Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | March 2024

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Heights River Oaks Montrose Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 12 MARCH 8APRIL 8, 2024

Judy Adams and John Foelber, owners of Foelber Pottery on Richmond Avenue, are among the Montrose business owners saying the Montrose Management District is not needed or wanted. Ocials seeking to bring the district back said they want to help fund beautication eorts and public safety, and to maintain other infrastructure above city of Houston standards.

SHAWN ARRAJJCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Montrose Management District returns, vexing some business owners

board member and owner of the eatery Niko Niko’s. The district’s past includes a courtroom battle with local property owners, who are once again speaking out against its relaunch. New board members are emphasizing the need for transparency and listening to the community.

commercial properties within its boundaries with the goal of improving public safety and the local econ- omy. It was revived after district ocials received a petition from the owners of 60 properties. “We need something to ll the void of what the city [of Houston] hasn’t been able to do—grati, lit- tering, some security issues,” said Dimitri Fetokakis,

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

The Montrose Management District, dormant since 2018, is coming back online. Ocials overseeing the district announced its relaunch in December, a move that was followed by the rst board meeting in more than ve years Dec. 14. The district collects tax revenue from certain

CONTINUED ON 15

Also in this issue

Impacts: Seafood eatery opens in Autry Park (Page 6)

Education: Local HISD schools join New Education System (Page 9)

Community: Where to see live jazz music (Page 12)

Nonprofit: Meditation center seeks to calm busy lives (Page 19)

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

• 5015 Westheimer Road, Level 2, Houston • www.dolcegabbana.com

W. 25TH ST.

7 Off The Record The vinyl shop and speakeasy features a listening lounge with a 41-foot wraparound bar that honors music icon George Daniels, who grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward. • Opened Nov. 2 (speakeasy), Feb. 3 (vinyl storefront) • 416 Main St., Houston • www.offtherecordhtx.com 8 Moxy Hotel The 119-room hotel has a communal area featuring “Tex,” the mechanical bull, as well as a “Price is Right” pay-to-play wheel, Jenga, ping-pong and beer pong. • Opened Dec. 8 • 412 Main St., Houston • www.moxy-hotels.marriott.com 9 Baso This live-fire seafood restaurant offers caviar service as well as a variety of fish, fungi, oysters, nonseafood options, cocktails, wine and desserts. • Opened in December • 633 W. 19th St., Houston • www.basohtx.com 10 Salad and Go The drive-thru health food concept offers made-to- order salads, wraps, breakfast burritos and bowls as well as coffee. • Opened Feb. 8 • 3000 N. Durham Drive, Houston • www.saladandgo.com 11 City Boots The high-fashion boot brand offers more than 30 styles of handmade boots with a feminine-fit and made with premium materials. • Opened Feb. 16 • 3711 Autry Park Drive, Ste. 200, Houston • www.cityboots.com 12 Sugared + Bronzed The business offers airbrush tanning and sugaring, a hair removal practice that involves applying a paste of sugar, lemon and water. • Opened Dec. 26 (Uptown), Feb. 12 (Heights) • A 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Ste. 15, Houston (Uptown); • B 250 West 19th St., Ste. B, Houston (Heights) • www.sugaredandbronzed.com comprehensive emergency care services for adults and children, including advanced imaging and laboratory services, and an in-house pharmacy. • Opened Feb. 12 • 1324 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 100, Houston • www.topcareemergency.com 14 The Hair Shop The store offers premium hair extensions that company officials said can meet diverse needs. 13 Top Care ER The free-standing emergency room offers

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20TH ST.

W. 19TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

12B 18

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

W. 11TH ST.

W. 6TH ST.

WHITE OAK PARK

WHITE OAK DR.

WASHINGTON AVE.

TAYLOR ST.

MEMORIAL PARK

W A S H

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

610

BUFFALO BAYOU

P K

BUFFALO PK DR.

11 19

12A

UPTOWN PARK BLVD.

W. GRAY ST.

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

WESTHEIMER RD.

RICHMOND AVE.

