 30 City Council meeting, with nine of the trucks becoming operable in mid-August. What’s happening? According to an Aug. 18 news release, the new trucks will replace older vehicles that have been in service beyond their expected lifespans. Mayor John Whitmire said with these modern, more efficient trucks, there will be fewer breakdowns during routes and will help improve service completion and deliver more reliable collection. The new trucks came as complaints to 311—a nonemergency number for contacting the city for various services—started to rise, with numerous res- idents calling in complaints about missed garbage and recycling pickups. “We are investing in better equipment to deliver

Solid Waste complaints, July 7 - Aug. 1 Solid Waste Department complaints rose over these three weeks year- over-year from 2024 to 2025.

2024 2025

+81.17%

-6.15%

+62.05%

Missed recycling pickup

Missed garbage pickup

Missed heavy trash pickup

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

better service,” Larius Hassen, director of Solid Waste Management, said in the release. “These new trucks are here, and this is just the beginning. They will help our drivers complete routes on time, work safely and provide residents with the dependable collection service.” The remainder of the new fleet will arrive by the end of October, city officials said.

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Government

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Fourth Ward Super Neighborhood elects new board after decades of inactivity

The Fourth Ward is one of Houston’s six historic wards and is located inside Loop 610. It is also the site of Freedmen’s Town.

BUFFALO BAYOU

D R .

positions, including: • Freedmen’s Town Conservancy • Freedmen’s Town Association • Freedmen’s Town Community Investment Project • Crosby Street Townhomes Association • Robin Street Square Townhomes Association • Three at-large positions • One at-large legacy resident The at-large legacy resident position is still open for election. A legacy resident is a resident of Fourth Ward who has personally lived in the community continuously since or prior to January 1, 2000, according to the bylaws. What residents need to know Meetings for the Fourth Ward Super

The Fourth Ward Super Neighborhood approved bylaws and elected a nine-member council and three board members July 17 to officially reenact the long-dormant organization. About the candidates Board members were chosen by a majority vote of stakeholders and, according to the bylaws, will serve two successive terms of two years in the same office. The board, which will be referred to as the

Fourth Ward

Executive Committee, includes: • President: Joseph Panzarella • Vice President: Zion Escobar • Secretary/Treasurer: Georgia Fabbrini

SOURCE: TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Neighborhood will be held every other month at a time and place to be designated by the Super Neigh- borhood organization. The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church on Valentine Street.

The nine-member Super Neighborhood council consists of a combination of stakeholder delegates from various community organizations and at-large

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

HISD touts zero failing campuses in state’s A-F accountability ratings

Some context

Elementary and middle school ratings are largely based on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, which students begin taking in third grade. High school ratings are based on the STAAR and how well students are prepared for success after graduation. State law requires that annual A-F ratings be issued by Aug. 15 of each year; however, the 2024 ratings were blocked for nearly one year after 33 school districts sued the TEA last August, arguing that the agency made it “mathematically impossi- ble” for some schools to earn a high score. Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals ruled in July that the 2024 ratings could be released, which were issued alongside the 2025 ratings. “Millions of dollars and thousands of hours of work by teachers, administrators and experts have been invested in creating the A-F ratings system; courts can decide only whether it is legal, not whether it is wise or fair, much less commandeer the job of running it,” Chief Justice Scott Brister said.

Houston ISD received a C for the 2023-24 school year and a B for the 2024-25 school year in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings for school districts statewide. The ratings were released Aug. 15 after a legal battle that began nearly two years prior. Texas schools are rated on an A-F scale based on three different categories—student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. HISD received 79 out of 100 points for 2023-24 and 82 out of 100 points for 2024-25, TEA data shows. The improvement marks a 10-point jump from the district’s score of 72 for the 2022-23 school year, TEA data shows. In June 2023, the TEA appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and a board of managers to lead the district after Wheatley High School posted five consecutive failing grades in the ratings.

