Community

The second time around for Mark Hubenak has been just as fun as his first tenure. In July, Hubenak rejoined Westchase District to resume his role as public safety director, a position he previously held between 2007 and 2017. During that period, Hubenak helped lead the District to numerous awards and recognition for its public safety programs. Hubenak is one of only three people to hold this position in the District’s history. At the Houstonian…..Read More

Program grows 700% since its 2012 launch Any West Houston resident who is eyeing a career in engineering need look no further than the corner of Westheimer and Hayes Roads as they consider where to seek their education and training. Houston Community College’s Engineering program offers an opportunity to receive a two year Associates Degree in Engineering Science that is transferable to a four year institution or they can earn a four-year engineering degree at…..Read More

Ask any organization that relies on volunteers, and they’ll tell you that volunteers greatly augment the impact an organization can have in the community. It’s a win for volunteers too, who gain a sense of connection to others while helping people. West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM), an organization devoted to serving people with nowhere to turn, needs more volunteers devoted to its cause. WHAM’s mission has become more paramount as COVID-19 has deepened the financial…..Read More

Westchase District Patrol has devised a new strategy to address the challenges and changes in public safety. The new strategy is driven by law enforcement staffing shortages that have been trending since 2018 and further complicated by COVID-19 disruptions to other labor workforces. In response, Westchase District Patrol has added S.E.A.L. Security to its patrol team. “Like our Houston Police Department officers, S.E.A.L. officers are professionally trained and experienced,” said Mark Hubenak, Westchase District’s public…..Read More

Woodchase Park’s opening in October represents the first of two planned parks in Westchase District. While Woodchase Park is designed to be a neighborhood park, Wilcrest Park will be more of a destination for all of west Houston. With a bigger park comes a bigger price tag. Wilcrest Park will feature a children’s play area, performance pavilion, dog park, botanical garden, exercise stations, public art, an area for table games, a dining facility, parking for…..Read More

Westchase District became home to another Consulate General this year when the Consulate General of Mexico opened of its new Houston headquarters at 10555 Richmond Road. The Consulate General of Mexico joins consular offices for Indonesia and the Philippines, also located in Westchase District. Last year marked the consulate’s 100th year in Houston. The Houston office is one of Mexico’s largest diplomatic representations in the United States. The new office has 50,000-square-feet, four floors and…..Read More

According to the Houston Area Asian Survey conducted by the Kinder Institute of Urban Research, Harris County’s Asian population increased by 76 percent between 1990 and 2000, and then by 45 percent over the next decade. Right as the growth spurt began, the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) was founded. Now in its 30th year, the Asian Chamber is looking to increase its programs and presence in Houston as it fosters economic and business development…..Read More

A major new multifamily development is coming to Westchase District, offering its future residents a living experience they can’t find anywhere else. McNair Interests, a real estate developer and private investment and management company, broke ground this summer for Remy on the Trails. The community will be the first phase of a 24-acre residential development built alongside a private lake. Abounding with amenities, the property will cater to individuals who enjoy active lifestyles. Prime property…..Read More

West Houston residents, more specifically those in Westchase District, now have a new park and green space for year-round play, arts and culture, classes and seasonal events with the opening of the expansive Woodchase Park. Located at 3951 Woodchase Drive south of Westpark Drive at the Westpark Tollway, the area’s largest and first fully programmed public park will serve the more than 6,500 households located within a mile radius.  The park also connects to the…..Read More

Having youthful looks didn’t make Jeff Sneed’s job any easier when he was a rookie police officer for the Houston Police Department. Sneed went from high school in Pearland to earning his welding degree from San Jacinto College. By age 19 he worked as a jailer and then went on to the Police Academy where he graduated at 21. “Being a rookie, I was assigned to the older blue police squad cars, whereas other officers…..Read More