W. ALABAMA ST.

288

610

• 4002 N. Main St., Houston • www.spacecadethtx.com

Now open

1 Conservatory Galleria The concept opened with 11 restaurants offering a diverse range of food types as well as two bar areas. Founders also have plans to offer happy hour specials, weekend markets and live bands. • Opened Feb. 19 • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 100, Houston • www.conservatorygalleria.com 2 Southern Kindness Gallery Gallery founder Magen Pastor said featured artworks are meant to capture the “essence of the South” with themes of kindness, connection and mental health. • Opened Feb. 3 • 2005 Commerce St., Houston • www.southernkindnessgallery.com 3 Space Cadet The eatery offers Cajun, American, Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisines. Brunch options include steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and whiskey-bent French toast, made with housemade bourbon butter. • Opened Jan. 26

4 Cocody Restaurant & Bar The restaurant boasts French-inspired cuisine, including mini baguettes, housemade tartare and pan-seared foie gras served in black currant sauce. • Opened Dec. 1

• 1971 W. Gray St., Houston • www.cocodyrestaurant.com

5 Cyclone Anaya’s The Tex-Mex eatery features a bar area offering drinks from both indoors and outdoors, a patio, and an on-site “tortilla gallery,” giving diners a view of the tortilla-

making process. • Opened Feb. 6 • 3736 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.cycloneanaya.com

6 Dolce & Gabbana The luxury designer brand offers a variety of designer clothing, handbags, jewelry and lifestyle pieces at its new location in The Galleria mall. • Opened Jan. 30

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16 Urban Eats Citing challenging financial situations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurant officials announced a closure. The American bistro, bar and market offered a full menu with food items procured locally. • Closed Jan. 28 • 3414 Washington Ave., Houston • www.feasturbaneats.com 17 Dinette Vietnamese Kitchen and Bar After a year and a half serving Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, officials served their final meal in early February. Co-owner Raymond Chan hinted at possibly still using the space in the future. • Closed Feb. 4 • 1018 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston • www.dinettehtx.com 18 Alice Blue Owner Claire Smith’s modern bistro operated for 20 years before closing Feb. 25. • Closed Feb. 25 • 250 W. 19th St., Houston • www.alicebluehouston.com

• Opened Jan. 29 • 3641 Westheimer Road, Ste. A, Houston • www.thehairshop.com

Now open

In the news

Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston

Ronald McDonald House Houston and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston have merged into one organization. The new organization will continue the work done by the two nonprofits, which includes the Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Lounges and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. • www.rmhchouston.org

19 MF Lobster & Ceviche This new eatery’s menu centers on using high- quality seafood and seasonal ingredients from Maine and Japan. Options include crudo, seasonal ceviche, oysters sourced from New England and an entire section dedicated to lobster. • Opened Feb. 16 • 3711 Autry Park Drive, Houston • www.mflobster.com

Closings

15 Picnik Less than a year after opening, officials with the Austin-based restaurant announced the closure of the Montrose Collective location. The restaurant offered healthy cafe fare, including keto, paleo, vegetarian and gluten-free options. • Closed Jan. 23 • 888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 126, Houston • www.picnikrestaurants.com

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSIE JENKINS

Harris County expands citizenship programs Harris County commissioners announced Jan. 23 the launch of a three-year, $5.8 million program that aims to assist the county’s legal permanent residents in becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Funding was allocated with a $4 million grant from the nonprot Houston Endowment and an additional $1.8 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The details Under a coordinated eort overseen by the Harris County Community Services Department, a network of public partners and the Harris County Public Library, the organizations will provide assistance such as civic education classes, natural- ization interview preparation, legal services and funds to cover application fees. HCPL will supplement its volunteer tutor team with 10 full-time instructors, library ocials said.

Art projects coming to high-crime areas Ocials with Harris County’s crime pre- vention and neighborhood safety program are launching a $3 million public art-based initiative in 11 communities that aims to shape the physical space, spur economic development and promote social change. Explained The 11 neighborhoods include Alief, Bar- rett, Cloverleaf, Cypress Station, East Aldine, Gulfton, Highlands, Northshore, Sharpstown, South Houston and Sunnyside. They were prioritized based on violent crime rates and lack of infrastructure, according to county administration ocials. Precinct ocials can request proposals for projects such as murals, sculptures, artistic crosswalks and park installations through the third quarter of 2024.