Houston ISD campus A-F scores

2023-24

2024-25

124

109

53 54

Rating

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Put in perspective

Statewide district performance

2024-25

2023-24

Across the state, most school districts and campuses maintained or improved their A-F ratings between the 2023-24 and the 2024-25 school years. Of Texas’ 1,208 school districts, 24% received a higher rating, while 64% kept the same rating and 12% received a lower rating, TEA data shows.

TEA data shows that in HISD for the 2024-25 school year, 73 campuses earned an A, 124 earned a B, 54 earned a C and 18 earned a D. None earned an F. “We have 80,000 more students attending A and B schools this year than there were a few years ago,” Miles said. “The kids have done remarkably well.”

A: 23% B: 33% C: 24% D: 10% F: 4% Not rated: 6%

A: 18% B: 31% C: 25% D: 14% F: 8% Not rated: 6%

NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING. SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Transportation

BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & KEVIN VU

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is drafting a long-term blueprint for transportation investments through 2050, with residents across H-GAC’s eight-county planning region—which includes Harris County—sharing feedback during public meetings in July and August. At least $140 billion in local, state and federal funds are expected to be allocated over the next 25 years for projects part of the Regional Transportation Plan 2050. According to H-GAC data, Harris County alone is projected to see a 39% population increase by 2050, creating additional demand for reliable infrastructure and expanded mobility. H-GAC to spend $140B on regional plan projects

HISD students to ride METRO for free The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and Houston ISD have part- nered up to provide free transportation for all high school students for the 2025-2026 school year, per an Aug. 5 news release. The collaboration aims to increase access to education, after-school activities, jobs and essential services while helping families save on transportation. How it works Students who sign up to use METRO will receive a preloaded METRO Q Fare Card through their school administrators, allow- ing students to ride local buses, METRORail and curb2curb at no cost, per the release. Families can contact their student’s school administration to request a METRO Q Card.

Safety, mobility plans slated for Mandell Street Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone officials are looking to improve mobility and pedestrian safety conditions along Mandell Street from Highway 59 to Westheimer Road. What we know According to project details, improvements will include milling and overlay of the existing deteri- orated asphalt pavement, signing and restriping, and adding accessible sidewalks and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant corner ramps. During the TIRZ board meeting Aug. 18, project manager David Greaney said the proposal orig- inated a few years ago as part of a larger project that included Dallas and Mandell Streets and on-street bike lanes. The bike lanes were later removed from the project, and the scope was minimized to just Mandell Street. Since the new plan does not include bike lanes,

The timeline

Proposed H-GAC transportation projects in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose H-GAC identified transportation projects in the region that are sponsored locally by different public entities in its updated 2050 plan.

H-GAC officials said the community’s perspective is critical to ensuring that investments address key needs, including population growth, sustainability and overall quality of life. After incorporating public feedback from surveys and the third round of public meetings, H-GAC will provide a public draft project list slated for late 2026.

Inner Katy Segme n t 1 I-10 Reconstruction and widening • Timeline: 2029-2040 • Cost: $231.97M

MONTROSE BLVD.

SHEPHERD DR.

PATTERSON ST.

Regional Transportation Plan 2050 process

nearly 100 on-street parking spaces near The Menil Collection will not need to be removed, TIRZ officials said. The project will include new 6-foot sidewalks with consideration of existing trees, pavement resurfacing and new street lighting. Project cost The roughly 0.78-mile project is anticipated to cost $1.5 million to $2 million, Greaney said. Board members were presented with a $126,155 contract to HR Green for design services to kickstart the project, but the item was ultimately tabled.

Westheimer Road Reconstruction and new sidewalks

• Timeline: 2030 • Cost: $26.25M

Summer 2025: Public meeting Phase 1 Fall 2025: H-GAC goes over goals and objectives Fall 2025: Public meeting Phase 2 Spring 2026: Call for projects; Public meeting Phase 3 Fall 2026: Approved final draft

2025

527

2026

West Alabama Street New safety features, wider sidewalks

• Timeline: 2025 • Cost: $13.93M

SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787

SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849

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

Reconstructing roads From the cover

About the project

Design changes

The current design of West Alabama Street includes 4- to 5-foot sidewalks with buffers that vary in size, as well as spaces between businesses and the walking path.

