Westchase Newsletter 3-15.indd
Transcription
Westchase Newsletter 3-15.indd
WESTCHASETODAY YEAR 17 | ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2015 BUILDING HIGHER VALUE SINCE 1995 New Apartment Assortment for Percent Content to Rent Three luxury multifamily communities coming to District to help match city’s growth Residences on the Rise: The 266-unit Residences at CityWest is one of three luxury apartment communities under construction in Westchase District. D espite falling oil prices, Houston’s multifamily housing market shows no signs of slowing down and three new communities under construction in Westchase District emphasize the city’s continued demand for luxury rental living. “Now, much more than in prior decades, people are choosing to rent because they enjoy the convenience and flexibility of multifamily rental housing, without being financially tied to a real estate asset,” said Ryan Epstein, executive vice president with CBRE and multi-housing investment expert. Texas Donut, Anyone? As Houston’s populace reaches new heights, Atlanta-based Worthing Companies is nearly finished with its new luxury apartment community in Westchase District. The Heights at Westchase will feature 265 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. An internal courtyard will play host to a pool and fountain, while three exterior courtyards will each have unique landscaping designed as a comfortable space for residents to enjoy. The design of the property is what is known as a “Texas donut.” The units are wrapped around an interior garage, allowing for more density. With land prices at historic highs, it allows developers to build more units per acre. “We’re designed for the professionals working in and around Westchase District who are looking for features they would find in luxury homes, such as 10-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens with islands, stainless steel appliances and granite in kitchens and baths,” said Leigh Scofield, area director of new development for the Worthing Companies. The Heights at Westchase is now leasing and the first residents are expected to move in this summer. The community is located at 3505 West Sam Houston Parkway. For details, call 888-312-4835. Twice as Nice For more than a decade, arguably the most spacious residential parking garage in Houston was at Portico at West 8. Built in 2004 as the first component of the West 8 master plan, (Continued on page 8) INSIDE 2 Louie-Lou-ay! 6 The Rain Bird is the Word 3 Buy Some Bison 6 Sue Burnett Before the Boom 4 From Busboy to Business Owner 7 Officer Has Nose for Trouble 4 When School’s Out, Hunger Isn’t 5 Taking Steps 2 Success 7 Fund Accepting Online Donations 8 Neighborhood News Address Service Requested www.westchasedistrict.com 10375 Richmond Suite 1175 Houston, Texas 77042 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 542 HOUSTON TX WESTCHASETODAY Westchase TODAY is published quarterly by Westchase District, a municipal management district funded by local property owners in a 4.2 square-mile area centered on the Sam Houston Tollway between I-10 and US-59 on the west side of Houston, Texas. We promote economic growth by enhancing mobility, beautification, public safety, planning and development of the District. Jim Murphy Dave Gilkeson General Manager VP, COO Sherry Fox Irma Sanchez VP, Communications VP, Projects Mark Hubenak Jonathan Lowe Public Safety Director Assistant Communications Director Louis Jullien Projects Director 240 Months Later T his year marks the 20th year for Westchase District. Throughout the year we’ll note various milestones and accomplishments, starting with this issue of Westchase Today. The articles in this issue follow a long-established pattern of mixing what’s old with what’s new. We profile two outstanding team members who have recently joined us: Projects Director Louis Julien and Westchase District Patrol Officer Rudy Trevino. As is also customary, we feature examples of the District’s vibrant business community and outstanding dining. The restaurant is Bistro Le Cep started by Chef Joe Mannke, whose Rotisserie for Beef & Bird was one of our community’s best known fine dining spots for more than 30 years. In our other business profile, Burnett Specialists and owner Sue Burnett have been here longer. In fact, Sue served on the board of our predecessor organization, the Westchase Business Council. These stories show how we’ve evolved as a community – not leaving our past behind but building on it in new ways with new talent. That focus on building the future is most readily seen today in the upscale apartment communities under construction here. The three developments covered in this issue indicate the high demand for this part of the housing spectrum and several of the factors driving it. Demographically, we are adding jobs in Houston and especially in West Houston. Baby boomers who are downsizing add to that demand along with young professionals making lifestyle choices and busy executives who want that “lock and leave” freedom. Each of these segments wants a high quality product in an amenity-rich area close to lots of jobs. Each values convenience and has the economic freedom to consider many options, and they are finding what they want in Westchase Westchase District General Manager Jim Murphy and Board Chair Philip Schneidau District. When new residents move here, they further strengthen our retail market and become an asset for local businesses. Our mission today is the same as when we were founded: to conduct