Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | December 2025

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 8 DEC. 6, 2025JAN. 6, 2026

Proposed hospital expansion could impact parkland

Ben Taub Hospital is planning a $410 million expansion in the Texas Medical Center to address increasing demand for medical services. The proposal includes using nearly nine acres of land in Hermann Park—a prospect that has raised concerns among some residents and ocials. BY MELISSA ENAJE

Also in this issue

Check out this holiday guide on when and where to see classic theater specials such as The Nutcracker ballet Community 21

See what new thrift stores and locally-owned restaurants are coming to the neighborhood Impacts

CONTINUED ON 18

Ben Taub Hospital

Proposed Hermann Park land

8.9 acres of Hermann Park land

$410M voter-approved project cost

100-patient room hospital expansion

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

In September, the Harris Health board of trustees unanimously approved the acquisition of a portion of Hermann Park to expand Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Impacts

location will be the first in Houston. • Opening in January • 2020 Richmond Ave., Ste. 201, Houston • www.glopilateshtx.com

E IMERRD.

MONTROSE BLVD.

RICHMOND AVE.

8 Eataly A new location of the Italian eatery and store is coming soon to an existing retail space in Houston off of Westheimer Road. The 20,500-square-foot building will combine a mix of restaurants, specialty marketplaces, a cafe and grab-and-go meals. • Opening late 2026 • 5000 Westheimer Road, LOD Space 15, Houston • www.eataly.com

VAL VERDE ST.

288

West University Place

HERMANN PARK

SPRUCE ST.

HERMANN PARK DR.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

610

S. GESSNER RD.

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

I R E B L V D . L A I R E B L V D .

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Bellaire

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

9 Jeju Island Korean BBQ and Sushi With a location in Pearland, this restaurant, which serves authentic Korean barbecue and fresh sushi, is anticipated to open another location in Meyerland. A TDLR filing shows construction will occur between

LAFAYETTE ST.

RICEBLVD.

BEECHNUT ST.

288

Meyerland

January and December of 2026. • 8845 W. Loop S., Ste. F, Houston • www.jejuislandpearland.com

BRAYS BAYOU

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

S. POST OAK RD.

10 Dutch Bros Coffee The popular drive-thru coffee chain is preparing to open a new spot near Meyerland. According to TDLR, construction is planned to start in May of next year and finish in December. • 9943 S. Post Oak Road, Houston • www.dutchbros.com 11 Waxxed Cards According to TDLR, construction on this new trading card company storefront is slated for late 2026. The spot will sell sports cards and Pokémon cards, along with other memorabilia. • 2528 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.triplecards.com 12 Planet Fitness The national fitness brand will replace the former Foodarama supermarket in Maplewood. The 33,000-square-foot space offers strength and cardio equipment and is expected to be under construction

5 Olara Dental Olara Dental is now offering residents of Bellaire with preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services. Olara also provides oral surgery and pediatric dentistry services, according to the website. • Opened Oct. 4 • 5201 Spruce St., Ste. B, Bellaire • www.olaradental.com Enchanted Chapters This new mobile bookstore opened in Houston in October to help bring the joy of discovering books to all communities. Owner Christie Hopson said a variety of genres from romance to fantasy, thriller, mystery and children’s books are available. • Opened in October • www.linktr.ee/enchantedchapterstx

Now open

1 Trippin Taco This halal Mexican cuisine food truck opened in November to sell birria tacos, nachos, tamales and fusion ramen bowls. • Opened in November • 5550 Val Verde St., Houston • https://trippintaco.com 2 Texas Country Western Boots The retailer is known for its exotic boot collection made from premium leather and skins such as alligator, cowhide, ostrich and python. • Opened Nov. 8 3 2nd Street As the newest tenant at Rice Village, this second-hand retail store sells luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, including men’s and women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. • Opened Oct. 24 4 Lafayette Park A new play structure designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old opened at the park in Bellaire in October. The setup is designed to encourage physical activity, imaginative play and social interaction. • Opened Oct. 28 • 4337 Lafayette St., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/1717/Lafayette-Park • 2535 University Blvd., Houston • www.texaswesternboots.com • 2455 Rice Blvd., Houston • https://2ndstreetusa.com

