westchasetoday - Westchase District

WESTCHASETODAY
YEAR 15 | ISSUE 4 | WINTER 2013
THE NEWSLETTER
FOR
AND
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY WHERE BUSINESS IS MOVING
Something Everyone Can Agree On:
A Decade of Dinero for District Development
City of Houston Approves Funding for Westchase Area 380 Capital Improvement Plan
Westchase District and two nearby sections will benefit from millions in property tax increases during the next 10 years. The funds will be earmarked for public
infrastructure projects.
nanimous votes do happen at Houston’s
U
from property tax growth collected in the
qualified to identify the most worthy projects,
City Council and, indeed, one did in
Westchase 380 Area – a region including most of
secure additional funding when needed and even
October when the City of Houston
Westchase District and two sections just outside
serve as project administrators.”
approved Westchase District for what is known
District boundaries – will be available to construct
as a “380 agreement.” Named after the chapter
public projects including roads, parks, trails and
a single developer or project, our agreement will
number of the Texas Local Government Code, the
drainage improvements in the area. The remaining
benefit our entire community, since approved
agreement provides Westchase District with funds
third of the growth, plus all base revenues, will
projects must be built on public property,” Murphy
to construct City-approved infrastructure projects
continue to go to the City.
said. “This money keeps us competitive with other
Based on the City’s projections, the Westchase
over the next 10 years.
“While past 380 agreements have largely helped
Houston-area management districts designated
“Thanks to the mayor and city council
Area 380 agreement could provide $50 million
as tax increment reinvestment zones, which are
members, we’re equipped like never before to
during the next decade. Agreement funds must
seldom granted in Houston. We feel our program
attract both public and private investment in the
be used for infrastructure projects and cannot be
combines the best features of 380 agreements and a
District,” said Jim Murphy, Westchase District
given as cash incentives to developers. Westchase
TIRZ.”
general manager. “This agreement is a huge
District will review and recommend projects for
boost for helping us stimulate redevelopment of
city approval.
older properties, create new public amenities and
“Economic development is increasingly
competitive and having a solution to funding
“As a successful management district, Westchase
public infrastructure is critical to securing the
significantly improve the local quality of life.”
District is familiar with their owners’ wants, with
long-term commitments of lenders, developers,
Incremental increases =
considerable capital
investors’ concerns and with the opportunities
companies and residents,” said Mark Taylor,
that make the most strategic sense,” said Houston
managing director at CBRE and chairman of the
Mayor Annise Parker. “The staff is uniquely
Westchase District Board of Directors.
Starting next year, two-thirds of the revenue
(continued on page 2)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 ’Tis the Season
for Seasonal Foods
4 Engineering Firm with
Boy Scout Beginnings
4 Caterwauling
& Katsu Chicken
5 A Congregation Strengthens
Connections
6 Phillips 66 Tops Off Tank
of Building Projects
6 Well-groomed Award Winner
7 Safety Officer is No Cape,
All Crusader
7 Officer Linked with
Possession of Gold Bars
8 Neighborhood News
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WESTCHASETODAY
Priorities
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.
O
ur lead story this issue presents what may
this represents clear testimony of the benefits for a
be our most significant accomplishment
property to be part of Westchase District.
since Westchase District started in 1995.
The Westchase Area 380 Agreement approved
S. Nelson and Company, an engineering firm with
by the City of Houston will provide millions of
an interesting story of its own. It’s interesting,
dollars in revenue, paid by area owners, to provide
too, that even as we add new office buildings, our
much needed roads, parks, trails and pedestrian
overall occupancy rate topped 94% last quarter.
improvements in our area. This funding will set the
Yes, businesses are “voting with their feet,” in large
stage for redevelopment efforts already underway but
numbers by coming to Wesatchase District and
which now can be expanded.
our entire community benefits from this economic
We’re also working persistently to leverage these
new funds to secure additional public and private
moving forward aggressively and expect to announce
patrol officers, Sgt. Paul George, was promoted
the first projects early next year.
by HPD to the rank of Lieutenant – quite an
VP, Chief
Operating Officer
Sherry Fox
VP, Communications
accomplishment! Such excellence is what we’ve come
readers that we’re continuing to “dance with the one
to expect. Ensuring the development of our staff is
who brung us,” continuing to focus on smaller-scale
a key priority at Westchase District and it’s seen in
issues that keep the District moving forward as well.
our people attending training programs, professional
Economic development organizations often focus on
development classes and area planning meetings.
chasing the newest, most exciting projects and lose
Equipping our team members to perform their duties
sight of the far larger impact of existing priorities.
more skillfully, to work together more effectively, and
The stories in this issue reinforce our continued
to grow in their professions not only benefits them,
commitment to our comprehensive long-range
but the District and the people we serve.