The full concrete roadway reconstruction includes making several enhancements to the roughly 1.6- mile stretch of road. Muhammad Ali, project engineer from Gauge and HR Green Engineering, said the project’s main goal is to improve the standards of the street to meet today’s safety regulations while also investing in better drainage and stormwater capacity. Drainage improvements include installing larger stormwater boxes under the roadway and upgrading inlets, which could help alleviate street ponding, Ali said. According to a June 2024 report by the Houston Public Works Department, West Alabama Street is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The project also aims to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians, which Ali said includes creating new city-compliant 6-foot sidewalks with an estimated 4-foot buffer between the sidewalk and roadway, as well as new traffic signals and high-visibility crosswalks. However, the design does not include protected bike lanes and will maintain its current 12-foot car lanes and a general two-way left-turn lane.

60-70 ft.

4 ft. buffer

12 ft. lane

11 ft. two-way turn lane

12 ft. lane

4 ft. buffer

6 ft. sidewalk

Proposed section: New curb and gutter concrete pavement One lane in each direction Clearly marked continuous center two-way left-turn lane New traffic signals 6-foot sidewalks Implemented best practices to protect mature trees

527

SOURCE: MONTROSE TIRZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The history

Public input

“By reducing a car lane, drivers can’t speed the way they are used to. So, by removing the bike lane, it is actually reducing pedestrian safety.” KEVIN STRICKLAND, CO-FOUNDER, WALK AND ROLL HOUSTON

Matt Brollier, chair of the Montrose TIRZ, said West Alabama Street was originally part of Houston’s Capital Improvement Plan around 2016 but was taken over by the TIRZ roughly three years ago due to limited city funds. The original design included a dedicated on-street bike lane, but the former design would have eliminated the center lane to allow for the bikeway. In early 2024, Houston Mayor John Whitmire released his new guiding mobility prin- ciples, which included requiring all road projects to maintain the number and width of existing car lanes, effectively reversing the previous design on West Alabama Street.

Despite the city’s directive, Montrose residents expressed their displeasure at several board meetings and hosted a protest at the project’s open house in June about the changes. Alondra Torres, co-founder of Friends of the Boulevard, an organization that advocates for inclusive and accessible designs in Montrose, said the community preferred the original plan, which included additional safety measures and focused on multimodal transportation. “What people want right now is for the priority to be safety and the inclusion of pedestrians in the plan,” she said. “Whitmire’s plan is car-centric, but people in Montrose want to walk, bike—that’s how we get around.” In early 2024, when Whitmire first announced his new mobility guidelines, Houston Planning Director Marlene Gafrick said several factors led to redesigning projects that reduced car lanes, including the removal of street parking for residents and businesses, the impact on service delivery for emergency responders and the removal of businesses’ access.

“I would not describe this as a fixation on vehicle priority. We are trying to carefully balance current

and future mobility needs.” MARLENE GAFRICK, DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Ali said that while bike lanes cannot be added to West Alabama Street, the TIRZ has applied for a $500,000 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to place bike lanes on corridors with less vehicle use. A map wasn’t available as of press time, but Brollier said the concept aims to link destinations throughout Montrose with concepts such as shared-use paths.

Mayor John Whitmire’s guiding mobility principles

Maintain the number &

Provide safe sidewalks and pedestrian crossings

Ensure reliable service for emergency responders

width of car lanes

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

More details

The local impact

What you need to know

Montrose residents also raised frustrations about not burying overhead power lines. TIRZ attorney Alia Vinson said the TIRZ does not have the authority to pay for the cost of burying power lines, as it can only implement projects authorized by the city. Vinson said some areas have utilized management districts for burial, but Montrose lacks an active management district. However, during an Aug. 18 board meeting, officials said they will look into options such as creating a utility district or partnering with CenterPoint Energy to bury power lines.