from December to mid-2026. • 5665 Beechnut St., Houston • www.planetfitness.com

Coming soon

6 Goodwill Education & Training Center Officials with the company announced the donation store will open its first education and training center in Houston in December. The facility will help empower individuals through education, career pathway training and access to job opportunities, with an emphasis on repair, maintenance and technology. • Opening Dec. 9 • 8225 S. Gessner Road, Houston • www.goodwillhouston.org 7 Glo Pilates The Pilates studio will offer classes that utilize a reformer machine for full-body workouts, stretching and Pilates classes with dogs. The Richmond Avenue

In the news

13 TDECU & Smart Financial Credit Union Houston’s largest credit union, and Smart Financial Credit Union, announced plans to merge in October. The merger is expected to be finalized in early 2026, combining nearly $6 billion in assets and serving more than 46,000 members across Texas. • 3800 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 100, Houston • www.tdecu.org 14 Huntington Bancshares The banking and financial company announced in late

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

October that it would acquire Cadence Bank, which has 390 locations throughout the southern United States. With the acquisition, Huntington will not close any existing Cadence Bank branches. • 5706 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.cadencebank.com 15 Hungry’s Eatery and bar Hungry’s is celebrating 50 years of operations, according to a news release from restaurant officials. In honor of the anniversary, the restaurant has renovated its bar space and will offer new cocktails.

Now open

In the news

• 2356 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.hungryscafe.com

16 New York Deli & Coffee Shop The coffee shop and eatery celebrated its 50th anniversary in October. The locally-owned business has been serving New York-style bagels in Bellaire since 1975, as well as breakfast and deli items such as pancakes, omelets, soups and salads. • 9724 Hillcroft St., Houston • www.nybagelsandcoffee.com

17 Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette As the third location to open in Houston, this restaurant is known for its raw bar selection and seafood, with plates such as crab balls, buttermilk lobster bites and char-grilled oysters. The restaurant also serves sushi and sashimi cuts like tuna, poke, Scottish sashimi, citrus chili salmon and black truffle hamachi. • Opened Nov. 5

18 Miller Outdoor Theatre More upgrades are coming to Miller Outdoor Theatre, as announced by Managing Director Claudia de Vasco at a Nov. 13 groundbreaking ceremony. Changes will include the creation of a Gateway Plaza, which will serve as an official entrance to the park featuring three large sculptural structures that resemble birds to create shaded areas, de Vasco said. • Reopening June 2026 • 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

• 5212 Morningside Drive, Houston • www.libertykitchenoysterette.com

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

West U approves $10.7M bond for city’s water infrastructure projects

How we got here

The various water system infrastructure proj- ects were identified in the city’s 2025-34 Capital Improvement Plan. West University’s fiscal year 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan includes a roughly $502 million budget, with 62%, or $312 million, of funds going towards drainage projects. CIP funds can be used to finance public improvements in the six following categories: drainage, facilities and technology, parks, streets, water and wastewater. The first four years of the plan are anticipated to use approximately $369.8 million of the over- all budget. Water projects will receive the most funding in FY 2025-26. Drainage projects will follow in FY 2027, with facilities and technology investments favored in FY 2028, as previously reported in Community Impact.

will be paid. “The debt issued for these projects will be paid for by water/sewer fees, not property taxes,” a statement on the project site reads. The bond issued includes funding drainage, water and stormwater sewer projects.

West University Place City Council unanimously approved up to $10.76 million in bond sales Nov. 10 that will go towards funding five different water system infrastructure projects throughout the city. When it comes to bond issuance, city officials addressed how the funding for these projects

Water infrastructure projects were identified in the city’s 2025-34 Capital Improvement Plan. City Council OKs $10.76M bond sale 1 Wakeforest Water Plant Distribution Line Replacement: $5.48M 2 Cast Iron Water Line Replacement: $2.94M 3 Wakeforest Elevated Ground Storage Tanks Interior Rehabilitation: $1.18M 4 Milton Water Plant Improvements: $818K 5 West Side Drainage Improvement Project - Design costs: $342K

$10.76M Total

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The $10.76 million bond proceeds, according to city officials, will be used for the following phases in these projects identified in the city’s 2025-34 Capital Improvement Plan:

Put in perspective

Project name

Funding for project phase Description

For the average West University Place household that does not receive a senior or disability exemption on its utility statements, the estimated impact will be an additional $2.36 per month. According to city officials, they anticipate increasing water and sewer rates in 2026, with a portion of the recommended rate increase to support issuing the bond.

