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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 10 FEB. 8 MARCH 7, 2025
Talking tourism
Houston leaders create plans for future upgrades to sports, convention centers
it’s important for Houston to stay competitive when it comes to creating rst-class facilities. “We’ve got to make sure that when we’re courting major events that we continue to keep in our minds that there is competition out there,” he said.
potential changes in the next several years, including NRG Park, the Astrodome, George R. Brown Con- vention Center, the Toyota Center and Daikin Park, formerly known as Minute Maid Park. Ryan Walsh, chief executive o cer of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, said he believes
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Many of Houston’s sports and convention centers are set to undergo major changes with plans for ren- ovations, feasibility studies, expansions and/or new design concepts revealed in late 2024 into early 2025. At least ve key venues are on the list to see
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Impacts: Check out what new cocktail bar in Upper Kirby is serving handcrafted beverages alongside oysters and caviar (Pages 4 5)
Education: Meet Houston ISD’s new chief of schools, Sandi Massey, who will oversee the district’s four division chiefs (Page 7)
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Impacts
POST OAK BLVD.
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9 The Audrey Restaurant This Audrey Hepburn-inspired restaurant and bar will exude Old Hollywood charm with a modern restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine consisting of premium meats, seafood and pasta as well as an expansive wine program. • Opening in fall
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• 1616 Post Oak Blvd., Houston • www.audreyrestaurant.com
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10 Solarium The new concept will transform the former Holman Draft Hall into a 9,000-square-foot restaurant, lounge and bar that will feature four pickleball courts, two padel courts and five private lounge-like court bays
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11 Pho Prime This build-your-own-pho concept combines an interactive dining experience with the rich, authentic flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Customers can also order bun bo, vermicelli bowls and the signature pho dip sandwich. • Opening in February • 5353 W. Alabama St., Ste. 107, Houston • www.phoprime.com 12 Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard The Pennsylvania-based restaurant will serve specialty frozen treats such as fresh-made Italian ice with real fruit, old-fashioned custard and gelati as well as milkshakes, cookie sandwiches and frozen lemonade. • Opening in spring • 5429 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • www.ritasice.com 13 Swish Dental The Austin-based company announced in December three new offices coming to Houston in 2025, including an Upper Kirby location. The dental office provides services such as regular cleaning, implants, teeth
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5 Jeff’s Bagel Run The Florida-based bagel shop opened its first Houston location in the Braes Heights Shopping Center. The shop features a variety of bagel flavors, including asiago, cinnamon raisin, garlic, jalapeño cheddar and everything bagel. Spread options include traditional cream cheese, banana pudding, brown sugar cinnamon, cannoli and strawberry. • Opened Jan. 8 • 3849 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A, Houston • www.jeffsbagelrun.com 6 Prime IV Hydration and Wellness A center for intravenous vitamin therapy opened a West University franchise that offers customers a chance to receive a mixture of fluids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. • Opened Jan. 7 7 The Orange Twist The medical spa offers a variety of in-class beauty treatments and services, including Botox, laser hair removal, facials, microneedling and skin care. • Opened Oct. 30 • 5160 Buffalo Speedway, Houston • www.orangetwist.com 8 Fête 832 This art studio offers visitors a chance to paint their own figurines such as a 13-inch bear, sneaker or kitty, in a creative and fun environment. Guests can bring their own drinks and snacks. • Opened Nov. 4 • 2414 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.fete832.com • 5316 Weslayan St., Houston • www.primeivhydration.com
Now open
1 On the Kirb The organic eatery and sports bar now open in Greenway Plaza offers fresh local produce, organic meats and free-range dairy and poultry products. • Opened Jan. 10 • 3800 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 124, Houston • www.onthekirb.com 2 Luxe Yoga This new yoga studio located on Kirby Drive will offer different classes that range from a gentle stretch session to a heated strength and flow workout with light weights. • Opened Jan. 24 • 5333 Kirby Drive, Ste. 190, Houston • www.luxe-yoga.com 3 Maximo The modern Mexican concept from Local Foods Group reopened its West University location after the restaurant closed in December to revamp the menu. • Reopened Jan. 15 • 6119 Edloe St., West University Place • www.maximo-htx.com 4 Macaron by Patisse A bakery specializing in macarons opened its third location in Rice Village with a variety of flavor options, such as lavender white chocolate, fruity pebbles, birthday cake and blueberry vanilla. The store also serves 10 flavors of gelato that is layered with macarons. • Opened Jan. 24 • 2371 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.macaronbypatisse.com