In the Gulf Coast region, 94.9% of the population that hold lawful permanent residency and are eligible to become U.S. citizens reside in three counties. The path to citizenship

Harris County 195,530 Fort Bend County 33,400 Montgomery County 10,580 Brazoria County 7,500 Galveston County 5,500

U.S. citizenship eligibility by county*

*DOES NOT INCLUDE PEOPLE BORN IN THE U.S.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in the region:

More than 123,600 of those eligible for citizenship came from a pool of people who were immediate relatives of U.S. citizens More than 29,800 lawful permanent residents spend at least 10 years until they meet the requirements for citizenship eligibility

SOURCE: 2022 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DATA FROM HARRIS, FORT BEND, MONTGOMERY, GALVESTON AND BRAZORIA COUNTIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Houston City Council appoints METRO board chair Houston City Council approved the appointment of Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock as board chair of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County during a Feb. 21 council meeting.

What they’re saying Brock is the rst Hispanic woman to chair the state’s largest transit authority. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the mayor, the METRO board and all levels

The details Brock serves as vice president of Utility Infra- structure Planning and Policy at CenterPoint Energy. Prior to CenterPoint, she worked in a variety of leadership positions at places such as: • Reliant Energy • Texas Southern University • University of Houston

of government to transform METRO into a best-in-class model of transit, accountability and transparency,” she said in a news release. Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock

METRO operates approximately 83 local bus routes, 31 commuter bus routes, three light rail lines and one bus rapid transit line across 1,309 square miles. Brock will replace Sanjay Ram- abhadran, whose term as chair has expired.

#StopHateNow

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has prosecuted 77 hate crime cases in the last 7 years. The most ever, by any District Attorney’s office in Texas. If you see or experience a hate crime, report it.

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Education

CONTRIBUTIONS BY SHAWN ARRAJJ BY WESLEY GARDNER

Forty-five Houston ISD schools will be subject to extensive reform beginning in the 2024-25 school year following an announcement from Superintendent Mike Miles that the schools were added to the district’s list of New Education System campuses. Under the NES, district officials aim to improve academic outcomes by implementing central- ized schedules and curriculum, and providing additional resources for teachers, among other changes. New schools to join the system include Crockett Elementary School in Sawyer Heights and the Gregory-Lincoln Education Center in Montrose. The overview Twenty-six schools were added to the district’s list of NES campuses on Jan. 23 by Miles, including Crockett and Gregory-Lincoln. Another 19 schools were added Feb. 9 after principals at those schools opted into the system. Previously, district officials used official Texas Education Agency accountability ratings to determine which campuses would be eligible for the program. However, the TEA did not release official accountability ratings for the 2022-23 school year due to pending litigation related to newly developed metrics. In an ongoing lawsuit, officials with 120 school districts across the state are challenging the new metrics, which they said are overly harsh and present a false picture. HISD expands New Education System, adds local schools

The following Houston ISD campuses will be designated as New Education System schools beginning in the 2024-25 school year based on the district’s calculation of accountability ratings using data from the Texas Education Agency. Several local schools saw drops in ratings under HISD’s calculation. New Education System campuses and 2022-23 accountability ratings

Kelso: F Ketelsen: D Longfellow: F Milne: F Mitchell: F Montgomery: D

Tinsley: D Valley West: D Walnut Bend: F Wesley: F

Elementary schools Almeda: D Anderson: F Askew: F Bell: D Browning: F Codwell: F Crockett Foerster: D Frost: D Golfcrest: D Grissom: F Gross: D Jefferson: D 1

High schools Austin: D

Northside: D Sharpstown: F Westbury: D

Middle schools Clifton: F Deady: D

Neff: D Peck: D

Other schools

Gregory-Lincoln Education Center Woodson Leadership Academy: F

Petersen: D Reynolds: D Ross: D Sanchez: D Southmayd: D Stevens: F

Fonville: F Marshall: D Navarro: D Ortiz: F Thomas: F Welch: F

Miles said the district used TEA data from the 2022-23 school year to calculate ratings based on how the new metrics would have played out. Between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, the number of HISD campuses with scores under 70 jumped from 9 to 123 using the new metrics. A closer look HISD officials launched the district’s NES program at 85 campuses at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year following the TEA’s announcement that the state would take over the district in June. Resources offered to teachers at NES campuses include additional staff that handle a variety of tasks outside the classroom. Teachers and staff members at NES campuses receive a higher base salary than teachers at non-NES schools.

Newly added local schools

SAWYER ST.

CROCKETT ST.

MEMORIAL PKWY.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU

ALLEN PKWY.