Wakeforest Water Plant Distribution Line Replacement Cast Iron Water Line Replacement Wakeforest Elevated And Ground Storage Tanks Interior Rehabilitation

For the water distribution system in the northeast corner of the city to improve water pressure To replace cast iron water lines throughout the city To complete interior maintenance work on the storage tanks To upgrade pump stations at the facility and replace two groundwater storage tanks For the city to explore future stormwater sewer improvements along the city’s west side

Construction phase

Construction phase Design and construction phase

Milton Water Plant Improvements

Design phase

West Side Drainage Project

Design phase

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & JULIANNA WASHBURN

Additional flood relief set for Meyergrove Houston City Council approved an interlocal agreement related to construction on a new detention basin at its meeting Oct. 22, which would provide additional flood relief for residents in Southwest Houston. The new detention basin is phase two of the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin project, which will be located just west of the completed stormwater basins inside Loop 610 that were finished in early 2025. Phase two will bring in around 8.1 additional acre-feet of water storage to reduce the risk of street flooding for residents along North Braeswood Boulevard, according to the meeting agenda. The timeline A groundbreaking for phase two is anticipated for mid-2026, with $1 million earmarked in the project total for the cost of phase two.

$6M bonds issued for drainage program Bellaire City Council unanimously approved issuing $6 million in general obligation funds on Oct. 20 to pay for the city’s capital drainage program, which includes projects such as the Cypress Ditch Improvements Project. The framework City Council also unanimously authorized the hiring of Bellaire-based Quiddity Engi- neering for project management oversight. City officials said they will issue the first work order with Quiddity, which includes onboarding staff from the firm to work directly with Bellaire officials and conduct- ing inspections. City staff will return to council in approx- imately six months for future work order approvals.

Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin As of Oct. 22, phase two of the project was in the design phase just west of the site of the first basin.

BEECHNUT ST.

Phase 1

Phase 2

610

One acre-foot of water is equivalent to 325,851 gallons .

NOTE: THE MAP ABOVE IS AN ESTIMATION OF WHERE THE NEW STORMWATER BASIN WILL BE LOCATED.

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Teacher approval of district goals increases Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles gave board members an overview Nov. 13 of the results of the district’s fall 2025 staff survey. A closer look Miles said the survey had a response rate of about 87%, noting it was sent out to 256 principals, 506 assistant principals and 8,495 teachers. Overall, Miles said about 98% of principals and 82% of assistant principals believed the district was headed in the right direction. However, he said only 44% of teachers felt the district was headed in the right direction. For that same question, Miles said 35% of teachers had a neutral response and 21% said they believed the district was not headed in the right direction. “Do we have some work to do at the district level? Yes,” Miles said. “[But] we’re moving in the right direction.”

Houston ISD expands free meal services HISD is expanding opportunities for students to access breakfast and after-school supper services in response to recent dis- ruptions in federal programs and services, officials announced in a Nov. 3 news release. What you need to know Every HISD campus will ensure students can eat a free breakfast when they arrive at school, even allowing kids to take meals to class, according to the news release. HISD is also expanding its After-School Supper Program, which provides free evening meals for students who stay on campus after school. Beginning Nov. 5, the free program expanded to include 231 of the district’s 274 campuses. HISD families can also visit any of the dis- trict’s eight Sunrise Centers for assistance.

Houston ISD teacher satisfaction survey Roughly 8,500 HISD teachers received the following survey questions. Favorable Neutral Unfavorable Overall, the district is headed in the right direction.

44%

35% 21%

Overall, my school is headed in the right direction.