whitening and fillings. • Opening in summer • 5329 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.swishsmiles.com
14 Osteria di Mercato The new restaurant will be located inside the newly opened Mercato and Company Italian market in West University and will feature authentic Italian dishes alongside a wine selection. • Opening early 2025
• 3642 University Blvd., Houston • https://mercatoandcompany.com
Expansions
15 Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center The hospital announced in January that it will relaunch its inpatient rehabilitation services at the McNair
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
18 Plush Nail Bar A new project to remodel an existing beauty salon into the new nail shop in Bellaire is slated to start in March, according to TDLR. The salon will offer manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, threading, eyelash work, and acrylic and dip nail services. • 4191 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 175, Houston • www.plushnailbartx.com 19 Ajala Dental Service According to a TDLR filing, a new dental office called Ajala Dental Service is slated to begin construction on Feb. 3 and finish on May 5, and will be roughly 1,850 square feet. • 5201 Spruce St., Ste. C, Bellaire
Campus, as well as begin a four-year, $25 million cosmetic renovation project at the medical center location that includes redesigning the main lobby, cafeteria and three nursing units. • A McNair Campus, 7200 Cambridge St., Houston • B Texas Medical Center, 1101 Bates Ave., Houston • www.bcm.edu 16 The Health Museum The museum recently launched three new exhibits, including “The Reading Brain,” an art installation that explores dyslexia through a colorful hands-on exhibit; “Body Worlds 101: The Core of Life,” which features real human specimens to showcase the human body; and “Reclaimed Creations,” an exhibition that creates energy from discarded objects. • 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston • https://thehealthmuseum.org/exhibits
Now open
Anniversaries
21 Santé This new cocktail concept brings handcrafted cocktails and an elevated food program, including oysters and caviar, to Houston’s Upper Kirby area. The interior design shows European flare with vintage chandeliers, jewel-toned seating and a rotating art collection. • Opened Dec. 10 • 2309 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.santehtx.com
20 Kinder Institute for Urban Research The research institution located inside Rice University will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. The center will host a luncheon May 19 to honor the milestone and release the 44th Kinder Houston Area Survey. • 6100 Main St. Kraft Hall, Houston • https://kinder.rice.edu
In the news
17 On Running According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings, construction on a new On Running sportswear retail space at the Rice Village shopping center will begin in early March. • 6225 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.on.com
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Transportation
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & CARSON WEAVER
RICE BLVD. East Side Drainage project nears major milestone Phase II of the East Side Drainage Improvement Project completed the next major milestone since the project broke ground in May. What’s happening? Section 2 Section 3
IAH Terminal B lobby closed until 2026 The Terminal B lobby at George Bush Intercontinental Airport will temporarily close Jan. 21 due to progress in the $2.5 billion expansion of the terminal, according to a Jan. 15 news release from United Airlines. The terminal, where passengers currently check-in for flights, pass through Transpor- tation Security Administration security and claim baggage, is expected to reopen in 2026, per the release. The details Signage along Will Clayton Parkway and JFK Boulevard will redirect passengers to check in at the Terminal C lobby. The A/B parking garages will remain open, and United will provide a free shuttle service. Terminal B, where gates B3-B31 will remain operational, the release states.
According to a Jan. 10 update from the city of West University Place, construction crews are nearing completion of the major portion of roadway paving on the north side of Duke Street, which will wrap up in late February. Contractors also started removing and replacing reinforced concrete pipes on the west side of Wakeforest Avenue the week of Jan. 13. Taking a step back The second phase of the East Side Drainage Improvement Project started in May with the removal of existing pavement on the south side of Duke. West U officials said crews have installed 1,709.4 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipes and 500 yards of road paving on Duke Street. On Rice
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Boulevard, crews have installed 1,000 linear feet of new waterline and 400 yards of road paving. Next steps According to the city’s update, once paving is completed on the north side of Duke Street, resto- ration efforts will begin. The process will be finished by late February.