First, we’re growing our District with the addition
General Manager
Finally another measurement of our growth is
seen in our staff achievements. One of our own
vision.
Dave Gilkeson
growth.
investments producing the maximum benefit. We’re
Yet, as we share this news, we want to assure our
Jim Murphy
We’re also adding tenants including Waldemar
Indeed, with the Westchase Area 380 Agreement,
all of Westchase District’s stakeholders have notched
of the Abundant Life Cathedral on Harwin. This
a big win. It’s appropriate to take a moment to
annexation was requested by the church, approved
celebrate our latest success. Now it’s time to start
by our Board and then consented to by the City.
working on the next big win. We have the right
Our ability to add property is completely dependent
vision, the right team and the right skills. We’re
on the request and consent of the folks we add, so
ready.
Irma Sanchez
VP, Projects
Mark Hubenak
Public Safety Director
Jonathan Lowe
Tom Gall
Assistant Projects
Director
Assistant
Communications Director
Farmers Market Manager
Irene Pavlovsky
Debra Kunkle
Receptionist
Accounting Clerk
John Carey
Receive The Wire, our e-newsletter, twice monthly.
Three quick and easy ways to subscribe:
Mark Taylor
Jim Murphy
1. Visit www.westchasedistrict.com/signups,
2. Text WESTCHASE to 22828, or
3. Use your mobile device to scan the code below.
A Decade of Dinero (continued from page 1)
From city accounts into
District action
Though as much as $4 million could be available
to Westchase District by as early as mid-2014,
Copyright © Westchase District. All Rights Reserved.
2
beautification projects,” she said. “We’re not caught
off guard by this revenue – we’re ready to put it to
good use.”
“Ultimately, the phasing and scope of projects on
Irma Sanchez, Westchase District’s vice president
our wish list will be determined by the market and
of projects, noted the money will not sit idle for
by developer participation,” Murphy said. “However,
long. “We already have a long-range plan in place
I think we all agree that people can expect to see
that envisions a number of various-sized parks,
Westchase District open for business, make that more
reconstruction and widening of several key roads,
business, in 2014.”
expansion of our hike and bike trails and additional
’Tis the Season for Seasonal Foods
New Westchase District Farmers Market offers delights for every taste (and smell and touch)
Since the debut of the
Westchase District Farmers
W
Market in late October, more
than 2,500 visitors browsed our
vvendors’ booths, supported local
growers and helped to establish
a wonderful new community
gathering in West Houston.
“I’ve been so pleased with the response we’ve received
so far,” said John Carey, Westchase District Farmers
Market manager. “Even though it rained the morning
of our second week and we only had half of our regular
vendors make it in, we earned almost as much money as
we did in our first week of business.”
More than fresh fruits and veggies
That bustling business involves more than selling
just boxes of fresh, local produce. The market offers
many value added products as well.
“We have vendors selling BBQ sauces, lotions,
candles, lavender products, dog treats, orchids, olive oils
and even prepared foods,” he said.
“Our market experience is not merely like browsing
an outdoor grocery store. It’s a perfect destination
for unique gifts as well. Plus, we have some of the
friendliest vendors in town.”
Never the same market twice
Carey noted that even though many vendors have a
regular presence each week, the products they sell often
vary based on the seasons.
“If you think you know what products we sell, think
again, because our inventory is different every week,”
Carey added. “There’s no telling how quickly we’ll sell
out of certain items.”
Hot Harvests On The Horizon
With that in mind, Carey gave a top 10 list of what
items he expects vendors will have an abundant supply
of in the next three months:
1. Beets
2. Broccoli
3. Cabbages, both green and red
4. Celery
5. Clementines, oranges and tangerines
6. Grapefruit
7. Kale
8. Kiwifruit
9. Papaya and pears
10. Sweet potatoes
“We pass out different recipe cards at each market,
and you can bet we’ll be suggesting delicious ways to
make the most out of what ingredients are in season,”
he said.
It Takes A Village To Run A Market
Carey said public support of the market has been
great, and that he will gladly welcome more volunteer
assistance with:
• Placing and collecting temporary signage
• Greeting shoppers upon entrance
• Unloading and reloading vendor’s products
• Refilling the market’s drinking water station
“I’m not looking for long-term commitments for
these tasks. I’m happy to create a flexible schedule for
all who are willing to donate even a small portion of
their time,” he said. “We want our market to be a fun
and relaxing experience for folks on both sides of the
counters.”
