Retail

It’s been almost six years since the former Halliburton campus at the southern end of Westchase District was purchased for redevelopment. The new owners – a partnership between Johnson Memorial Ventures, an affiliate of Johnson Development and a group of investors – went to work envisioning the potential for the former campus, eventually deciding to demolish the former Halliburton buildings on the property, and saving the parking garage from the wrecking ball. While that work…..Read More

Anyone who has shopped the online marketplace Etsy, is probably wowed by the diversity of gift offerings, but occasionally frustrated that they can’t get an up-close view of the merchandise or handle it to determine if it is well crafted. Those limitations are lifted at Painted Tree Boutiques, newly opened in Westchase District. Self-described as an “Etsy marketplace and Pinterest catalog come to life,” Painted Tree Boutiques offer a shopping experience unlike anything else found…..Read More

The Gessner Corridor Reconstruction project is set to bring exciting major improvements to South Gessner Road from Richmond Avenue to Buffalo Bayou. Houston Public Works is seeking community input during the engagement phase to help shape the project. Residents, business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in an online survey and share feedback before the December 13 deadline. The project focuses on enhancing mobility, safety, and infrastructure along the corridor. Planned updates include modernizing…..Read More

Depending on when you were born, you may have differing ideas of what a robot should look like from your parents or younger siblings. The 1960s animated series “The Jetsons” envisioned Rosey, the robotic housekeeper of the Jetson Family, dutiful and dependable, while 1987’s RoboCop featured scary crime-eradicating cyborgs. The reality in 2024 is that robots can be used to eliminate repetitive tasks, freeing up human employees to handle more appropriate tasks. Brothers Keith and…..Read More

Redevelopment of the former Halliburton campus in Westchase District is officially underway, marking the start of a major mixed-use project called Park Eight Place. Houston-based Johnson Development Services has completed the demolition of most of the 50-acre campus at 10200 Bellaire Blvd., except for a parking garage. The first phase of construction, which includes streets and infrastructure, is expected to begin in January. Park Eight Place will feature a mix of residential units, office buildings and…..Read More

Quick Bites and Slow Sips: Veteran Restaurateur and Ambitious Newcomer Offer Distinct Food and Beverage Choices. In the Market at Westchase, a retail center on Westheimer Rd., two generations of Westchase District restaurants have become neighbors, showcasing the area’s unique dining scene. Ramen Jin, a veteran in the area, dishes out swift, satisfying bowls of ramen, while Cafe Tales, the new kid on the block, brews up an experience meant to be savored.   Ramen…..Read More

Stop by Lux Nail Spa almost any day of the week and you’ll find Antoine Hai Pham and wife Amy Vi Tran working at their appropriately-named Lux Nail Spa. Lux was an original tenant at Woodlake Square after the entire center, including its anchor Randalls store, was demolished and rebuilt in 2011. “I have a background in real estate and Amy always had a dream of owning a salon,” said Antoine. “It took us a…..Read More

After more than 20 years combined experience in the restaurant industry, Marisa and Patrick Ashby decided they were ready to start their own. While on a hike together, the idea to do something with ice cream struck them. They were familiar with SMOOSH Cookies, which started as a Houston-based food truck selling ice cream sandwiches in 2015. Marisa and Patrick reached out and soon after became franchisees, opening the second Houston-area brick and mortar location…..Read More

According to Forbes, EV sales accounted for 5.6% of the total auto market in the second quarter of 2022 – up from 2.7% in the second quarter of 2021. As electric vehicles gain popularity and market share, retailers and employers alike are working to meet the demand for charging stations. Two charging stations have operated at the Robinson-Westchase Library on Wilcrest for many years. And the multi-bay “superchargers” have served area Tesla drivers since the…..Read More

Sitting in the store’s lamp section was a 65-inch floor lamp in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. It looked brand new. Its round shade in a cream canvas color was exactly what the shopper needed to complement his living area. Making the find even better was its price - $20 compared to $70 - $100 at Home Depot or Lowe’s. These bargains make West Houston Assistance Ministries’ (WHAM) Resale Store shopping experience the best deal in…..Read More