70%

22% 8%

I receive adequate communication about district priorities and changes.

68%

21% 11%

My school leaders effectively communicate important information to teachers.

77%

14% 9%

The quality of my instruction is improving.

81%

16% 3%

The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction.

78%

15% 7%

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Ron Papsdorf, H-GAC’s chief transportation officer, discusses priorities in Greater Houston area

the region. In fact, according to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute, the Houston region has eight of the nation’s top 100 truck bottleneck locations and two of the top 10. As a port region, our economy depends on being able to move goods efficiently. Are there any new trends you are seeing in mobility needs across the region? Like most regions around the country, we’re still experiencing changes in travel patterns post- COVID, from some people working from home some of the time. E-commerce and increased home deliveries are influencing transportation needs. Finally, changing technologies like self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence ... will change the way we use and experience the transportation system over time.

Community Impact interviewed Ron Papsdorf, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s chief trans- portation officer, about the state of transportation in the Greater Houston area. H-GAC is a regional organization through which local governments consider issues and cooperate in solving problems in areas such as transporta- tion. Papsdorf, who stepped into the role of chief transportation officer in June, spoke about the biggest priorities and challenges for transportation in the Greater Houston area as well as new trends he is seeing in mobility needs across the region. What are the biggest priorities for transportation and mobility in the Greater Houston area? I view addressing the region’s safety, congestion and air quality issues as paramount. If we can address those core issues, we will have a trans- portation system that contributes to a thriving

and livable region. As an example, during the last three months of 2024, we experienced over 47,000 crashes on the region’s transportation system. Not only were each of those crashes probably the worst thing that happened that day to the people involved in them, but those crashes also make it harder for people to get to work on time, slow down the deliv- ery of goods to our stores and put our emergency responders at risk. That adds to our congestion, worsens our air quality and hurts the economy. What are some of the challenges this area has when it comes to transportation and mobility? The Houston region is large, dynamic and growing. Our population tripled over the past 50 years to 7.7 million people, and we expect to grow by another 3 million people over the next 20 years. ... We also have challenges with congestion and our ability to efficiently move freight through

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

BRAEBURN DR.

SOUTHWESTERN ST.

ABERDEEN WAY

D .

FERNDALE ST.

RILEY ST.

PINE ST.

STELLA LINK RD.

BRAYS BAYOU

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

BELLAIRE BLVD.

1 Traffic Control Measures Project: At the request of property owners, Bellaire City Council is looking to install speed humps along the 4800-4900 blocks of Pine Street, between Pauline Street and Ferndale Street, as well as the properties adjoining the north side of Pine Street. Update: A public hearing was set for Dec. 1, which will be followed by a subsequent agenda item to approve the installation. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $6,300 per hump • Funding source: Petitioners of the project

2 Mobility Improvements Project: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County mobility improvements focus on enhancing the customer experience, which includes a new fare system, bus and rail fleet upgrades, route restructuring, road repair and infrastructure improvements like new shelters and bus stops. Braeswood Boulevard from Aberdeen Way to Main Street for the 4 Beechnut, 41 Kirby/Polk and 68 Braeswood routes. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: METRO Update: METRO’s project list shows that construction is being scheduled for North

3 METRO Sidewalk Replacement Project: Contractors are replacing sidewalks within the city limits, targeting repair and replacement for connections within METRO bus stops and in other areas of interest. Update: Contractors on Nov. 3 began replacing the section of sidewalk along 3A the 3800-3900 blocks of Southwestern Street. After this work, crews will move to 3B the 3800-3900 blocks of Riley Street to repair additional sidewalk sections. • Timeline: July 2025-TBD • Cost: $500,000 • Funding sources: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, West University Place, Federal Transportation Administration

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Development

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Rice University presents $120M project to link campus, stadium

Rice University ocials unveiled plans Nov. 6 to transform the west side of the campus to create what they are calling the “Gateway Project,” which includes creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor that will link the campus to the center of the Rice Village Shopping Center. The new pedestrian-oriented street will extend Amherst Avenue two blocks east from Morningside Drive, through Chaucer Drive, to a new campus entrance near Entrance 13A on Greenbriar Drive, according to a November news release. The corridor is intended to serve as a connection between Rice Village and the university campus by activating underused outdoor spaces and creating a walkable pathway lined with trees, lighting and green spaces. “By connecting our campus directly to the Village, we are strengthening our ties to Houston while enriching the student experience, advancing our growth and reinforcing Rice’s commitment to innovation and community,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. The new street will also feature major infrastructure upgrades, including new drainage, sewer and water lines.