2021-22 accountability rating: B 2022-23 accountability rating: D 1

2021-22 accountability rating: B 2022-23 accountability rating: F 2

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Transportation

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

TxDOT pitches 2 options for adding lanes to I-10 Officials with the Texas Department of Trans- portation presented details at a Feb. 8 public meeting on two options to add four managed lanes along a 6.3-mile stretch of I-10 between Voss Road and I-45. Average daily vehicle counts in the targeted area have grown from 273,450 in 2018 to 292,460 in 2023 and are projected to grow to 422,220 by 2038, according to TxDOT information. The details Both options would allow I-10 to carry 460,000 vehicles per day. A third option, where nothing is done, would carry 380,000 vehicles per day. • Alternative 1: Two elevated managed lanes are added in each direction. • Alternative 2: Two managed lanes are added in each direction at the height of general lanes.

Work continues on water line project Crews reopened all lanes of Kipling Street in February as $36.7 million in water line work carries on through this summer. The project involves adding a 72-inch water line to the city of Houston’s south- west pump station to increase water capacity. While Kipling has reopened, portions of Woodhead and Branard streets, and Greenbriar Drive remained limited to one lane of one-way traffic as of Feb. 27.

610

MEMORIAL PARK

Both alternatives involve reconstructing frontage roads, and adding a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the westbound frontage road. Alternative 2 would require the acquisition of 12.54 acres along the westbound frontage road and the displacement of 52 residences and 30 com- mercial buildings. TxDOT would also acquire 0.53 acres of Cottage Grove Park. What’s next TxDOT plans to select an alternative later this year, after considering public feedback. Con- struction could begin in early 2028 and last six to eight years.

W E S T H E I M E R R D .

GREENBRIAR DR.

BRANARD ST.

WOODHEAD ST.

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Real estate

Residential market data

Number of homes sold

January 2023

January 2024

-33.33%

42.42%

-27.27%

100%

The median price of homes sold was up in four of five local ZIP codes when comparing data from January 2024 with January 2023.

610

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

77008

Median home sales price

77007

77019

January

2023

2024

77006

$499,900 $500,000 $535,000 $487,500 $448,250

$520,000 $485,000 $605,000 $516,500 $847,500

77006

77098

77007

288

77008

Homes sold by price point

77019

January 2024

77098

$1,000,000+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on market

$500,000-$749,999

+47.27%

-6.38%

-3.23%

-17.65%

-32.43%

$250,000-$499,999

<$250,000

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY VICTORIA HAWES JAMESTOWN ESTATE HOMES 832-296-1663

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77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Community

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Live jazz music guide

Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room The live music supper club hosts Houston-based vocalist Mariam Echo and other musical acts performing within the genres of Jazz, Blues and R&B from Wednesday-Sunday. • 5535 Memorial Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.scottgertnermusic.com The Flat The Midtown venue is marketed as a live venue for DJs. The Flat has a midday jazz cool down on Fridays during the lunch hour. • 1701 Commonwealth St., Houston • www.theflathouston.com Urban Smoke This restaurant, bar and cigar lounge boasts live music from in-house bands from 6-8 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. on Wednesdays, from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and from 2-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.

2024

Avant Garden A social patio, bar and lounge features live jazz at 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, hosted by The Cory Wilson Quartet and the Houston Ensemble “Jazz Open Jam.”

Kulture This Black-owned restaurant and performance space from Marcus Davis, of Houston’s The Breakfast Klub, does a twist on Caribbean-Southern comfort food. Ballads are performed by Marium Echo from 9-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. • 701 Avenida de las Americas, Ste. A, Houston • www.instagram.com/kulture_houston Majestic Metro The historic venue usually hosts weddings and corporate events, but at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on March 13, Majestic Metro will be the location of a candlelight tribute to soulful artists, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green. A live performance from vocalist Anthony Curtis, organ player Phillip Jones and saxophonist Woody Witt will contribute to the multisensory experience. Tickets range from $55-$70. • 911 Preston St., Houston • www.feverup.com/en/houston

Neighbors This social club and wine bar plays live jazz music every Monday from 8-10 p.m. Attendees will receive a free slice of pizza with a drink purchase. Entry is free. • 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Ste. A, Houston • www.neighborspizzabar.com Phil & Derek's The venue offers Creole cuisine, drinks from its bar, and live jazz on Thursday nights. Reservations are required. • 1701 Webster St., Houston • www.philanddereksreloaded.com Ready Room The venue has live music from 9 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It requires a reservation and $30 minimum beverage purchase per person. • 2626 White Oak Drive, Houston • www.readyroomhtx.com

• 411 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.avantgardenhouston.com

Eden Plant Company This coffee and plants shop transforms into a live music venue with “Jazz in the Jungle” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. • 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Ste. J, Houston • www.edenplant.co Five Central The multi-purpose, multi-level space boasts a cigar lounge, American restaurant, several bars and a lounge where bands play live music every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • 2736 Virginia St., Houston • www.fivecentralhouston.com

• 3913 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.urbansmokehouston.com This list is not comprehensive.