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Education
BY WESLEY GARDNER
HISD retroactively approves $870M in purchasing agreements Houston ISD board managers retroactively approved roughly $870 million in purchasing agreements following Superintendent Mike Miles’ admission that the agreements had been green-lit without board approval, which is in violation of district policy. The details Board managers retroactively approved more than 130 purchasing agreements during their Jan. 16 meeting. During a Jan. 13 news conference, Miles said a group of unnamed employees violated district policy after failing to submit projects secured through purchasing cooperatives to the board for approval over the course of 16 months. Miles noted the employees erroneously believed
Sandi Massey picked as chief of schools
The approved $870M HISD purchasing agreements vary widely in scope and cost, including:
Up to $100 million
Up to $45 million
Houston ISD o cials announced the appointment of Sandi Massey to serve as the district’s chief of schools in an e ort to ensure high-
in technology purchases from Netsync Network Solutions
in food purchases through multiple food vendors
Up to $50 million
Up to $20 million
quality instruction across the district’s 273 campuses. The details In a Jan. 7 news release, o cials said Massey will support and oversee the dis- trict’s four division chiefs in her new role. O cials noted Massey’s responsibilities in the new role will include: • Analyzing data to identify and implement school improvement strategies • Collaborating with educators • Building long-term strategies • Providing guidance to school leaders Sandi Massey
for heating- and cooling- system repairs through multiple HVAC vendors
for temporary buildings from Aries Building Systems
SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
the agreements did not require board approval. He maintained no laws were broken and that correc- tive actions would be taken. A closer look Miles said the agreements had been secured through purchasing cooperatives, which allow government entities to approve purchases of goods or services from pre-approved vendors.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
FIRST EDITION!
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later
Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.
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TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME
I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to offer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. —ROSS McCAMMON
EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN
I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian
species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By
EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY
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Its Reputation As a Ranch Pest Is Changing. The most common of the five species of prairie dogs in North America, these charismatic creatures today inhabit only about 2 percent of their native range, which once covered roughly 100 million acres of the Great Plains. Agriculture and urban development have consumed much of that habitat, and some ranch- ers, worried that these prairie dogs were competing with cattle for grass, exter- minated them. It turns out, though, that they are beneficial for grasslands. SO HOW DO THEY HELP? Prairie dogs nibble down the woody shrubs that could hide their predators and that often take over grasslands. This preserves habitat for birds and animals such as pronghorn. Plus, the rodents’ digging mixes and aerates the soil, and their scat provides nutrients. HOW DO WE KNOW FOR SURE? Scientists collected data from a group of GPS collar–wearing cattle that grazed on three pastures within a pre- serve. In warm seasons, the herd spent more time on the prairie dog colony than in areas outside it. I HEARD THEY CARRY PLAGUE. IS THAT TRUE? Prairie dogs are susceptible to the syl- vatic plague, caused by the same bac- terium as the bubonic plague. But it’s primarily fleas, not rodents, that spread it. At a respectful distance, you can en- joy them without fear. —Robyn Ross CRITTER BLACK�TAILED PRAIRIE DOG
early efforts to revive whooping cranes with captive breeding. During several breeding seasons in the late seventies and early eight- ies, he even lived in a shed with a female crane named Tex, who had imprinted on humans after hatching at the San Antonio Zoo. “Cranes require a great deal of space,” Ar- chibald said. “Each species selects a different type of wetland or grassland.” Unfortunately, those are some of the most easily destroyed habitats: With no trees to cut down, develop- ers can simply pave them over. Captive breed- ing has played a crucial role in the comeback of the species. In the past decade, the Dallas Zoo has picked up the baton, as one of seven organizations in the U.S. and Canada to carry on Archibald’s legacy of breeding baby whoop- ing cranes to release in the wild.
1941 only 21 whooping cranes were left in the wild. Today, after decades of extensive conservation work, there are about 700 wild whoopers left. Wherever there are cranes, there are crani- acs. The birders who visit Port Aransas—“We estimate the economic impact to be near $1 million,” says Brett Stawar, president and CEO of the town’s tourism bureau—bring with them an intense enthusiasm. The undisputed king of the craniacs is George Archibald, the 78-year-old cofounder of the International Crane Foundation. Archibald was a leader in
A birder at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas, on December 14, 2024; birders in Port Aransas; a sign at the preserve.
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January 18-February 14
Give your loved one the ultimate symbol of endless love… a hissing cockroach.
Stop by the Museum Store to visit our Valentine's Roach Motel!