The Gateway Project The new project is a part of Rice University’s 30-year Campus Land Use Plan, a blueprint used for the physical development of the campus.

Campus green space

A new campus entrance will link the university to Rice Village.

RENDERING COURTESY SWA GROUP

RICEBLVD.

Village Gateway Park

Practice facility site

Reimagined stadium

FUTURE AMHERST ST.

New Rice Village retail

GREENBRIAR DR.

SOURCE: SWA GROUPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Something to note

More details

Looking ahead

Ken Jett, president of the Rice Real Estate Company, which owns roughly 260,000 square feet of building area in Rice Village, said that funding and costs associated with the portion of the project that extends into the Village are still being determined. The project includes creating a new Rice Village retail center, which University ocials hope will attract a mix of uses, including new retail, residential housing, restaurants and a potential grocery store. The project will include the demolition of a vacant building on the future lot, as well as a few vacant houses. Jett said the company owns all of the property set for demolition and/or redevelopment. While most of the details for the Rice Village side of the Gateway Project are still under consideration, such as funding, cost, parking and timeline, Jett said he hopes to break ground on the project sometime in 2026, close to the fourth quarter. However, demolition of the Greenbriar Annex Building started on Nov. 7.

The project also includes renovating Rice Stadium, which includes demolishing the existing press box, upper bowl and upper concourse for a new three-level west con- course building with premium club seating, banquet space and private suites. The former practice eld known as the “Bubble” will also be torn down to make way for a new covered practice pavilion. Additional improvements will include a 360-degree concourse and new restrooms.

Stadium renovations and the University’s side of the Gateway Project will cost $120 million and are mostly alumni and donor-funded. Construction is set to start in spring 2026 and take approximately two to three years to complete. DesRoches said Rice ocials anticipate that the stadium will be ready for competition by the rst game of 2028; however, he said that games will continue to be held at the stadium during construction.

Dates to know

Spring 2026

Construction to start on Gateway Project & new stadium

Q4 2026

Construction to start on new Rice Village retail center

Mid- 2028

New stadium to be completed

Stadium renovations will be led by Populous, a global design rm. RENDERING COURTESY POPULOUS

BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Proposed hospital expansion could impact parkland From the cover

What’s changed

The bottom line

Land acquisition process

If approved, Harris Health would legally purchase the property through eminent domain and notify property owners.

While a public hearing for land condemnation was originally scheduled for Dec. 11, Harris County commissioners unanimously voted Oct. 30 to delay the decision, citing a need for more transparency in the process. Harris County commissioners also directed Harris Health to coordinate more extensively with property stakeholders, including board members of the nonprofit Hermann Park Conservancy. Hospital officials were also told to hold town halls in all four county precincts to discuss the proposed land acqui- sition with the public. Two town halls took place in November—one in the Texas Medical Center and one in Spring—and the remaining two are expected to take place in early January. The process of acquiring the Houston parkland parcel is through eminent domain, which is a legal procedure where public entities can acquire land for public use, according to the conservancy board. While Hermann Park is publicly owned by the city of Houston, under land condemnation, board officials said the Warnecke heirs, who own the land parcel, must be compensated. Houston could also receive proceeds from the parcel sale, according to the conservancy’s website. The value paid for the land has not been dis- closed and will be revealed as part of court litiga- tion, according to Harris Health legal officials who spoke at a Nov. 12 town hall meeting at the Texas Medical Center. Hermann Park Conservancy President Cara M. Lambright said if they can’t preserve the 8.9 acres, park users and taxpayers deserve an equal or greater