projects and programs that help build higher value for our property owners. Recently that “building” scope has gone beyond the physical realm. Rest assured, we’re continuing with effective and innovative programs in public safety, mobility, marketing and beautification. Now we’ve added a new dimension with our Westchase District Community Fund. This charity is targeting youth mentorship to benefit the next generation in our community. We recognize that economic development also can include human development. And with new employers, owners and investors arriving daily, we want to provide them opportunities to give back and to invest in our shared future. Finally, you might not be surprised to learn that we are well underway with planning for our next twenty years. If the past 240 months are any guide, our achievements will only be limited by our imagination – and we are thinking big. John Carey Farmers Market Manager Monica Garcia Operations Assistant Kathy Kaufman Administrative Assistant On the Trail and Down the Aisle Projects Director Louis Jullien balances work with a wedding Receive The Wire, our e-newsletter, twice monthly. Three quick and easy ways to subscribe: 1. Visit www.westchasedistrict.com/signups, 2. Text WESTCHASE to 22828, or 3. Use your mobile device to scan the code below. I t may seem Westchase District employed French nobility when hiring Louis Honoré Jullien, IV. But the District’s new project director said he’s just a regular guy with a noble name. “I’m part of an important family tradition,” said Louis (pronounced Louie, not Lewis, and definitely not Louie-Lou-ay, oh, baby...). “I hope one day there will be a Louis V – or a Louisa the First.” First Responder Jullien joined Westchase District last October to work alongside Irma Sanchez, the District’s vice president of projects, on...well, projects. Copyright © Westchase District. All Rights Reserved. 2 “Louis is learning the particulars of the District by responding to mobility and beautification concerns such as traffic light malfunctions or outages, damaged or missing signs, irrigation leaks and landscaping sight obstructions,” said Sanchez. Jullien also is leading fund raising for sponsorships of benches, exercise equipment and other features along the District’s network of existing and planned hike and bike trails. “Through sponsorship, businesses and individuals can increase their visibility to thousands of workers and residents, all while supporting projects and programs that benefit the Westchase area,” he said. Soon Jullien will assume duties associated with the District’s planning and development portfolio. “He’ll assist our General Manager Jim Murphy as they discuss with a targeted list of developers potential development Farmers Market Vendors Feed the Westchase Community and Their Families Entrepreneurs leave traditional jobs to produce bison and salsa for markets Out on the Katy prairie, a rural motorist may observe a site reminiscent of an old-time cowboy movie -- an open field of bison grazing on prairie grass. Patrick Bierschwale sits in his diesel truck on a bluff observing his bison and calculating in his head when he’ll need more to meet the needs of his growing business. Just down the road in Brookshire, Ken Salinas and his crew are washing and chopping avocados, peppers and tomatoes for this week’s batch of Salinas’ salsa. He uses the expertise gained during his business career to contemplate the next expansion of his salsa business. Both men gave up desk jobs to pursue these entrepreneurial opportunities. You can meet them and try their products each week at the Westchase District Farmers Market. our bison has no growth hormones. I’ve been known to give some meat away for free…I tell them to take it and try it. They almost always come back to buy more.” Patrick Bierschwale prefers the life of a bison rancher and farmers market vendor to his previous desk job. Secret family recipe yields success Katerra Exotics sells a lot of bison meat: the equivalent of three to four animals per month. Buy Some Bison Bierschwale operates two bison farms under the name of Katerra Exotics (www.kateraexotics.com). The main production herd is located at Leakey, Texas where 50-100 buffalo graze on Texas Hill Country grass. When the young bison are old enough to wean, they’re moved to the family’s 100-acre ranch north of Katy, where the bison continue to graze until they’ve reached maturity. A 1,000-pound animal is ready for slaughter at about three years of age. Bierschwale said that will result in about 600 pounds of meat. Ground bison is his biggest seller. But jerky, filets and sausage follow close behind. “I get a lot of strange looks at markets,” said Bierschwale. “People think bison meat will have a weird taste. But it’s actually a little sweeter than beef. Plus, There is only one “secret” ingredient in Ken Salinas’ salsas. That is the dry seasoning he adds to the tomatoes, tomatillos, onions, peppers, cilantro and lime juice. He spends just three to four hours a day, two days a week making his fresh salsas at a commercial kitchen in Brookshire. The rest of the week is spent delivering the fresh product to various H-E-B stores and the farmers markets where he sells his product to a fast-growing group of regular customers. “The only preservative we use is lime juice,” said Salinas. “Our product stays fresh longer. We’ve created a market for it by getting our customers addicted. They have to come back to get more.” Salinas offers three products under “The Salsa Works” (www.thesalsaworks.com) brand: