A Slow, Gradual Return to Normalcy, As District Restaurants Reopen
Phase one of Governor Abbott's reopening Texas includes restaurants, perhaps the hardest hit businesses by the COVID-19 crisis. Restaurants of all categories, from franchise-owned and operated, company-owned to independent saw dine-in customers come to an abrupt stop. The crisis affected staffing levels and resulted in a significant loss of revenue - especially for independent owners in the industry who helplessly watch cash flow evaporate. Furthermore, when dining rooms open, there’ll be reduced seating capacity and…..Read More
Together for WHAM: WDCF Donates $10,000, Grace Issues Challenge Match for $50,000, Call for Volunteers
The Westchase District Community Fund (WDCF) presented WHAM with a $10,000 donation on April 27. WHAM provides social services including food donations, rent and utilities assistance and employment assistance to individuals and families who have nowhere else to turn. The need for WHAM's services, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, has surged. WHAM has seen an enormous increase of serving 200 families a day, in addition to first responders. Reverend Chris French, Pastor of Missional Living for Grace Presbyterian Church,…..Read More
TxDOT Crews Operate Accelerated Schedule to Resurface Westheimer
With fewer cars traveling on one of the state’s busiest roads due to the stay-at-home order, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) seized an opportunity to shift the Westheimer Road resurfacing project to a 24/7 operation. Phase one, beginning at IH-610, began on April 2 and is near completion on the stretch within Westchase District’s boundary between Westerland Drive and Woodland Park Drive. Phase Two of the project is the eventual completion to Dairy Ashford.…..Read More
Walking In Their Shoes
Inspiration to become a police officer was always around a young Cody Thomas. “As soon as I could start making memories, I’ve always known I wanted to become a police officer,” said Thomas. That was at age four. His dream was boosted by many family role models. His father, who wasn’t a police officer, and two uncles at the Houston Police Department set an example by actions that he wanted to follow. Thomas recalls how…..Read More
Productively Working from Home
Working remotely from home has become the "new normal" for many American workers. This paradigm shift has been challenging and takes a special kind of discipline and flexibility. These challenges rise proportionately when your spouse also works from home or your children are out of school. Since working from home will continue indefinitely, let’s take a look at some of the ways productivity can be increased. Avoid working in bed It can be tempting to…..Read More
Westchase District Creates Trail Discovery Games
Westchase District's Library Loop Trail was completed in 2013 as the first leg in what is now a 5-mile system of trails. Since then, the tree canopy has grown and new amenities have been added, making the trail a premier walking and cycling experience for Houston residents and overnight guests in Westchase District. As businesses are shuttered and families are quarantined, the trail system offers a welcome opportunity to walk, hike, ride your bike, spot…..Read More
HREDA, GHP Spur Into Action to Promote SBA Resources
Westchase District continues to find helpful information to share with small business during the COVID-19 crisis. As the Small Business Administration offers guidance, economic development organizations are diligently getting the word out. The Houston Region Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) and Greater Houston Partnership have held weekly meetings focused on SBA resources as thousands of Paycheck Protection Program applications for loans are being processed. While lending institutions like Frost Bank are only serving existing clients, other…..Read More
23rd annual Corporate Challenge KO’d by Coronavirus
For the first time in its 23 year history, the Westchase District's Corporate Challenge has been cancelled. "We'd originally hoped to simply postpone it to a later day," said Sherry Fox, organizer of the event. "But as Harris County and the City of Houston looked to extend their guidelines against large gatherings, it became obvious that we could not reschedule. Doing an outdoor event of this magnitude in Houston's summer temperatures isn't practical or safe.…..Read More
Feeling Cooped Up Lately? Hit the Trails
Now is an important time to stretch, relax and discover while you reconnect with nature and fitness. Westchase District’s trail system offers a welcome remedy where you can walk, hike, ride your bike, spot nature, view art and enjoy the weather and fresh air. From dawn to dusk, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and pedestrians regularly use the District’s trail system. Residents and people who work in offices along the trail are attracted to many of…..Read More
Aldi Arrives in Westchase
You’ll find ALDI in cities, suburbs and rural areas. And, now you’ll also find it in Westchase District. One of the newest ALDI stores in Houston opened at 9525 Westheimer Road in October. ALDI’s entry increases grocery options in Westchase District. Randalls and Kroger are within a mile of the store on Westheimer. Whole Foods Market is 2.4 miles away. At 18,900 square-feet of space in Tanglewilde Center, the ALDI Westchase location is one of…..Read More