Harris Health officials are in the process of acquiring nearly nine acres of Hermann Park— also known as the Warnecke Tract—as part of a $410 million Ben Taub Hospital expansion at the Texas Medical Center. Funded by the $2.5 billion bond package approved by Harris County voters in 2023, hospital officials said the project would add approximately 100 “critically needed” patient rooms and expand surgical capacity through a new patient tower located adjacent to Ben Taub on parkland owned by the city of Houston. The expansion is a key player in serving the county’s uninsured and federally subsidized individuals, Harris Health officials said. They added that Ben Taub has been operating beyond its 402-bed capacity with an expected additional 22% demand for emergency visits in the next six years. Hermann Park

Harris Health would coordinate with city officials, the Conservancy and other stakeholders to ensure the land acquisition minimizes impact to the remainder of the park. Until the legal court proceedings are complete and ownership is transferred, the land will continue to be used for park purposes under the city of Houston. Compensation would go to the Warnecke heirs for the loss of restrictions placed on the land and Hermann Park, which is owned by the city of Houston.

Key term

Eminent domain allows public entities like Harris Health to acquire property for what’s considered a public necessity, even if the property owner does not want to sell the land, provided the owner is adequately compensated. The process does not require a public election.

Houston Zoo

Hospital expansion Proposed land

SOURCES: HARRIS HEALTH, HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

visitor benefits to offset what she called a “major loss of parkland.” “Our goal is a collaborative, win-win outcome that strengthens both public health and public space,” Lambright said. Lambright did not disclose a specific dollar amount they’re seeking, but rather what she called “equitable investment in Hermann Park.” Louis Smith Jr., Harris Health Chief Operating Officer, said they are committed to beautifying the remaining green space to make it available to the public.

Ben Taub Hospital

LAMAR FLEMING ST.

benefit in return to help fund park projects that restore green space, offer parking relief and other

SOURCES: © GOOGLE MAPS, HARRIS HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some context

Harris County’s uninsured rates Harris Health operates under the Texas Indigent Care Act, which mandates that all counties provide health care to resident, low-income individuals through its hospital districts or public hospitals.

Harris County’s population growth

Ben Taub is the only public health care system located in the Medical Center and one of only two adult Level I trauma centers in Harris County. Officials said the hospital’s inpatient capacity limita- tions compromise its Level I trauma designation. President of Harris Health Esmaeil Porsa said Harris County’s high rates of uninsured individ- uals are expected to increase due to federal cuts and rising health care costs. “When that happens, the end result is that we are going to be inundated with a tsunami of patients that even today we are not prepared to care for,” Porsa said.

+2.58%

Harris County

Texas

United States

2019 vs. 2023 percent change

25% 20% 15% 5% 10% 0%

-8.3%

-9.5%

-9.1%

2019

2020

2021

2022 2023

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCES: HARRIS HEALTH, U.S. CENSUS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE

What happens next?

In their own words

Following the final two town hall meetings in early 2026, Harris County commissioners are expected to make a decision by February on whether to hold the public hearing in March. Park users and taxpayers can submit questions or comments to Harris Health at bentaubexpansion@harrishealth.org.

“I do believe it will lift all boats: the parkland, health, people’s quality of life and what they do in Houston, Texas. That’s

“If you try to move [Ben Taub], it will be over my dead, cold body. It’s going to be right there for people who don’t have access to insurance.” RODNEY ELLIS, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER

the opportunity in front of us.” LOUIS G. SMITH JR., HARRIS HEALTH CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Upcoming town hall meetings

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia Baker Ripley House 4410 Navigation Blvd., Houston

“Ben Taub serves some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we support solutions that help Harris Health

“I won’t support anything unless it’s clearly understood that the money that’s going to come out of this is going to be invested in specifically ...

Jan. 5 6:45PM

meet that need. At the same time, Hermann Park is one of Houston’s most treasured public spaces.” CARA M. LAMBRIGHT, HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY PRESIDENT

parking at Hermann Park.” TOM RAMSEY, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER

Jan. 13 6:30PM

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones Location TBD

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Community Holiday Events Guide

2025

Annual Christmas Concert Conductor Chuck Throckmorton and the Houston Concert Band will perform holiday music for the whole family at the Community Building Auditorium.