Jazzy Sundays in the Park This annual series kicks off in March at Emancipation Park and migrates to Buffalo Bayou and Discovery Green parks in April and May, respectively. These outdoor concerts celebrate the tradition of jazz and the Houstonians who preserve the art form. A pop-up

market will be on site at each park. • March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3018 Emancipation Ave., Houston • www.epconservancy.org

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From the cover

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ

Montrose Management District returns, vexing some business owners

A closer look

Two-minute impact

Businesses within the boundaries will be taxed according to the following plan:

Assessment rate: $0.09 per $100 in property value

The Montrose Management District first formed in 2011 when two existing improvement districts were merged. A management district is a gov- ernmental entity that can assess property taxes and fees on certain commercial property owners within its boundaries. The district cannot impose taxes or fees unless a petition is led to the district’s board requesting the services. The district then uses the funds it raises on initiatives according to a service plan approved by its board. Although the district will tax 996 properties, its reformation only required a petition from 25 property owners, a standard that was raised when the law was amended in 2019. The new standard only applies to districts that have formed since the law was amended. Duhon said they received a petition with signatures from 60 property owners, including Kimco—which owns The Driscoll at River Oaks apartment commu- nity—and La Colombe d’Or hotel.

District officials anticipate spending around $2.17 million on average each year for the 15 years of the service plan, which lays out district projects. District Executive Director Andrea Duhon said it will look to improve public safety by hiring a security company to have two patrol shifts as well as installing security cameras. Other initiatives would include graffiti and litter abatement. The district could also take on maintenance of projects completed by the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, which is prohibited by law from funding maintenance work. The city of Houston maintains some TIRZ infrastructure, but a management district could help with maintenance that goes above city standards, TIRZ Chair Joe Webb said. Webb said he is open to working with the district, but is watching from a distance as board member appointments play out.

Montrose Management District

A property valued at $1 million would pay roughly $900 in annual taxes to the district. Before it went inactive in 2018, the district charged $0.12 per $100 in property value.

527 527

Applies to commercial properties , not residential properties, with several exceptions: Mid-rise and high-rise buildings pay assessments based on the value of only four levels of each structure. Multifamily residential complexes of 25 units or less are exempt. Mixed-use properties will pay assessments only if the business portion of the property is more than 40% of the total valuation.

SOURCE: MONTROSE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Estimated FY 2024-25 budget

60% for public safety and security, or $1.3M annually 15% for project administration, or $325,000 annually 10% for maintenance and beautification, or $217,000 annually 10% for economic development, or $217,000 annually 5% placed in reserves, or roughly $108,000 annually

The other side

signatures to dissolve the district from what they said was 80% of assessed tax payers. Adams said she didn’t think it was right to launch a tax collect- ing district with 60 signatures when she said the majority of people she speaks with are against it. Opponents thought they were victorious in 2018 when the board voted to dissolve. However, the dissolution was contingent on a judge issuing an order to do so, and officials said that order was not issued.

Those opposed to the district express concerns about the number of signatures needed to bring it back and the lack of benefits when it last existed. Mariana Lemesoff, owner of Avant Garden on Westheimer Road, said the district did not provide her business any benefits when it last operated. John Foelber and Judy Adams, owners of Foelber Pottery on Richmond Avenue, were part of a six- year fight to get the district dissolved when it last operated. Opposition leaders at that time gathered

SOURCE: MONTROSE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

October 2011: Montrose Management District is formed when two existing improvement districts are merged April 2012: Property owner Bob Rose sues the new district, challenging the legitimacy of the petition that launched it March 2018: After a six-year legal battle, the district’s board votes to dissolve, contingent on a judge asking them to do so. However, officials said it never actually dissolved. December 2023: The district reforms with new service plan proposal, hosts first meeting February 2024: The new board votes on appointing six more board members Timeline

What’s next?

attended the meeting to speak about his dissatisfaction with the district when it last operated. When asked by current board members if he would like to join the board as a way to represent business owner needs, he agreed. “We’d rather have practical solutions to the problems we share,” Fergus said at the meeting. “It’s important to know what you are being asked to pay for.”

