Even in today’s world of virtual meetings and working from remote locations, there’s still something to be said for getting up from your desk and interacting with people face-to-face. Well-planned, well-run meetings are a timeless necessity for most businesses. Hotels often specialize in meeting space, but what if most of your meeting attendees don’t need sleeping rooms? For 20 years, one of Westchase District’s best answers to that question has been Norris Conference Centers. A…..Read More
Major Makeover: The lobby at the Houston Marriott Westchase recently underwent a complete transformation as part of a $20 million renovation of the hotel. Since 2014, Westchase District’s hotel market has grown by nine percent, adding 303 new rooms, mostly limited service/extended stay brands. That construction boom has slowed, but as the industry rides out a dip before the 2017 Super Bowl comes to town, managers at older properties are staying competitive by renovating their…..Read More
Kick Up Your Boots: The Rio Saloon is a full-service bar complete with hickory and rawhide barstools, a 22 foot long solid mesquite wood bar and a wood ceiling made from a Civil War-era barn. Don’t call it a comeback: Rio Ranch Steakhouse, located at 9999 Westheimer Road, has been here for years. But Judy Orlando, the new general manager of the Hilton Houston Westchase, wants customers to know that as the restaurant approaches a…..Read More
Old World Style, New World Luxury: Clockwise from top left: One-bedroom study units are spacious and modern; Portico at West 8 features a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and Texan architecture; the new community room offers residents a place to lounge; a swimming pool is at the center of this enclosed courtyard with barrel tile roofs and stucco siding. In Italy, the word “portico” simply means “porch” – but in Westchase District, the word is associated…..Read More
The Heights at Westchase, the District’s newest luxury apartment community, opened in November 2015 and already is ahead of leasing expectations. So what is attracting residents to the seven-building, 265-unit community? Nicki Trinidad, community director thinks it’s due in part to the “signature white glove services” offered. Both Trinidad and assistant community director Kristy McLocklin live on property, in part because of the services. “Not only do I love the amenities, but it’s nice that…..Read More
Following in your father’s footsteps can be tough enough when you’re 5’8” and he’s 6’4”. But when your old man is Glen Mayo, a 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, a member of the K9 unit, a supervisor on the HPD dive team and a member of the Westchase District patrol? Well, those are some big strides to match. But officer Alex Mayo isn’t fazed - he’s got his own scuba gear, his own…..Read More
Behold the Texas kolache: a spin on Czech- and Slovak- inspired homemade dough filled with meats, cheeses or fruits. Over the years, the popularity of the semisweet pastries has grown from central and southeast Texas to spread across the country. While both Caldwell and West, Texas assert themselves to be the state’s kolache capitals, Westchase District lays claim as the birthplace of Kolache Factory, one of the fastest growing companies in Houston. Local Roots Though…..Read More
Among the most crucial elements of maintaining a large office building in Houston is regulating the building’s temperature and air quality. Today’s modern offices strive to maximize efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs. One of the leading companies servicing many such buildings, Hunton Group, is located right here in Westchase District. Sizeable and Centered Since 1981, Hunton Group has provided Trane-brand HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) equipment, service, control systems and solutions…..Read More
In emerging subdivisions or master-planned communities, it’s relatively easy to develop a park or design a winding trail for residents. In an area with precious little undeveloped land such as Westchase District, shoehorning in outdoor amenities among existing structures can prove a challenge. However, by the end of this year Westchase District will feature nearly four miles of off-street trails for joggers, walkers and bicyclists. This spring Westchase District broke ground on Brays Bayou Connector…..Read More
Last year the Geo/New Ventures department at VAALCO Energy won their office "lunch and build" competition, held in conjunction with the annual Summer Food Drive. Each department at VAALCO's Westchase office built replicas of offshore platforms using the items that each department had donated to the food drive. Every May, Westchase District teams with West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) for its Summer Food Drive from May 1 – May 31. Donated food and toiletry…..Read More