December

Zoo Lights The holiday lights experience at the Houston Zoo features an enchanted forest, a winter wonderland and Santa’s Workshop display, along with other fun exhibits. • Dec. 6-Jan. 4, 5:30-10:30 p.m. • $29.95-$32.95 (per ticket) • 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston • https://ticket.houstonzoo.org/zoolights Ice Village The pop-up ice skating rink at Rice Village features late- night skating under the stars, festive photo moments and visits from Santa. • Dec. 6-Jan. 4, times vary • $20 (general admission and skate rentals)

• Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6104 Auden St., West University Place • www.westutx.gov

Hanukkah Extravaganza Celebrating the holiday of lights, the event at Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s Merfish Teen Center will feature face painting, a photo booth, stilt walkers and inflatables, as well as latkes and sufganiyot, both of which are Jewish delicacies. • Dec. 21, 3-5 p.m. • $10 (per family) • 9000 S. Rice Ave., Houston • www.erjcchouston.org/event/hanukkah-extravaganza

Holidays in Hermann Park Hermann Park Conservancy invites families to enjoy rides on the holiday train and carousel, carolers and pictures with a roaming Santa, along with other fun activities and movie screenings. • Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6001-6399 Fannin St., Houston • www.hermannpark.org/event/holidays-in- hermann-park

• 2400 University Blvd., Houston • www.rice-village.com/ice-village

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ROO MOODY

Holiday Theatre Crawl

• $13-$38 (per ticket) • Houston’s First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston • www.houstonsfirst.org A Christmas C arol for Kids The kid-friendly adaptation of the classic holiday show uses 12 large puppets to tell the story of Ebony Scrooge, a teenage millionaire who cares more about her money than the people in her life. • Dec. 16-17, times vary • $17.95-$19.95 (per ticket) • Brown Auditorium, 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.cmhouston.org Oh, Wha t Fun! The holiday concert for kids features sing-alongs to festive favorites, free hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. The event will also offer arts and crafts. • Dec. 13, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. • $35-$40 (per ticket) • Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., Houston • www.houstonsymphony.org

Ballet, musicals and theatre

A Christmas Ca rol Encounter the true meaning of Christmas with Ebenezer Scrooge as he visits the past, present and future at Alley Theatre this holiday season. • Dec. 6-28, times vary • $36-$138 (per ticket) • Hubbard Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston • www.alleytheatre.org The Nutc rac ker Performed by the Houston Ballet, The Nutcracker follows classic holiday characters such as Clara and the Prince, and their fight against the Rat King. The show features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

• Dec. 6-28, times vary • $44-$230 (per ticket) • Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave., Houston • www.houstonballet.org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze The family-friendly holiday performance blends a Broadway-style musical with contemporary circus artistry and showcases soaring acrobatics, gravity- defying feats and musical numbers.

Irving Berlin ’s White Christmas Presented by the Theatre Under the Stars, the Broadway musical features holiday numbers the whole family can enjoy. The show follows two friends as they try to save a snow-dusted Vermont inn.

• Dec. 23-24, times vary • $46-$126.50 (per ticket) • Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., Houston • www.cirquedreams.com

Concerts, orchestras and symphonies

“Elf” In C oncert The Houston Symphony is performing live every note of John Debney’s score in the Christmas movie “Elf”, as the film plays on a giant screen. The movie follows Buddy the Elf, who travels to New York to find his real father.

• Dec. 9-24, times vary • $46-$175 (per ticket) • Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby St., Houston • www.thehobbycenter.org

Prejudice”, the play revolves around Mr. Darcy’s younger sister, Georgiana, and the youngest Bennet sister, Kitty. • Dec. 6-21, times vary • $45-$64 (per ticket) • Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston • www.mainstreettheater.com ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas The performance displays the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a little girl full of spunk who visits the North Pole and refuses to take no for an answer. • Dec. 6-20, times vary • $11.37 (general admission) • 5720 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. G, Houston • www.companyonstage.org

Take The Sou l Tr ain To Christmas The Ensemble Theatre takes viewers back through time to witness how African Americans have celebrated Christmas throughout history. The show features African drumming and Harlem Renaissance jazz.