As of mid-August, the project is in the preliminary design phase, with potential construction set to start in late 2026. Brollier said the board is already in discussion with project engineers to min- imize any disruptions to local businesses during the construction period, which is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete. “We want to do everything that we can to avoid impacts to local businesses or just the way certain properties operate, but there is always that concern,” he said. Ali said engineers are planning to main- tain two lanes of traffic to minimize the disruption of travel and limit any detours. He said his strategy also includes working with property owners to close only one driveway at a time, working at night and using fast-drying concrete.

Official design is set to begin by the fourth quarter of this year, Ali said, with the prelimi- nary engineering report sent to Houston around mid-August. TIRZ officials said another commu- nity meeting is expected to occur after the draft is completed, with construction set to begin shortly after Montrose Boulevard improvements are finished in spring 2026. The $28.5 million project is a combination of TIRZ funding and federal grant money from the office of U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston.

Project funding

$11 million: Federal grant $17.5 million: Montrose TIRZ

Total $28.5M

SOURCE: MONTROSE TIRZ/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Burying power lines costs $1.5 billion per mile.

KEVIN VU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

From Bualo Speedway to Kirby Drive: Upper Kirby TIRZ, construction starting end of 2025 From Kirby Drive to Shepherd Drive: Upper Kirby TIRZ, construction starting mid-2026 From Shepherd Drive to Spur 527: Montrose TIRZ, construction starting late 2026 From Spur 527 to Highway 69: Midtown TIRZ, construction not yet determined

One more thing

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

Improvements to West Alabama Street will also stretch beyond the Montrose TIRZ boundaries to encompass the entire street from Buffalo Speedway to Hwy. 69, with adjoining segments split between the Upper Kirby and Midtown TIRZ districts. Lee Cisneros, project director for the Upper Kirby portion, said construction on Phase 1 will start in 2026. Midtown officials did not respond to a request for details by press time.

527

288

SOURCES: MONTROSE TIRZ, UPPER KIRBY TIRZ, MIDTOWN TIRZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ENROLLMENT OPEN SECURE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT FOR FALL!

An authentic Montessori program Credentialed Montessori Lead Guides Child-Directed Work

Multi-Age Groups Development of the whole child

Call (713) 997-3330 or scan to learn more

OUR PROGRAMS

INFANT 3 - 18 MONTHS

TODDLER 18 - 36 MONTHS

PRIMARY 3 - 6 YEARS

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Events

BY ROO MOODY

informative community event where kids and adults can participate in storytime, crafts and activities centered around bat conservation efforts. • Sept. 27, 10-2 p.m. • Free

September

Space News & Brews Tickets for this community event at the William Price Distilling include craft beer, signed astronaut photos and a chance to ask space experts any questions about space exploration. • Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m. • $20 per ticket • 970 Wakefield Drive, Houston • https://visitbayareahouston.com/event/space-news- brews-william-price-distilling Chefs for F ar mers The food and wine festival is dedicated to celebrating Texas flavors and communities, with locations in both Dallas and Houston. At the festival, chefs work directly with Texas farmers to highlight locally-sourced dishes and promote sustainable practices. • Sept. 27-28, 2-5 p.m. • $145 general admission day pass, $249 weekend pass • 3711 Autry Park Drive, Houston • www.chefsforfarmers.com Ba t F est The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is hosting an

• 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston • www.houstonarboretum.org

Melodies of G ratit ude III Wild Tunes, a nonprofit dedicated to soothing shelter animals through live music, is hosting its third annual concert to support local animals in need. • Sept. 27, 5-7 p.m. • Free • 2025 W. 11th St, Houston • https://wildtunes.org/

Taste Americ a: Hou ston The walk-around tasting event is being presented by the James Beard Foundation at the Post Oak Hotel and will serve samples from some of Houston’s most talented chefs. • Oct. 8, 7 p.m. • $175 general admission, $225 premier pass • 1600 W. Loop S., Houston • www.jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america- houston

October

Marine Bio logist for a Day Kids ages 6-12 are invited for a day of exploration and hands-on learning about marine biology at the Downtown Aquarium. Featured activities include squid dissection, stingray feeding, scavenger hunts and games. • Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • $55 per child • 410 Bagby St., Houston • www.downtownaquariumhouston.com

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.