The district was also sued in 2012 and has a roughly $500,000 legal settlement to pay from a judgment that district officials said they planned to follow. At a Feb. 29 special meeting, the board’s three current members voted to appoint six new board members, which will later have to be approved by Houston Mayor John Whitmire. New members include Dan Fergus, who

SOURCES: MONTROSE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, HOUSTON 14TH COURT OF APPEALS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY ASIA ARMOUR

ends at the venue. The event includes Irish folk dance performances, a curated outdoor market, and food and games for all ages. • March 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. • Free

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Women’s Quarter Marathon Guests can celebrate International Women’s Day by running a 6.55-mile marathon. Karbach Bewing Co. and the Women’s Market collaborate on this event, which also features a 5K run and a 1K run/walk for children. • March 10, 7:30 a.m. • $25 (mini-marathon), $50 (5K), $60 (quarter marathon) • 2032 Karbach St., Houston • www.houstonrunning.co/wqm Reggae in the Park This music festival celebrating reggae, soca, dancehall and Afrobeats returns to Guadalupe Plaza Park. With a capacity for up to 3,000 people, the event features international artists, authentic food, art and jewelry vendors, games, picture booths and activities.

• 401 Franklin St., Houston • www.posthtx.com/event

Annual Houston Modern Home Tour Houstonians are invited to explore six modern homes designed and built in River Oaks and Heights neighborhoods, among others. An information packet and map of homes are emailed 48 hours before the event, and participants can travel at their own pace. Architects and designers are on hand to discuss their work. • March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $45 (adults), $15 (children ages 10-18) • Locations vary • www.mads.media/2024-houston-modern-home-tour Madonna at the Toyota Center American singer and songwriter Madonna visits Houston for her Four Decades Celebration Tour. This tour is the first to celebrate the artist’s greatest hits. Madonna also brings performer Bob the Drag Queen as a special guest. • March 28-29, 8:30 p.m. • Tickets start at $79 • 1510 Polk St., Houston • www.madonna.com/tour

Bayou City Art Festival The festival at Sam Houston Park is held to celebrate art experiences and promote the impact art has on the Houston community. It will feature a food truck park, a wine and craft beer garden, two entertainment stages, art installations, and an art bar. Attendees can expect an outdoor gallery with works from 250 artists. • March 23-24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • $18+ (adult), $5+ (children under 12 years old) • 1000 Bagby St., Houston • www.bayoucityartfestival.com

• March 16, 3-10 p.m. • Tickets start at $8 • 2311 Runnels St., Houston • www.facebook.com/reggaeintheparkfest

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BY ASIA ARMOUR

The center’s bookstore oers Buddhist teachings.

Gen Kelsang Wangpo opened the Kadampa Meditation Center Houston on Lovett Boulevard in Montrose in 2020.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Kadampa Meditation Center creates ripples of change

A photo shows the founder of the Modern Buddhist Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

form of Buddhism, with “modern” replacing the country as a cultural reference for the spiritual practice. But a visitor doesn’t have to be Buddhist to visit the center, Gen Wangpo said. “Our biggest emphasis is helping people learn how to meditate so that they can have their personal journey,” he said. More details Classes at the meditation center are held Sunday mornings, and Monday and Thursday nights, and uctuate between 12-20 attendees per session. Additionally, the center oers prayer services and workshops. Classes cost $12, and weekends are typically $20 for a three-hour workshop.

Gen Kelsang Wangpo wants to create a space for anyone to learn the qualities of a good life. As resident teacher at the Montrose-based Kadampa Meditation Center Houston, Gen Wangpo said he teaches the Modern Kadampa Buddhism tradition, which focuses on incorporat- ing Buddhism into daily life. “Gen” is an honoric signier for those who have been teaching for more than four years. Although it’s a young center, having just opened in January 2020, Gen Wangpo said his focus is on the future and the inuence these teachings could have on the millions of people across Houston. Kadampa Buddhism explained Gen Wangpo describes Kadampa as a modern

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