Original (recipe passed down through generations of the Salinas family), Guac ’N Roll (creamy and fresh, full of flavor) and Nuclear (full of body and burn). For Salinas, the salsa business grew out of a hobby. “I’ve always been a ‘chili head’ and a gardener, so it was a good fit for me,” Salinas says. “When I went to school at Texas A&M, I would make my grandmother’s salsa recipe for my buddies.” Now it’s become a full-time job with the aid of two part-time employees. He estimates that 60 percent of his sales are generated at farmers markets, with the remainder coming from retail sales. You’ll soon be able to find The Salsa Works at 15 H-E-B concept stores. Ken Salinas and Patrick Bierschwale are entrepreneurs who are making a living and providing for their families through their innovation and entrepreneurship. Come see them at the Westchase District Farmers Market, every Thursday at 3 p.m. Ken Salinas buys much of the tomatoes and peppers for his salsa from fellow farmers market vendors. Ken Salinas sells his product at three markets every week, plus various festivals and holiday markets. Westchase District Farmers Market 10503 Westheimer Summer Hours Are Back! Thursdays 3 – 7 p.m. www.westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com and redevelopment opportunities within the District,” Sanchez said. “He’s ready to go on tour with the Westchase District road show.” At Your Service Sanchez said Jullien’s attentiveness to detail, customer service skills and willingness to learn distinguished him from other candidates. “He’s a quick study and he’s willing to invest in expanding and improving his expertise – essentials for our success.” Customer service is Jullien’s specialty. An alumnus of the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Jullien brings seven years of management experience in the hospitality industry, most recently with Levy Restaurants. “I’ve learned how to create positive experiences with customers no matter their dispositions,” he said. “That’s a valuable ability that transfers to any job.” Groomed to Succeed It was at UH that he met fellow student Christy Taméz. The couple became engaged in 2013 and will be married March 15. “Yes, the Ides of March,” Jullien said, smiling. “In history, it’s notorious as the date of the end of Julius Caesar, but Christy and I are recasting it as the beginning of our new life together.” When asked what he’s looking forward to most about married life, Jullien jokes it’s the perk to drive in Houston’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes with another rider. “Seriously, Christy is an amazing woman,” he said. “I feel blessed to travel with her through life.” Pulling His Weight: New Projects Director Louis Jullien makes time for a quick workout with the outdoor exercise equipment located along the Library Loop Trail. 3 Bistro Le Cep Still a Star on the Houston Restaurant Scene New look, new ownership haven’t changed Westchase favorite W alking through the door of Bistro Le Cep is like walking into a warm French chateau. The plank floors and exposed wood throughout give way to the restaurant’s extensive wine holdings. Red tablecloths draped with white linen overlays create an elegant, yet casual table where diners enjoy a glass of wine while thoroughly reading the menu before choosing one of the restaurant’s French country specialties. Little has changed since Bistro Le Cep opened its doors in Westchase District more than a dozen years ago. Its timeless warmth and proven culinary selections make this bistro a perennial favorite for business diners and family celebrations alike. When the restaurant opened, renowned chef Joe Mannke (known for his Rotisserie for Beef & Bird Restaurant) could be found in the kitchen and rotating throughout the restaurant to chat with diners, many of whom were also his neighbors. Then, manager Obed Salmoron was in charge of ensuring that Mannke’s vision for the restaurant was fulfilled and that diners left happy, planning to return another day. Today, Mannke is retired and Salmoron owns Bistro Le Cep; he’s determined to continue the good hospitality and fine dining Owner and General Manager for which Bistro Le Cep is well-known. Obed Salmoron has achieved the Salmoron was hired as a busboy at Rotisserie American dream after moving for Beef & Bird not long after having moved to here from El Salvador. Houston from his native El Salvador. “I started as a bus boy, then became a waiter and assistant manager at Rotisserie. When Mr. Mannke opened Bisto Le Cep, he offered me the manager’s position. I had no experience, but he told me that in five years, he would retire and I could buy the restaurant. It took ten years until he was ready to retire, but that’s exactly what happened.” Old Favorites Unchanged Salmeron has changed little in the restaurant since assuming ownership of Bistro Le Cep two years ago. The décor, the attentive staff and the restaurant’s menu remain consistent. The menu items that have long been popular – Duck à L’Orange, Pot Roasted Rabbit, Medallions of Texas Hill Country Wild Boar – are still customer favorites. And the New England Lobster/Clambake that began as a seasonal favorite continues now every Friday night. Salmoron cited a favorite American saying in discussing the lack of changes at Bistro Le Cep: “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” “The food we keep the same, but we update the wine list every six months.” said Salmoron. He’s grateful to Mannke for the opportunity and for laying the groundwork