BelmontVillage.com/HuntersCreek | 832-479-4426

HUNTERS CREEK

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY ROO MOODY

The restaurant oers a reverse happy hour special, where pizza and alcohol are half-o from 910 p.m.

Rosie Cannonball received a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide in 2024 for its high-quality food.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROSIE CANNONBALL

Rosie Cannonball blends comfort food, cultures Nestled in the heart of Montrose is a restaurant that doesn’t entirely t into a single genre. While the wood-red oven and several menu items lean heavily on Italian culture, parts of Rosie Cannonball can be traced back to France, Portugal, Spain and Greece—Chef and partner Felipe Riccio calls it “Southern European comfort food.” Meet the chef

Felipe Riccio runs all the food programs for Goodnight Hospitality, including The Marigold Club and MARCH.

international experiences are evident throughout the restaurant’s menu. “If you know me, as a chef and a person, you understand why each of the restaurants is the way it is,” he said. What’s on the menu The restaurant serves a diverse array of food reecting the many cultures it draws inspiration from, including seasonal menu items and cus- tomer favorites such as the Focaccia di Recco, blistered bean salad and Cavatelli alla Bolognese. Last year, Rosie Cannonball received a Bib Gourmand from the acclaimed Michelin Guide for oering high-quality food at a fair price.

Born in Mexico, Riccio grew up in Veracruz before moving to Houston as a teenager. He attended culinary school at Houston Community College and was working in Europe when he decided to open Rosie Cannonball. Riccio said he also has family from Italy and Spain, and his diverse cultural background and

WESTHEIMER R D

1620 Westheimer Road, Houston www.rosiecannonball.com

EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZED CARE with the Compounding Shop Pharmacy Team.

local art & gifts Art Worth The Trip!

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Compounding Shop Pharmacy Serving Texas since 1982 www.mycompoundingshop.com Serving Texas Since 1982 | www.mycompoundingshop.com 11845 Wilcrest Dr Houston, TX 77031 | 281-495-2230 Compounding Shop Pharmacy

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Dining

BY ROO MOODY

529

RICHMOND AVE.

ADELEST.

STUDEWOOD ST.

E. 20THST.

W . C A V A L C A D E S T .

MONTROSE BLVD.

Berwi ck’s Bird of Paradise 2020 Studewood St., Houston Instagram: berwicksbirdofparadise

Endless Bummer 4500 Montrose Blvd., Ste. B, Houston www.endlessbummertiki.com

Good God, Nadine’s opened in the Heights in May, as equal parts cocktail lounge and Southern eatery.

4 new cocktail bars debut in Houston

Bold, spunky and niche-themed bars opened across Houston this summer, oering custom cocktail menus that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere The local bars’ atmospheres range from light and funky to dim and moody—with unique themes such as goth-tropical and dark-retro—and boast neon lights, tropical plants and custom dioramas. Each oers entertainment such as dart boards, pool tables and live music, as well as unique, specialty cocktails created in-house to reect the spaces’ strong personalities.

W. 20THST.

W. 19THST.

WAUGH DR.

W. 18THST.

S. HEIGHTS BLVD.

RAYMOND ST.

