News/Events

(From left to right: Ruben Perez, Evelyn Martinez and John Estrada) The newly-formed projects team at Westchase District has hit the ground running with a to-do list that’s growing faster than the District's landscaping. At the helm is John Estrada, senior projects manager, a man who probably dreams in spreadsheets. Estrada returned to Westchase District in March 2024, having served previously as an intern for the District. With a master’s degree in engineering from LSU,…..Read More

Westchase District’s public safety program began modestly in the late 90s with a handful of Constable deputies from Harris County patrolling the area. As licensed law enforcement officers, Constables could write tickets, make arrests and take individuals to jail, in addition to responding to various calls from property owners. In 2004, the District’s board of directors decided to move the program in a different direction.  They hired the District’s first full-time public safety director and…..Read More

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

With 13 Blue Star certified apartment communities, Westchase District has more Blue Star communities than any other area of Houston. But the District is not resting on its laurels. Mark Hubenak, vice president of public safety, has set a goal of having 30 Blue Star communities by the end of 2025. Hubenak launched that effort in early November by inviting all Westchase District apartment community managers to meet the Houston Police Department team who oversees…..Read More

HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite moved into a new office immediately following his recent retirement from the Houston Police Department. After serving as the interim Chief of the department under Mayor John Whitmire, Satterwhite moved into the City of Houston’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Satterwhite is no stranger to Westchase District. He previously served as Westchase District’s liaison to HPD and the officers who work for the Westchase District Patrol. He returned to…..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

(Golden milestone celebration: Sue Burnett and her husband Rusty toast to 50 years of success at a special celebration.) From humble beginnings to industry leader Sue Burnett arrived in Houston with just $500 and a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to establish one of Texas' most recognized staffing firms right here in Westchase District. Burnett started her career in personnel services, quickly rising…..Read More