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TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
MADE IN TEXAS
All Loud on the Western Wear Front With its bold colors and modern designs, the Kennimer label is drawing the attention of pop stars and New York Fashion Week.
Meanwhile, In Texas OUT THERE
BY TAYLOR PREWITT
A video of a horse riding in the back seat of a pickup truck in Fort Worth went viral on social media, with one viewer commenting “living in fort worth this normal to me at this point.” A woman in Dallas booked a rental car for one day, then drove to Wash- ington State and continued to use the vehicle for 46 days , telling Spokane authorities that she didn’t return the car because she was too busy. Claiming to be a member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special opera- tions unit, a man from Manor de- frauded victims of more than $12 million by falsely telling them that they were at risk of violence from drug cartels and offering “protec- tion” in exchange for money. A Richardson resident was named CNN’s 2024 Hero of the Year for running a nonprofit in North Texas that helps people going into treat- ment for addiction find temporary homes for their dogs. Billionaire Tilman Fertitta became the first restaurateur in Texas to of fer A5 Wagyu bone-in ribeyes from the Kagoshima region of Japan, which he sells at one of his Houston steakhouses for $1,000 each. Researchers at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi detect- ed low levels of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. —Meher Yeda
while Ben, who hails from the small East Tex- as town of Latch and previously worked in graphic design, handles the hats. They jump in to help each other with tedious tasks such as adding rhinestones or handsewing when needed. “We’ve always just worked well to- gether,” Ben says, recalling early collabora- tive projects that included a hot dog–cart side hustle and a screen-printing business. They work as a team to conceive a collection’s overarching look and theme. The couple are motivated by their network of musician friends, many of whom have be- come clients. “We’re excited to show people it’s not a trend,” says Bonnie of Western style. “It’s a staple.” They’re looking forward to de- buting a few couture looks in New York. Some of the pieces, which incorporate subtle nods to the Victorian era (such as high collars and covered buttons), are so intricate that they required around seventy hours of detailed handsewing.
IN LESS THAN a decade, Ben and Bonnie Kennimer have gone from teaching them- selves hat making and clothing design to cus- tomizing looks for some of music’s biggest stars. Their eponymous Western wear label, which they founded in Houston in 2017, is fa- vored by Fort Worth songwriter and soul sing- er Leon Bridges, the Houston trio Khruang- bin, DJ and producer Diplo, and pop star Joe Jonas. One of Bonnie’s dresses, for renowned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenee Fleenor, is housed at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. And this February the couple will take their creations to a New York Fashion Week runway for the first time. Now based in Bonnie’s hometown of Aus- tin, the married couple splits the work down the middle: Bonnie, who has a background in costuming and tailoring, designs the clothes,
Ben and Bonnie Kennimer.
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An estimated 15,000 head of cattle were killed in the Panhandle fires of February 2024.
flag warnings, an alert the National Weath- er Service issues a few dozen times a year in the Panhandle when a combination of strong winds and low humidity increases the risk of extreme wildfire. Though rain had been plentiful that winter and grass was thriving, unseasonably warm February temperatures had dried it out quickly. What should have beenarancher’sblessing—bountifulfieldsfor grazing—had instead turned into something ominous: “fuel load.” Adam, a 31-year-old with a slight build, shag- gy brown hair, and bright blue eyes, has the plumb posture of a man who takes pride in his work.He’dstartedpreppingforfireseasonthe week before, securing insurance for most of the 712 cattle he owned with his wife, Aubrie, a 30-year-old with sympathetic brown eyes and strawberry blond hair. They’d decided against paying the higher premiums to cover the full herd, largely because they’d made it through the previous five seasons unburned. Adam was no stranger to fire risks. The youngest of two boys, he’d known he want- ed to be in the cattle business since he was a five-year-old playing with a toy Ford pickup that was identical to the one his dad drove around their family’s ranch in Canadian, an almost utopian hamlet of 2,300 in the rolling sand hills and caprocks northeast of Amarillo. Adam earned a degree in ranch management at Texas Tech University. That’s where he met Aubrie, the daughter of an accountant and a rodeo competitor turned professor who’d given up horses when his children were born. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
WHEN THE TOWERING black plume first sprouted on the western horizon, it wasn’t much cause for alarm. The sky in the north- eastern Panhandle is near-boundless, and from his Hemphill County ranch Adam Isaacs often spottedsmokefromfiresthatwereahundred miles away. Few of them ever threatened his property. This one, he knew, had gotten started roughly seventy miles west, and though the winds were blowing his way, the flames had a lot of ground to cover before Adam would allow himself to get concerned. His land, his livestock, his loved ones—none were at risk. Not right away. But the potential was there. That Monday morning, February 26, had brought one of the 2024 fire season’s first red