Good God, Nadine’s 33 Waugh Drive, Houston www.goodgodnadines.com

The Kid 1815 N. Durham Drive, Houston www.thehoustonkid.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonpro t

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

The Grand Baby Project aids individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia

Tonja Moon founded the Houston-based non- prot The Grand Baby Project in 2022 in memory of her grandmother, Ruby Sims, who struggled with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. “Watching her journey through Alzheimer’s and dementia was especially hard,” Moon said. “She had a baby doll that she loved, and after she died, it felt like God planted a seed in me that I would do something with people who had memory loss and therapy dolls.” About 17 years later, Moon said she started to learn about dementia education through hospice care, studying under a neurologist in Japan, diving into doll therapy and eventually using that knowl- edge to create the nonprot. About the organization The Grand Baby Project aims to improve the lives of those living with dementia through the innova- tive use of dementia therapy dolls, which, according to the organization’s website, can provide benets

such as increasing social engagement, emotional well-being, cognitive stimulation, behavioral adjustments and a sense of purpose. Moon said she has seen some unbelievable things when gifting the dolls to patients. “We had a woman in Houston who was in her late 80s and she lived in a senior care community,” she said. “She had lost her ability to verbalize, which is very common as dementia progresses, and her daughter had not heard her voice in over two years. When we gave her [the doll], she began to hum and sing. It was incredible.” How it works The dolls are designed to be dementia-friendly, Moon said, created from handblown soft silicone and without hair, eyelashes or noise, but infused with the scent of baby lotion.

Senior care communities can partner with the nonprot to receive an order of baby dolls for residents.

www.thegrandbabyproject.org

COURTESY THE GRAND BABY PROJECT

Don’t stop enjoying the benefits.

Compare the benefits and open your account online today at trustmark.com/checking. Enjoy the benefits of a simplified financial life with a Trustmark checking account. From basic accounts to those packed with benefits, we’ve got an account for you. With our convenient online account comparison tool, you can find the account that best meets your needs.

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Real estate

Homes spent more time on the market in July in the majority of neighborhoods in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose when compared to last year. The Greater Heights was the only area to see even a slight decrease in days on the market, with a two-day dierence. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

July 2024

July 2025

-42.86%

+9.43%

-1.25%

+50%

-40%

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

610

77008

Median home sales price

July

2024

2025

77007

$770,000 $565,000 $697,100 $882,500 $1,143,465

$764,500 $536,500 $675,000 $1,029,900 $968,000

77006

77019

77007

77006

77098

77008

288

77019

77098

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY

Average days on market

+11.32%

+15.63%

-2.99%

+7.41%

+3.39%

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

NOTE: DATA INCLUDES SINGLEFAMILY HOMES, TOWNHOMES AND CONDOMINIUMS.

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Bringing the wild to you!

• Animal Presentation • Animal Photo Booth •

• Virtual Session • Animal Tales

2025-2026 CONCERTS September 13 | November 15 | February 7 | April 25 5:00PM | St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church | 1819 Heights Blvd, 77008 SCAN THE QR CODE la-speranza.com/concerts 2025-2026 SEASON- “CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF” La Speranza brings vibrant historically informed performances on period instruments to Houston and beyond. TO LEARN MORE & BUY TICKETS

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Happy Hour: 3–5 PM, Monday–Thursday!

Happy Hour specials: $4 Beer/wine, $6 Dumplings

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White Oak Dr.

minimum lunch purchase of $30 $5 off only valid for lunch (11am-3pm). Monday to Thursday only.

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

YOUR BUSINESS HAS A story

Hire Storytelling to write and share it. ads@communityimpact.com (866) 989-6808

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Visit Community Impact’s new events calendar to attend local happenings, explore hobbies, and meet people. Your Social Calendar, Simplified!

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11 St.

Washington Ave.

W. Dallas St.

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HEIGHTS - NOW OPEN! 1616 W 22nd St. Houston, TX 77008 832-699-3399

MONTROSE 1616 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 713-496-3596

www.wagnworld.com

346-230-2667

HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

You are in the hands of unparalleled orthopedic care.

Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/orthopedics

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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