Public Reaction
Snapshots
“Simply put, the vibe of this farmers market
is awesome! I know about some of my fellow
vendors who have discontinued their participation
at other farmers markets so that they are able to
take part in this one. They’ve told me they see
more potential here. For me, the location alone
makes this a no-brainer.”
With a few weeks under our belts, we asked
several vendors, “What’s your initial impression of the
Westchase District Farmers Market?” Afterwards, we
realized we had interviewed all men, so next issue we’ll
get the ladies’ take on things. For now, here are some
snapshots of public opinion from our sellers:
“My wife used to work at BMC software, so
we know just how vibrant the District is. The
amount of drive-by traffic I’ve seen is stunning.
I’ve received calls from people in Spring Branch,
Katy and Bellaire inquiring about the market.
I’m amazed how far news about the market has
spread already.”
— Chris Brennan, Lavande Farm
(lavender products, olives)
— Chris Kohnke, Pure Texas Honey
(wildflower honey and beeswax)
“It seems there’s a greater range of ages here than
at other markets I work. What’s interesting is
that certain items, like duck eggs, are hot sellers
here that don’t do as well at other markets, and
vice versa. That’s the challenge and the fun of
working a farmers market: you never know
what’s going to happen.”
— Bill Briscoe, Ole Dad Farms
(range brown chicken eggs, range duck eggs,
processed chicken, duck, goat and pork cuts,
seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables)
“The first day was crazy! We’ve been doing
incredible business. The clients coming up to my
tent seem to be a different mix than what I see
in the suburbs. The market is in a nice area and
there’s easy access to the corner location.”
— Johandy Urena,
Nisha’s Quick N Ezee Indian Food
(pre-packaged Indian curries, breads,
snacks, chutney & sauces)
Thursday, 3 - 6 p.m.
RAIN OR S HINE
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Catholic Church
10503 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042
(at Rogerdale Road, one block west of Beltway 8)
“I’m impressed with the demographic diversity
I’ve seen so far at the market. It feels like more of
a city farmers market, versus one that just caters
to a specific neighborhood. I suspect that it might
have something to do with the great accessibility
from the Beltway, Westheimer and the METRO
bus line.”
— Alan Barrera, Grass On the Go
(wheatgrass shots)
3
Engineering Firm with Boy Scout Beginnings
Sets Up Camp in Westchase District
Waldemar Nelson & Co. to Occupy more than 18,500 sq. ft. in Millennium Tower
O
ne of the world’s top design firms in
petroleum offshore and underwater facilities
has scouted new office space in Westchase
District and will put down stakes over the holiday
season. Starting January 1, Waldemar S. Nelson &
Company, Inc. will occupy 18,628 square feet of
office space in Westchase District’s Millennium Tower
at 10375 Richmond Avenue.
With a staff of more than 400, the firm provides
project management, engineering, procurement,
environmental science and architectural services
from offices in New Orleans and Houston. The firm
predominantly serves the offshore and onshore oil and
gas industry, but also designs other industrial facilities,
including mining, power, compressor stations and
infrastructure-related projects. Nelson opened its first
Houston office in 2000 and will retain its 52,000 sq.
ft. Texas headquarters in north Houston.
The firm’s Westchase District location will serve
as a branch office that will allow the firm to recruit
and retain personnel within the Houston engineering
community. “Westchase District’s location near many
of our existing and potential clients, its access to major
road systems plus desirable building amenities were
key factors in our selecting space in the Millennium
Tower,” said James Lane, Nelson’s executive vice
president and chief financial officer.”
Initially, the Westchase District office will
accommodate about 20 to 25 employees, with
projected expansion to between 60 and 70 employees
over the next two years.
A 110 year-old family business
The engineering firm’s roots trace back to
Boy Scout “Pine Tree” Troop 22 from uptown New
Orleans. Scoutmaster Colonel Victor J. Bedell trained
his son John G. Bedell and his son’s friend Waldemar S.
Nelson in precision marching drills and how to set up and
W. S. Nelson employees Felicia Abu-Fannoun and
Slater Bass try out Christmas bikes for Salvation
Army Angels.
break down camp in less than 10 minutes to earn the rare
“Pine Tree” designation.
With a strong family tradition behind him, Nelson
graduated in mechanical and electrical engineering from
Tulane University in 1936. During World War II, he was
placed in charge of construction at Camp Claiborne in
north Louisiana at the age of 25, and oversaw a project
with an office staff of 1,200 and a construction staff of
20,000.