FEATURE PREVIEW
Where There’s Smoke After last year’s historic Panhandle inferno, Adam and Aubrie Isaacs are among the many ranchers in the region weighing how—and whether—to carry on. BY EMILY McCULLAR
READ THIS FEATURE AND MORE IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE TK AUDIENCE SPACE
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Government
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS, EMILY LINCKE & KEVIN VU
$10M contract awarded for public works facility West University o cials awarded a $10.9 million contract Jan. 13 to Austin-based company Tegrity Contractors to build the city’s new public works facility. What you need to know City sta completed the evaluation of bids submitted for the construction of the new public works facility Dec. 18. Of the seven bids, the city deemed ve to be complete. The bids ranged from $10 million to $12 million. City o cials chose the second priced option with Tegrity Contractors, whose bid came in just under $100,000 more than the top-ranked price from Patriot Contracting at $10.7 million. The project award also includes $167,777 for the city’s underground fuel storage tank for a total project cost of $11 million. Roger Roulette Jr., a representative of Tegrity
County mandates power backups at assisted living, nursing facilities Under a new re code, the roughly 120 assisted living and nursing facilities located in unincorpo- rated Harris County will have until Jan. 1, 2026 to add emergency backup power systems, county leaders announced Jan. 8. The overview Harris County is the rst in Texas to implement this re code, which is designed to keep vulnera- ble senior populations safe during emergencies, Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said Jan. 8. Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said the requirement for backup power systems will allow: • Safe facility temperatures to be maintained • Vital medical devices to be powered • Medications to be preserved
‘J City’ rebrand to help city services Houston City Council member Edward Pollard of District J, which covers Gulfton and Sharpstown, has rebranded the district to “J City,” according to a Jan. 6 news release. The framework Pollard described the rebranding as if o - cials are running it like its own municipality. These services will supplement the city’s departments to get a faster, more person- alized response to community concerns, according to the news release. The programs included are J City Patrol, Supplemental Maintenance Team, Beauti - cation Team, Animal Welfare and the Good Neighborhood Program. Funding for these programs comes from the Council District Service Fund, which J City gets $1 million from every year.
County invests $10.1M in solar panel project Harris County is one step closer to launching a $10.1 million pilot project to install solar panels at libraries and commu- nity centers following a unanimous vote by Harris County Commissioners on Jan. 9. What’s happening? Harris County’s two-phase Distributed Energy Resources pilot aims to make county facilities “less reliant on the electricity grid” and more resistant to power outages during weather events, according to Jan. 9 meeting documents. The project calls for solar panels, battery storage and dual-port electric vehicle charging stations. Construction on Phase I of the energy pilot is slated to begin in January and wrap up by the rst quarter of 2026.
The new re code was approved following Winter Storm Uri and Hurricane Beryl—which induced widespread power outages—and resulted in:
At least 1 senior death due to extreme heat during Hurricane Beryl 14 nursing homes and 30 assisted living facilities in Harris County losing power for several days during Hurricane Beryl 10% of nursing homes and nearly 33% of assisted living facilities across Texas losing power during Winter Storm Uri 100 senior deaths due to hypothermia in Texas during Winter Storm Uri
West University’s new public works facility will be a two- story building.
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Facilities will be given one year to get into com- pliance with the new re code, and county leaders plan to provide guidance and support during the transition, Briones said.
Contractors, said he anticipates beginning the demolition process at the end of January into early February. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2026.
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Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s carnival ride tickets are sold separately at the rodeo grounds.
The rodeo features several competitions ranging from livestock and horse shows to art.
PHOTOS COURTESY HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo returns Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has promoted agriculture by hosting an annual rodeo that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. What to expect
The rodeo’s entertainment lineup includes rock, country, pop, regional Mexican and Christian artists.
of an NRG Park admission ticket or a rodeo and concert ticket, per the website. Concert attendees can select from 20 perfor- mances with performers, such as Luke Bryan and Post Malone, which were announced Jan. 9. Grounds tickets are $21 online and include admission to NRG Park but do not allow entrance into NRG Stadium for the rodeo and concert performances. Carnival admission is included with the purchase of a grounds ticket, however, carnival tickets must be purchased separately and are $1.25 each. Most rides require three to eight tickets each.