for such a successful restaurant operation. “We haven’t hired a new waiter since 2002. Four people in the kitchen have worked here since we opened,” said Salmoron. “We work as a team. It’s not ‘my’ restaurant; it’s ‘our’ restaurant.” Longtime manager David Young still works the host stand during the day and diners usually find Salmoron behind the host stand in the evenings. “I enjoy serving,” said Salmoron. “In fact, my name ‘Obed’ means servant. I have worked 32 years in the hospitality business.” Salmoron does have a few plans for Bistro Le Cep. He would like to expand the restaurant’s happy hour business. He invites harried commuters to stop in to enjoy a glass of wine and an appetizer before continuing home after a long day. It’s a great way to experience Salmoron’s and Bistro Le Cep’s time-honored hospitality. Bistro Le Cep 11112 Westheimer 713-783-3985 www.bistro-le-cep.com Bistro Le Cep received an exterior makeover in 2013, but its iconic cow continues to beckon diners. When School’s Out, Hunger Isn’t for Families in Need Help Restock WHAM’s Food Pantry During Annual Summer Food Drive F or the 14th year in a row, Westchase District will team up with West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) for its Summer Food Drive from May 1 – May 31. Donated food and toiletry items are collected at dozens of donation locations throughout Westchase District to restock WHAM’s food pantry for the summer months. Apartment communities, hotels, offices and retail locations host Summer Food Drive collection boxes and promote the event to their residents, guests, tenants and customers. Here’s Why: ■ Nearly one in four children in Harris County lives at or below the poverty level, according to Children at Risk. ■ The Center for Public Policy Priorities estimates nearly 81 percent of children in Harris County receive free or reduced-price school lunches. ■ However, about 60 percent of WHAM’s clients are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying their utility bills, and about 52 percent must choose between paying for food or paying their mortgages. “Our pantry, which normally services about 50 clients 4 per day, is taxed during summer months with requests from families in need who have school-aged children on summer vacation and are eating more at home,” said Verita Duncan, WHAM’s pantry and training manager. “Your contributions of non-perishable food, toiletries and money help more local families who need food assistance. I feel the community’s willingness to support WHAM represents the kind of spirit that makes Westchase District such a special community in which to live and work,” she said. Marriott Westchase and the UPS Store/Gift Store. Look for a complete list of this year’s donation locations in upcoming issues of The Wire, our e-newsletter sent twice monthly (see page 2 to learn how to subscribe). If you would like to have a Summer Food Drive collection box at your location, please send an email to Assistant Communications Director Jonathan Lowe, [email protected], or call us at 713-780-9434. Best Benevolent Boxes Last year’s food drive saw record participation. Contributions in 2014 were up by 75 percent over 2013. Of last year’s contributors, more than half were first-time food drive participants. The top team by far was GBH CPA’s, located in Westchase District at 6002 Rogerdale Road. GBH’s 32 employees gave a record-setting 2,753 pounds of food (averaging about 86 pounds per employee) to West Houston Assistance Ministries’ food pantry. Office Manager Monica Perez said while competition for bragging rights around the office was intense, employees were motivated by a common goal of giving back to the community in which the firm works. Other top contributors last year included the Houston Top Cone-tributors: As the largest donors to last year’s Summer Food Drive, employees from GBH CPAs were recognized with a summertime treat courtesy of Westchase District and Kona Ice. Lending a Location for Learning Life Skills Apartment Community Provides Space for After-school Program C onsider yourself fortunate you’re reading this article: according to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, about 60 percent of children in Houston do not possess the reading-readiness skills expected upon entering kindergarten and only one out of 300 kids living in low-income homes has a book at home. Fortunately, Belmont Place/La Fontaine Apartments, located in Westchase District at 10501 Holly Springs Drive, has partnered with a local nonprofit literacy improvement organization to offer a group of their school-age residents an after-school enrichment program onsite at the apartment community. Stepping Up Founded by District B Houston City Council Member Jerry Davis in 2006, Making It Better partnered with Walnut Bend Elementary in 2007 to enhance students’ social and emotional learning and build foundations for academic success. In 2008, Making It Better approached management at Belmont Place/La Fontaine about hosting a location for its apartment-based Steps 2 Success program. “At the time, we noticed we had kids on property with nothing to do after school,” said Timothy Kim, Community Cultivation: Making It Better’s Catie Licalzi provides after-school enrichment for grade school students at Belmont Place/La Fontaine apartments. community manager for Belmont Place/La Fontaine. “We thought it was such a great idea that we agreed to permanently provide one of our units free of charge. It’s one way we can invest in our families living here and create an