Community

2020 was a year that tested communities across the country. Organizations in Westchase District were thrust into a crisis facing unforeseen consequences caused by a devastating pandemic. Rita Flores, John Barton, and West Houston Assistance Ministries were recognized with Community Impact Awards by Westchase District’s Advisory Board for providing essential services and taking innovative approaches in responding to the crisis. “It’s one thing to see people do extraordinary things when everyday life is normal,” said…..Read More

2021 is the Year of the Ox, according to the lunar calendar. But in Westchase District, it will be the Year of the Dog…Dog Park that is. Two new parks are under construction right now, including Westchase District’s first ever dog park. Sneed Dog Park is being built within the playground area at Sneed Elementary School, 9855 Pagewood Lane. This park is being built under an agreement with Alief Independent School District, allowing Westchase District…..Read More

You will find Tiffany D. Thomas among residents, in the community and frequenting neighborhood businesses. The first term council member is a familiar face in the community. Her presence in the public she serves embodies who she is and guides her as a voice and representative for people. The Houston Public Library is one of her favorite places. Prior to March 2020, you’d find Thomas spending time reading or writing in silent rooms. “I am…..Read More

The road to national expansion for a Portland-based coffee company runs through Westchase District. Black Rock Coffee Bar opened in mid-November at 2620 W Sam Houston Pkwy S. Black Rock Coffee’s foray into the Southwest area began in Tony Lujan’s hometown of Phoenix. “We boomed out there and are now at 17 stores,” said Lujan, Black Rock’s co-regional manager of Texas. “Success in Arizona made Texas a natural next step, giving us a huge impetus…..Read More

With Woodchase Park under construction, Westchase District has turned its attention to raising the funds necessary to complete its second park. Wilcrest Park will be built on a 3.5 acre parcel of land on Wilcrest, just north of the Robinson Westchase Library and the Westchase District’s Library Loop Trail. “We need to raise $3.2 million to build the spectacular park we’ve planned,” said Louis Jullien, Westchase District’s projects director who is overseeing the Greenspace for…..Read More

Comunidad Partners is the new owner of Villas del Paseo apartments at 3030 Elmside Drive. A top priority was to task its management unit, Comuna Property Management, with designing visually appealing upgrades. It chose a new color palette for its property which previously lacked vibrancy. “We wanted to bring a breath of fresh air, like the feeling of Mexican hospitality, to our residents so we had the community painted with loud colors that echo the…..Read More

Larry Vaughn had never seen a snow-capped mountain before leaving Alexandria, La., in 1988. After high school graduation and marrying his high school sweetheart, Vaughn enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to high altitude places. Years later, as a civilian, the mountains drew him back for a new adventure. “The Army gave me more discipline than my parents instilled in me,” said Vaughn. He credits the Army with teaching him things that benefited his…..Read More

As the Westchase District celebrates its 25th anniversary, a 10-year anniversary celebration is also underway for the Westchase District Community Fund. Founded in 2010, the WDCF was created to address community needs outside the governmental scope of Westchase District. “As a government agency, we can’t give assessment dollars to community organizations,” noted Dave Gilkeson, Westchase District’s chief operating officer and former WDCF treasurer. “Even though there are a lot of great causes and great organizations…..Read More

The long-awaited connection between the Terry Hershey Trail System and the Brays Bayou Trail System is now underway, courtesy of a Westchase District project that will improve sidewalks and bike lanes on the north end of the District. Bicyclists and pedestrians will enjoy a reconstructed, 8-foot wide, continuous sidewalk along the west side of CityWest Blvd, from Westheimer to Briar Forest. At Briar Forest, the path will utilize the existing signalized intersection to reach the…..Read More

LYND’s acquisition of Royal Oaks at Westchase is resulting in an eye-grabbing transformation.  Located at 11212 Westpark Drive, Royal Oaks of Westchase is one of three recent acquisitions by Lynd Acquisitions Group (LAG), a San Antonio-based real estate investment firm. A national multifamily management firm, LYND purchased the property early spring and began a rebrand to Apex at Royal Oaks. The property has 282 units, from 1 to 3 bedrooms. LAG immediately invested $5 million…..Read More