Dates to know Ahead of the HLSR season, rodeo enthusiasts can look forward to several pre-rodeo events including: Feb. 27-March 1: The 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest features over 250 teams. Feb. 28: On Go Texan Day, the uno cial kicko of the HLSR, the Houston community is invited to celebrate Western heritage to raise awareness of Rodeo season. March 1: The Rodeo Run precedes the Downtown Rodeo Parade and kicks o with a wheelchair race, followed by a 5K and 10K. The parade will feature decorative oats with thousands of men and women on horseback as well as marching bands.
Held from March 4-23, the HLSR will be show- casing a livestock show, a horse show, auctions, a carnival and carnival food. Attendees can purchase single-day carnival admission, season tickets or performance tickets. Carnival admission is included with the purchase
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BY ASIA ARMOUR
place along Kelvin Drive and Amherst Street within the Rice Village District. Vendors will sell locally-sourced produce, grass-fed meat and more. • March 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Kelvin Drive and Amherst St., Houston • www.rice-village.com Mardi Gras Parlay Entertainment group Tenacé Social Club hosts this Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday at mixed-use venue Five Central. The club will be transformed with decorations, music, themed-attire, a photo booth and an all-day happy hour. Valet parking and security will be provided. • March 4, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. • $15 • 2736 Virginia St., Houston • www.tenacesocial.com Run for the Rose The 21st annual 5K, 1K and survivor stroll is the primary fundraiser for the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, whose mission is to eradicate brain cancer through research, advocacy and awareness, as well as to improve the lives of pediatric patients. The run concludes with a party. • March 30, 8 a.m. • $20-$50 • 7255 Helix Park Ave., Houston • www.runfortherose.com
February
Animeverse Fest This three-day anime festival features meet-and-greets with voice actors, cosplayers, panels and Q&A sessions, as well as gaming tournaments and a vendor hall. • Feb. 14-16, 3 p.m. • $10-$75 • NRG Center, Hall A: 1 NRG Park, Houston • www.animeversefest.com/feb-2025 Movie Night at H elix Hall See a screening of Disney film “Princess and the Frog” at Helix Hall in the Texas Medical Center 3 Collaborative Building. Attendees may bring a chair, mat or towel to sit on while watching the movie. • Feb. 20, 6:15 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston • Eventbrite: Movie Night at Helix Hall - Princess and the Frog
Winter Festival: Year of the Snake The Museum of Fine Arts Houston hosts a Winter Festival celebrating east Asian culture in February. This family-friendly festival at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston celebrates East Asian culture through cuisine, musical performances, lion and dragon dances and art-making activities. • Feb. 23, 1-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Brown Foundation Plaza, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, Houston • www.mfah.org
March
Rice Village Farmers Market This bi-monthly, nutritionist-owned market takes
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
Talking tourism From the cover
1 Astrodome The Astrodome Conservancy revealed plans for a $1 billion development in November called “Vision Astrodome” that would feature four buildings inside the arena. The new revitalization plans include: • Creating 450,000 square feet of revenue-generating space • A new event floor inside the Astrodome • A boulevard connecting people from the Astrodome to NRG Park • Additional parking, storage, service and animal handling facilities The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation approved a cost analysis in November as part of the ongoing NRG Park master plan to study the cost of restoring the Astrodome to basic operational functionality and to assess the cost of removing it. 2 NRG Arena HCSCC approved design studies for NRG Arena in August that resulted in four conceptual plans ranging from $538 million to $1.2 billion. Potential designs include a new arena with: • A 360-degree view with premium seating options, concourse clubs and suites • A multiuse pavilion to accommodate the Houston Rodeo, concerts and sports events • An upgraded exposition hall and additional exhibition space • Potential to convert the ground floor into an ice hockey rink HCSCC has not approved design plans as of press time, corporation o cials said. However, the four di erent architectural companies’ timelines in the design plan presentations show completion dates that range from 2028 to 2040. 3 Toyota Center The Houston Rockets debuted enhancements made in October to the Toyota Center, including a new scoreboard, 6,200-square-foot LED display and renovated PNC Club. Additionally, the Harris County- Houston Sports Authority board approved a facility condition assessment in October to determine what upgrades can be made to the aging structure. 4 Daikin Park The HCHSA approved a $6.5 million package in December for a seating bowl study and design work at Daikin Park, formerly known as Minute Maid Park, to replace all 41,000 seats at the stadium as well as the roof at the atrium level and all signage and branding at the ballpark to re ect the new naming rights, which became e ective Jan. 1. George R. Brown Convention Center The Houston First Corporation approved an expansion project of the George R. Brown Convention Center in August to modernize and expand the 37-year-old convention center. Details include: • A new south building with additional parking, exhibition halls and ballrooms • More green space and sidewalks on the eastern side of Downtown Houston • Improved infrastructure for pedestrian and vehicle flow Construction is anticipated to start on the potentially $2 billion project in early 2025 and wrap up in summer 2028, CEO Michael Heckman said.