amenity they can’t find elsewhere in Westchase.” A Reason to Remain This unique amenity is also unlike other after-school programs. “Steps 2 Success is not homework help and it’s certainly not babysitting,” said Catie Licalzi, enrichment programs manager with Making It Better. “We’re about enrichment, about creating a nurturing and creative space for our kids to develop positive relationship and leadership abilities. We’re teaching them life skills that will help them resist negative influences surrounding them as they become adults.” Groups are capped at 12 students to ensure a low student-to-teacher ratio. Classes alternate days based on age ranges. On a recent Wednesday, third- through fifth-grade students responded to letters from pen pals in Hawaii while a laptop streamed YouTube songs with titles such as “Do Something” and “Together We Can Change the World.” Third-grader Aaditya Krishna has participated in Steps 2 Success since he was in kindergarten. “He’s always been a curious child, so this has been great for exposing him to things I don’t think they teach in school, like about compassion, respect and even financial savings,” said Monika Verma, Aaditya’s mother. Verma said she discovered the program when her family lived directly above the unit reserved for Steps 2 Success. “We’ve since moved to a different apartment, but it’s definitely one of the main reasons we stayed at this community,” she said. “Not only has Aaditya made several friends, but I’ve made friends also with the staff and other moms.” Family Involvement Parents are required to participate in pre-program meetings that outline expectations for their children Parental Participation: Third grader Aaditya Krishna and his mother Monika Verma are big fans of the Steps 2 Success after-school program. and themselves. Parents also commit to attend workshops throughout the year designed to equip them with the tools needed to support their child and reinforce the skills taught in the program. “Often parents of our students feel isolated from their child’s school and other parents,” said Making it Better Executive Director Jacque Daughtry. “These workshops provide a place where parents can connect with our staff and other parents for support, encouragement and advice.” Making It Better 713-952-9162 mibtx.org 5 Working with Smart Water, Rain Birds and Visibility Triangles No, we haven’t lost our minds – we’ve become wiser stewards of our resources T wo related beautification projects underway in Westchase District exemplify how adding technology with experience can equal big savings and improved aesthetics. One project involves weather-based irrigation control while the other applies lessons learned over the past decade about landscaping materials. Together, the projects will increase efficiencies and decrease costs – beautiful things in their own right. Reigning Over Irrigation As the City of Houston has increased irrigation water rates by more than 50 percent in the last decade, Westchase District’s irrigation system is getting a much-needed retooling that will save up to 20 percent on its water bill. Water management company WaterLogic will replace the District’s “dumb” (schedule-based, individually controlled) irrigation system with a “smart” (weather-based, centrally controlled) one. “Right now, our older irrigation system requires an enormous amount of time and effort to manage, with little control,” said Irma Sanchez, Westchase District’s vice president of projects. “We want to make sure we’re not watering for too long or in the rain or when it’s too cold or windy.” The new system wirelessly Trickle-Down Economics: This area west of Beltway 8 will receive irrigation “smart controllers” that will receive hourly broadcasts hourly, real-time, weather information. The controllers will then communicate weather wirelessly with the valves controlling the irrigation system, information resulting in water bill savings. to Rain Bird® smart controllers, which determine when systems should water, based on weather conditions and landscape needs. The system is already in use at such Westchase District properties as Briarlake Plaza, Camden Holly Springs Apartments, Emerson Process Management, Millennium Tower and WesternGeco. “By irrigating with just the right amount of water at just the right time, we’re improving the care of our landscaping at the same time we’re practicing water conservation and saving money,” Sanchez said. “That makes everything greener.” Spatial Profiling While the District sports attractive trees and flowers on its esplanades, at certain locations the landscaping has become a little too successful. “In 2004, we planted varieties such as Knock Out® roses and Indian hawthorn shrubs,” said Irma Sanchez, Westchase District’s vice president of projects. “Unfortunately, while they look great along frontage roads, on esplanades they can become quickly overgrown and block sightlines for turning motorists,” she said. “We’re constantly pruning them in order to improve an intersection’s unobstructed visibility triangle.” To improve the median strips, a project is underway to replace these oversized species located on six medians along Briarpark Drive between Richmond Avenue and Westheimer Road, as well as five medians along Briar Forest Drive west of Beltway 8. “We’re planting lower-profile items, such as Drift® roses and Lantana and installing dry creek beds,” Sanchez said. “These improvements will reduce our maintenance costs significantly as well as create fewer line-of-sight issues.” The project