• Dec. 19-21, times vary • $75-$164 (per ticket) • Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., Houston • www.houstonsymphony.org

The Ghosts o f Christmas Eve Performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the concert showcases a rock, classical and theatrical spectacle, with pyrotechnics, lasers and holiday storytelling.

• Dec. 6-21, times vary • $45-$55 (per ticket) • 3535 Main St., Houston • www.ensemblehouston.com

• Dec. 19, 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. • $55-$450+ (per ticket) • Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St., Houston • www.trans-siberian.com

A Charlie Bro w n Christmas Presented by Queensbury Theatre, the 90-minute special follows Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts crew as they discover what Christmas is all about. The show is followed by classic holiday hits.

Carols on t he Green The Houston Grand Opera is performing a holiday concert sing-along. This year’s show will celebrate Latin American culture and include traditional Spanish songs, carols and mariachi. • Dec. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Anheuser-Busch Stage, 1500 McKinney St., Houston • www.discoverygreen.com

The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!

• Dec. 11-21, times vary • $18-$43 (per ticket) • 12777 Queensbury Lane, Houston • www.queensburytheatre.org

The family-friendly show about a pigeon’s holiday festivities includes fun tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts and audience antics.

• Dec. 6-20, times vary • $24-$38 (per ticket) • MATCH, 3400 Main St., Houston • www.mainstreettheater.com This list is not comprehensive.

Kid-friendly performances

The Story The Broadway-style musical shows the adventures of a young boy searching for peace within his dreams through exciting dances, holiday hits and original numbers. Child care is available for infants. • Dec. 12-14, times vary

Neighborhood talent

Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas At Pem b erley Following characters from Jane Austen’s “Pride and

BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Dining

BY ROO MOODY

The Lunch Two Step ($15) features a double smash burger, crispy chicken or pulled pork sandwich.

COURTESY LORO

From rice bowls and sandwiches to smoked meats and Asian noodle dishes, customers can try a variety of menu items.

COURTESY LORO

Loro Asian Smokehouse brings the Far East down south

restaurant that really embodied that, and Loro as a whole really does do that.” Wilson said the restaurant is constantly engaged in community events and is very people-centric. Most recently, Loro has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club and Pathways for Little Feet, a non- prot that reduces nancial barriers for adoption and foster care. The impact Loro’s layout also reects its melting pot of cul- tures, joining what resembles a Texas dance hall and Eastern designs to create a communal dining space. The smokehouse features a large patio with long tables and benches that are often rented out for private events, as well as more intimate seating.

With Asian avors and Texas barbecue, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar brings a combination of cultures to West University Place. New items currently being featured on the menu include the Pork Katsu Sandwich, Spicy Japanese Curry Ramen and Smokehouse Sampler. The restau- rant is also known for its boozy shakes and oers seasonal avors such as a bourbon hot chocolate and a frozen espresso martini. A closer look The restaurant opened in September 2024 and practices a “come as you are” mentality, general manager Ashley Wilson said. “Culture is really important to me,” she said. “So when I was looking for jobs, I really wanted to nd a

Ashley Wilson is the general manager at the Kirby location.

ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BISSONNET ST.

5333 Kirby Drive, Houston www.loroeats.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

The median price of homes sold increased in four out of five local ZIP codes. Homes in the West University and Rice Village area saw the highest spike, with homes nearing $1.9 million. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

October 2024

October 2025

+3.6%

-13.64%

+50%

+36%

+5.26%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

October

2024

2025

$1,422,038 $715,000 $527,500 $402,000 $1,050,000

$1,825,000 $475,000 $575,000 $477,500 $1,231,250

77096

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

77096

October 2025

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,001-$1,000,000

Average days on market -35.3%

$500,001-$750,000

-35.67%

+141.67%

+1.82%

-28.13%

$250,001-$500,000

<$250,001

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

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