Funding the project
The big picture
Proposed plans for the di erent convention and sports centers will cost billions of dollars over the next several decades. However, project o cials believe that many of the renovations will not fall on taxpayers. Funding for the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center will come through the state’s portion of incremental hotel occupancy tax revenue, Heckman said. Astrodome Conservancy Chair Phoebe Tudor speculates that the Astrodome’s status as a Texas historical landmark could leverage private invest- ment funding and minimize public investment. For the possible redesign of NRG Arena, HCSCC CEO Martye Kendrick said funding sources are currently being evaluated, but the corporation will not be sharing details until a later date.
1
RENDERING COURTESY GENSLER
2
Measuring the impact
Economically, the ve venues bring in millions of dollars in revenue each year with major events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo bringing in additional revenue. Houston also broke several tourism records last year, including the number of visitors, the number of hotel rooms booked for future years and the amount of hotel occupancy tax collected, according to the Houston First Corporation. In 2024, Houston collected $112.9 million in HOT funds, a 7% increase from 2023. According to the Texas Comptroller’s website, HOT funds must be used to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industries. Economic impact Direct economic impact is made up of additional money spent in a local area from event-related visitors, including the cost of hotels, food and transportation.
RENDERING COURTESY POPULOUS
3
COURTESY HOUSTON ROCKETS
4
NCAA Final Four (2023): MLB World Series (2021): Super Bowl LI (2017):
$347M
$25M
$270M
CFP National Championship (2024): Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (2024):
$597M
$200M
SOURCES: HOUSTON SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO COMMUNITY IMPACT
RENDERING COURTESY HOUSTON ASTROS
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Who it a ects
Stay tuned
Walsh said hosting major events in Houston provides the city an opportunity to boost local businesses and enhance the community. For example, HCHSA’s program, Buy Houston: By Houston, connects local suppliers with opportu- nities surrounding high-pro le events. Two Houston-area businesses that have been used in the past include ACME Party & Tent, a party equipment rental company located just outside of Meyerland, and Signature Aspen, a commercial printing business near the Heights. “What we try to do is encourage local busi- nesses to register as a vendor, and if an event does come in with a need, … we have a list of vendors that we’re ready to give to that event producer to utilize,” he said. “That provides a local edge that other cities may not have.” Kendrick said large event organizers and entertainers also often make contributions to local nonpro ts. In 2017, the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL donated $4 million to
Houston o cials hope to bring millions of visitors to the city in the upcoming years and are beginning to prepare for major sports tournaments and conventions.
“Bringing tourism to Houston through a complex like NRG Park is essential because it fuels economic growth,
creates job opportunities and enhances the city and county’s reputation as a global destination.” MARTYE KENDRICK, CEO HCSCC
2025
May: DreamCon, the largest Black-owned anime and gaming convention in the U.S., George R. Brown Convention Center June-July: Gold Cup, the regional championship game for international soccer teams, Shell Energy Stadium March: World Baseball Classic, Daikin Park June-July: FIFA World Cup, NRG Stadium
2026
2027
78 Houston organizations, including the Star of Hope Mission in West University, which serves the homeless population in Houston. The College Football Foundation also raised over $3 million for Houston-area teachers in 2024 that went towards classroom resources, profes- sional development and classroom renovations, Walsh said.