is funded by the Westchase Community Association, while the installation is managed by Westchase District. “Westchase District’s efforts to maintain its public spaces reflect the pride of the property owners in the area,” said Marilu De La Fuente, Adopt-An-Esplanade coordinator with the City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation department. “That translates to creating a beautiful environment which promotes economic development.” Westchase District Celebrates 20th Anniversary Burnett Specialists have seen it all T hen-Governor George W. Bush signed into law legislation creating Westchase District on June 12, 1995, but that date hardly marks the beginning of Westchase. Developers started building office towers and apartments here in the 1970s. And the Westchase Business Council was formed in the 1980s, giving root to what would become the Westchase District. Sue and Rusty Burnett have seen it all. They first opened their staffing agency, Burnett Specialists, in 1979 at 3300 Gessner. Ten years, later they would move into 8th floor offices around the corner at 9800 Richmond. She recalls the truly “grand” opening of their offices at the new building. The apartments now located next door did not exist at the time and they offered tethered hot air balloon rides and helicopter rides to commemorate the occasion. Sue and Rusty Burnett chose their Westchase District office because it was just down the street from the couple’s home on Gessner. 6 Soon, that would not be possible. More office buildings started going up, followed by apartment communities, the Carillon Shopping Center (“until then, there was not very much to eat out here”), and hotels. “To see what’s happened here is really phenomenal,” said Burnett. Beltway opened Westchase to the World “When I first came here, it wasn’t considered a desirable location, because it was so far out,” said Burnett. All that changed in 1997 with the opening of the West Sam Houston Tollway and later the Westpark Tollway. “I remember when we moved here, people were talking about this beltway that would someday open. When it did, it connected us to the airports much easier. I have a lot of staff who live out in the 290 area and the Beltway really made it easier for them to commute to the office. “The Westpark Tollway had a similar impact,” added Burnett. “Now Westchase is easily accessible for my staff who live in the inner loop. And I can drive to client lunches in the Galleria in 12 minutes.” Burnett notes that many of her clients also office in Westchase District. “When National Oilwell Varco, Cameron and Schlumberger all moved in, it gave the area more prominence and prestige. And when BMC built all those big buildings here, it was such a big deal. This became a place where major companies wanted to be.” Boom, Bust and Boom Again Sue Burnett can verbally list every boom and bust cycle that has occurred in Houston during the past 30 years. While many of her competitors went out of business or were purchased by others, Burnett Specialists has grown to include ten offices in five cities, including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso. “After 45 years in the business, I’ve learned that what’s down will come up and what’s up will go down. We’ve enjoyed staying power because we’re a well-known name, we’re honored to have won some awards, we stay visible in the press, and being diversified is a plus, especially in a downturn. There’s something to be said for longevity.” The same thing can be said for Westchase District. As the District celebrates its 20th anniversary and Burnett celebrates more than 40 years in business, both look for continued success in the next decades. The opening of the West Sam Houston Tollway was a game changer for Westchase District and its commercial real estate market. Officer knows suspicious behavior when he sees it Rudy Trevino enjoys proactive police work Officer Rudy Trevino is a trained observer of human actions and reactions. He’s a member of the Houston Police Department’s Gang Division, which is a part of HPD’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU). That means his “beat” is the entire city of Houston and he always has his eyes open for suspicious activity. “Seventy percent of all crime is gang-related. We learn their symbols, their colors, their tattoos, their signs and where they hang out. They constantly evolve, so we have to also,” said Trevino. Part of that skill is acquired through HPD training and the rest is the result of sixteen years of street experience. Recently, Trevino spent an entire week in an investigative class, learning about the new tools and technology that criminals are using. He was also schooled in interview techniques, body language, and how to effectively use warrants. “Everything about a person or a crime scene tells you a story,” he observes. “You just have to pay attention and look for it.” lesson from his training that has proven to be true in the field many times. “When you’re a patrol officer, you have to learn to look past the basic call. You have to read people, ask them questions.” As for street experience, Trevino has learned from more senior officers during his 16 years with the Houston Police Department. “I love working the streets, running with other officers, learning from them. They want to teach you. If you’re not being proactive, you’re missing out on knowledge.” Trevino is expanding his knowledge by learning how to play the guitar and he shares his knowledge of music, golf and boating with his 9-year