Little Free Libraries Popping Up on Library Loop Trail
Perhaps you've heard of the Little Free Library movement? The concept is simple: quirky mailbox-like structures filled with books supplied by readers that are free for all to enjoy. Borrow a book or leave one to share with the world - it's a grass roots way to promote reading and randomly discover new books. Westchase District is getting on the literacy love by installing its first Little Free Library this week at the west entrance…..Read More
Stuffing Buns across the Country
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
Just Chillin’ at the Local Trane Station
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
Dig It: District Grows Trail Network
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
Local owners/residents build their Westchase District Portfolio
Stone Mountain Properties has added to its Westchase District portfolio with the purchase of two office buildings, totaling 154,000 square feet. Owners James and Leeshan Birney already own two apartment communities and one office building in Westchase District. With their purchase of 2424 Wilcrest and 2500 Wilcrest, the couple’s Westchase District portfolio is valued at approximately $50 million. The Birneys live in Westchase District and are always looking for good investment opportunities in the neighborhood. “We…..Read More
Traffic Box Murals Add Color and Whimsy to Westchase District Streets
You see them as you drive across Houston: traffic control boxes that sit at intersections throughout the city. Sometimes they’re practically invisible, sometimes they’ve been blighted by urban graffiti. But coming to a corner near you: stunning themed murals will be painted on these boxes, bringing urban art to the intersections of Westchase District. The first box was painted last November by artist Anat Ronen for UP Art Studios. Her artistic rendering of Gulf Coast…..Read More
Costello Inc. and Tailored Brands take top prizes from Corporate Challenge
Costello, Inc. -- a Westchase District-based engineering firm -- claimed the top two spots in the Westchase District's 19th annual Corporate Challenge. The "red" team, led by Chad Hartmann, earned top honors, while the "blue" team, led by Brent Palermo claimed the second place trophy. Third pace in the five-event competition went to Tailored Brands and the team led by Stacy Malin. "It's always fun to tally up the results and find out who won…..Read More
Creativity Spurs Charity with Annual Food Drive
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
Dig This: District Breaks Ground on Hike and Bike Trail
A Scoop of a Story: Dishing the dirt are (from left): Jim Murphy, Westchase District; Lucio Ortiz, Texas Department of Transportation; Gwen Tillotson, City of Houston; Sandra Musgrove, Harris County Flood Control District; and Philip Schneidau, Westchase District Board of Directors. City, county and state officials joined Westchase District for a groundbreaking ceremony recently marking the construction start of the Brays Bayou Connector Trail (BBCT). The new 1.92-mile trail will run south from Richmond…..Read More
Engaged Owners Reinvest in Retail
Let’s face the fact that the façade (French for face) of a storefront creates the greatest impression about a retail business. An appealing frontage lures customers inside, while a more run-down exterior can steer customers to stay away. Fortunately, many retailers and property owners in Westchase District have decided not only to face it, but re-face it, investing big dollars into remodeling existing strip malls and stand-alone stores. A Whole New Look In 2014 Whole…..Read More