TBD: Republican National Convention, Toyota Center
2028
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HARRIS COUNTY SPORTS & CONVENTION CORPORATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
As your public health system, we’re here for those in need. In a region with so many unable to afford insurance, it’s a monumental responsibility. And a distinct privilege. We provide all our patients exceptional medical, mental health, dental and vision care, along with vital outreach programs and resources. Because it protects the health and safety of our entire community. Because it’s the right thing to do. You may not know our name. And that’s okay.
YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
As wild fires ravage large swaths of LA, Belmont Village Senior Living sends thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to anyone who has endured the loss of a home, of treasured belongings, of a livelihood and, most of all, the loss of life. We are deeply inspired by local first responders whose courage and commitment exemplifies the best of humanity. Also by the countless men and women from other cities, states and even other countries who rushed into our City to join front lines. At Belmont Village Senior Living we continue to work tirelessly to keep our residents and our associates safe and to help protect the well-being of all seniors. We are especially grateful to community partners—hoteliers, transportation companies, and many more who have helped effectuate seamless evacuations when called upon. We cannot express enough gratitude to our own team members for their grit, intelligence and determination to keep our seniors safe. We will endure as a City, and emerge from this ordeal resilient and proud. In challenging times, community matters more than ever. Patricia Will LA STRONG A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
Founder and CEO Belmont Village Senior Living
Help us support LA seniors | belmontvillage.com/SupportLA
©2025 Belmont Village, L.P. | ALF 030197
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
State
BY EMILY LINCKE, JESSICA SHORTEN & AUBREY VOGEL
5 legislative updates from Houston-area lawmakers
With the 89th Texas legislative session underway as of Jan. 14, Houston-area lawmakers have begun working on hundreds of bills they hope to pass into law. Priorities for local representatives and senators include power line durability, enhancing Texas’ electric grid and school board elections. Lawmakers across the state have been ling bills for the 89th session since Nov. 12 with a ling deadline of March 14. The session is scheduled to end June 2, barring no special sessions being called. 1 Houston could see buried power lines following study to analyze cost After more than 2.2 million customers lost power during Hurricane Beryl, Texas lawmakers are requesting a study through House Bill 842 on the cost and feasibility of burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region. The bill, led by Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land, calls for the study to include all areas in the state within 150 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, according to the draft legislation. The study would explore the potential: • Cost of burying existing power lines • Cost of maintaining and repairing underground power lines • Cost saving analysis with reduced outages • Technologies developed or tested by the Department of Energy
3 New bill targets ban on e-cigarette stores near schools Governments would be able to ban e-cigarette stores from operating within 300 feet of a campus through House Bill 1183. The bill was led by Rep. Charles Cunningham, R-Humble.
2 House bill seeks to change school board elections House Bill 955 from state Rep. Steve Toth, R-The
Woodlands, aims to make school board candidates sign on with a political party to run for o ce as well as expand the mandatory term period from three to four years. The Texas Election Code outlines school boards as nonpartisan positions
Number of U.S. students who have ever used tobacco as of 2024
3.87M
E-cigarettes Cigarettes Cigars
Rep. Steve Toth, R The Woodlands
1.57M
1.05M
that are subject to election for three- or four- year terms. However, the new bill would require school board candidates to run in both a primary and general election before gaining the seat. If passed, independent school districts would have until December to reschedule their regular election timeframes to adhere to the new requirements. Toth’s o ce did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.
SOURCES: ANNUAL NATIONAL YOUTH TOBACCO SURVEY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION COMMUNITY IMPACT
4 Lawmakers seek the creation of a statewide grid security commission Texas lawmakers are seeking to create a Texas Grid Security Commission to provide oversight into the state’s electric grid stability. According to the draft legislation for Senate Bill 75, co-authored by 17 senators, the commission would evaluate municipalities across the state.
5 Maintenance district to be considered for Lake Houston
Lake Houston
Harris County
Texas coastal counties
A new board-governed maintenance district will be created for Lake Houston, should House Bill 1532 be approved. Filed by Cunningham, HB 1532 would establish the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, which would cover Lake Houston in Harris County’s boundaries. According to the bill, the district would:
90
69
8
N
• Coordinate the removal of lake sediment and debris • Have the ability to issue bonds • Not be allowed to impose a tax or charge a fee • Be permitted to seek grants
GULF OF MEXICO
Mexico
N
SOURCE: MAPS OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
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