old son. On his days off, they enjoy going to concerts together. The family also keeps a boat at Lake Conroe. Unusual Posture Reveals Hidden Cocaine He recalls a time when, while on duty for CRU in the Montrose area, he and his partner stopped a car because of the driver’s suspicious behavior. While his partner questioned the driver, Trevino observed him from the opposite side of the car. “His arms were outstretched and clinched on either side of the steering wheel. You could just tell his heart was pounding and he was nervous, more so than the situation required. I asked to look in the car and immediately found a plastic bag with 31 grams of cocaine between his feet on the floorboard of the vehicle.” For the past year and a half, Trevino has put those observation skills to work during his Thursday night shift with the Westchase District Patrol. On a typical evening, he’s part of a two-person team, patrolling business parking lots throughout Westchase District. While they’re strategically driving through apartment, retail or office parking lots, their eyes are open to any suspicious activity. An individual who won’t make eye contact, or turns his vehicle in the opposite direction when he sees a cop is cause for suspicion, according to Trevino. It’s a Ofc. Rudy Trevino patrols the parking lots of Westchase District businesses during his Thursday late night shift. Bringing Out the Fun in the Fund Westchase District Community Fund Debuts New Website, Board Members L ike frosted shredded wheat cereal, Westchase District has two sides: one that fortifies economic development and another that sweetens the quality of life in the community. As a government agency, the District can use public funds only to enhance public projects. So what about supporting private local charities? That’s where the Westchase District Community Fund is a key ingredient. Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the fund’s purpose is to financially support local projects, programs or events which positively impact the quality of life in Westchase District. “We’re the charitable arm of Westchase District that links donor support with area needs,” said Donna Flowers, WDCF board chair. “Maybe that makes us the charitable arms instead.” involved. ”We’ve always been a good cause, now we’re good-looking as well,” Flowers said. New Board Members Looking over the fund is a volunteer board of directors comprised of leading citizens. Tim and Blair Johnson were welcomed in February as the latest additions to the WDCF Board. Longtime residents of Westchase District, the Johnsons bring personal Volunteer Mentors Wanted Online Offering Opportunities Those arms have beefed up recently with the revamping of the fund’s website (www.wdcfund.org), making it easier to use and to donate online. “Now we can accept donations via either credit card or PayPal,” Flowers said. “No amount is too small to give and taken together, those small amounts can add up to real change.” Visitors to the website also can learn about grant recipients and fundraising events, read agendas for past meetings, and discover various ways to get interest and a strong record of community service to their new responsibilities. “We love living in Westchase District and we want to contribute to making it an even better place for everyone,” said Tim. “For me, finding the groups best equipped to create the most change in the area and directing resources their way is really rewarding.” As for Blair, she said she’s aware of many worthy organizations doing impressive work in Westchase. “I’m looking forward to being able to help them achieve even greater results,” she said. New Fund Members, Same Fund Mission: Newly elected Westchase District Community Fund board members Blair and Tim Johnson. Last year the fund’s board surveyed community needs and determined that youth mentoring programs were in highest demand. “One of our top candidates for assistance is the Community Outreach Missions Education Team (COMET),” said WDCF board member Richard Wall. “It’s a joint venture among Alief ISD, apartment communities, the Alief YMCA, 5Works and various Alief churches.” Wall said COMET is currently in three apartment communities in Alief ISD, though none in Westchase District. “We’ve identified nine apartment communities as likely prospects and right now we’re seeking professionals interested in becoming volunteer mentors,” he said. Those interested should send an email to [email protected]. 7 (Continued from page 1) the apartment community featured a garage more than twice the size needed for its 230 units. Architects planned for an adjacent set of units, but the economic Dos Porticos: downturn of the An additional 296 units late ‘00s caused will be added to the Spanish Richfield Real Mediterranean-themed Estate Corporation Portico at West8. to hold off on additional construction. That changed about six months ago with the construction of an additional 296 units. “We’ve been at 98 percent occupancy for some time now, so there’s plenty of demand for our brand,” said Ginger Stephens, Richfield’s regional property supervisor. “We’re continuing the Spanish Mediterranean ambiance of the first phase of units. There will be another pool, courtyards and outdoor kitchens, plus a 700-square-foot community room that’s available for residents to rent for private events.” Stephens said the first new units will be completed this summer and, of course, there will be plenty of covered parking. For leasing, call 713-781-9628, or visit www.porticoatwest8.com. CityWest = Walk to Work? Residences at CityWest, located at 2520 Rogerdale Road, is the latest luxury apartment community underway in Westchase District. Crimson Real Estate Fund and USAA Real Estate Co. will complete construction of 266 units by Summer 2016. “We feel that CityWest is well-located to address the current demand for multifamily in the popular Westchase area,” said Dean Patrinely, managing principal of Crimson Real Estate Advisors and Patrinely Group, LLC. “Located near prime lifestyle areas, major travel arteries and adjacent to Phillips 66’s new campus, we feel our property will attract renters looking for an upscale community with an urban feel.” The Class A, four-story community will offer floor plans from one to three bedrooms ranging from Rising to New Heights: The 265-unit Heights at Westchase is well underway and scheduled for move-ins this summer. 600 square feet to 1,900 square feet. Like the Heights at Westchase, Residences at CityWest will be built around a center parking structure and courtyard. Unique amenities will include billiard rooms, a bocce ball court and a demonstration kitchen. But perhaps the property’s most distinguishing feature is its walking distance-proximity to BMC Software and the future Phillips 66 world headquarters, which could make some sweet commutes for those company’s employees. Then again, it could mean consuming less gas and oil... Neighborhood News T he Westchase District’s Farmers Market team recently competed in the Houston Westchase Rotary Club’s 3rd annual SOUP’er Bowl cook-off. Communications VP Sherry Fox and Market Manager John Carey cooked a classic Butternut Squash Soup. They purchased most of the ingredients (butternut squash, tomatoes, onions, olive oil) at the market, picked up the rest (heavy cream, apple, sage, chicken broth) at the grocery store, then mixed it all up, cooked it and served it with a side of bread purchased from market vendor Angela’s Oven. It may have been the freshest soup available in the annual soup cook-off event, but that wasn’t enough to earn top honors in the charity competition. That went to the team from Alief Independent School District’s culinary arts department. John Carey and Sherry Fox served up Butternut Squash Soup at the Rotary Club’s annual soup cook-off. Stop by the market any Thursday to pick up a copy of the “secret” recipe. D r. Zachary Hodges has returned to Houston Community College Northwest, after serving an interim role as Vice The Dr. Zachary Hodges scholarship fund will Chancellor for Academics be distributed to HCC engineering students. at HCC’s main campus Pictured left-right: Joe Synan, President, downtown. To welcome him Leadingwell Associates; Dr. Zachary Hodges, back home, an engineering President, HCC Northwest; Sandie Mullins, scholarship was created HCC Trustee District VI; and Victor Alvarez, to honor Hodges for his Spring Branch resident. pioneering role in higher education. Most recently, Hodges was instrumental in forging a partnership with The University of Texas at Tyler to launch a four-year engineering degree program at HCC’s Westchase District campus. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering for less than $20,000 without leaving the local campus. So far, more than $12,000 has been contributed to the fund, which was created and organized by the HCC Foundation and Joe Synan, of Leadingwell Associates. Donations can still be made through the HCC Foundation at https:// www.hccsfoundation.org/ZacharyHodgesScholarship G race School is building a garden to bring outdoor learning opportunities to life for lower school students, all thanks to a $2,000 grant from the 8 Whole Kids Foundation and FoodCorps. The school was chosen to receive the grant from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants. “This gift will open up numerous possibilities for creating our garden and making it accessible to our students,” Parents and students team up to build the new said Leigh Anne Shumate, outdoor educational garden at Grace School. Head of Lower School. “It will bring academic subjects to life in the kitchen, garden, lunchroom and classroom.” Grace serves students from 20 months through eighth grade. S tudents at Revere Middle School are enjoying their new SPARK Park, after a mid-winter dedication of the new facilities. The covered portal in front of the school at 10502 Briar Forest serves as a METRO bus stop for students who use buses to Principal Hafadh Azaiez (second from left) commute to and from school cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Paul and it functions as an outdoor Revere Middle School’s new SPARK Park. classroom where students can charge their electronic devices with the aid of solar panels. The educational portal was designed and built by The Design/Build Class of the University of Houston School of Architecture and was recognized by the Keep Houston Beautiful organization as one of the winners of the Mayor’s Proud Partner awards. T he next time you visit Salon Park at 9521 Westheimer, say hello to hair stylist Jasmine Gentry. Gentry, 25, is giving to the community through her nonprofit “Million Shades of Beauty,” which offers services for women returning to the work force. She also volunteers her time through Franklin Beauty School’s annual “back to school” program, offering summer haircuts to underprivileged children, and she participates in various toy, coat and jacket collections for children. Jasmine Gentry is a hair stylist with many causes.
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