In 1945, Nelson started a private practice with his
former Boy Scout troop leader, Colonel Bedell. After the
colonel’s death, the firm changed its name to Waldemar
S. Nelson and Company, Inc. in 1961. The company
is renowned for a string of record-making technical
achievements, including designing some of the largest
processing plants and offshore mines and platforms in the
world.
“Our family members have practiced engineering
around the world for more than 110 years,” said Ken
Nelson, the company’s president and Waldemar’s son.
“We’ve lived through numerous boom and bust cycles in
our corporate existence. I’m humbly thankful that we’ve
survived all this time to continue to provide a place of
stable work for our employees. I’m excited to extend our
proud heritage into Westchase District.”
After Hours Caterwauling & Katsu Chicken
A visit to Genji Japanese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar mixes authentic fare with tunes
If you’re familiar with Westchase
District only during the daytime,
Food & then you’re missing out on a hip
Drink hangout that draws a cool crowd
by night. Tucked in a strip center
at Westheimer Road and Wilcrest
Drive, sits Genji Japanese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar,
one of Westchase District’s hidden gems. The Houston
Press chose Genji as the city’s best Japanese Restaurant
in 2009 and the alternative newsweekly ranked it first
among Houston’s top six karaoke bars in 2012.
While Genji has been a Houston fixture for 35
years, it’s only resided in Westchase District for one
year.
Established in 1978 by Tokyo native Genji
Mizusawa, the restaurant was originally located on
Fondren Drive. It moved to the Galleria area on
Westheimer in 1998, but when Mizusawa’s lease
expired last fall, he decided to relocate to Westchase
District’s Westheimer-Wilcrest Center.
Stage fright? Just sit tight
Genji’s main room offers open mic karaoke.
Multiple copies of four large binders offer lists of
thousands of songs in Chinese, English, Japanese and
Korean.
Singing in front of everyone near the large video
screen on the back wall is optional – customers can
choose to stay seated and sing from their turquoise
booths. A waitress, or even Mizusawa himself, shuttles
two wireless microphones around the room. A
three-consecutive-songs limit per table ensures that
everyone gets a chance to let loose.
For those preferring to warble among friends only,
the restaurant also features two private rooms – one
seats five to seven people for $40 per hour, the other
accommodates 15 to 20 people for $75 per hour
(food and drinks count toward room charges). When
customers can’t finish their bottles of liquor or sake,
Mizusawa writes their names on the bottles and holds
it for them until their next visit – a sure sign that
Genji draws a crowd of regulars.
Secret shopping
Online reviews suggest Sunday through
Wednesday to be the best evenings for those wanting
opportunities to flex their perceived vocal prowess,
while Thursday through Saturday nights are better
for observing the singing skills of the adept and the
awkward.
Parking spots in the center on weekends can be
scarce and the restaurant is often packed to capacity.
Mizusawa sits at the register, acting as seating
4
host, cashier and coordinator of the music and the
microphones in the main room. Casually yet keenly
eyeing the room, he doesn’t take names for a guest
waiting list, instead recalling his customers from
memory.
The drink list includes domestic and Japanese
beers to $5.00 cocktails and $9.00 bottles of sake.
The menu offers something for everyone, from
the standard (fried rice, noodle bowls and dumplings)
to the more…well, for some…exotic (grilled beef
tongue, chicken gizzard shish kabobs and grilled
whole squid). Orders are taken on iPads.
Online reviewers also praise Genji for its excellent
Japanese comfort food at decent values. Some
examples:
• Bowl of edamame: $3.00
• Spicy Crunchy roll (spicy tuna, avocado, crunchy
tempura): $5.00
• Philadelphia roll: $5.50
• No. 1 Roll (cucumber, avocado, crab and shrimp
tempura roll topped with tuna, unagi sauce and
spicy mayo): $7.00
• Chicken Katsu (fried chicken cutlets with a
Japanese curry sauce): $8.50.
For a fun, reasonably-priced evening of Japanese
cuisine, people watching and a chance to unleash
one’s inner pop idol, Genji steals the spotlight as a
unique treasure among Westchase District nightlife.
Genji Japanese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar,
11124 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77063
Open daily: 7 p.m. - 2 a.m., 713-780-0827
A Congregation Strengthens Connections with the
Community
Abundant Life Cathedral Church joins Westchase District in rare annexation addition
F
or only the third time in the history of
Westchase District, an adjacent property has
been annexed into the District’s boundaries.
Abundant Life Cathedral Church, located at 11230
Harwin Drive, recently became the latest property to
join the municipal management district.
The acquisition materialized earlier this year when
Irma Sanchez, Westchase District’s vice president of
projects, approached Dr. Ed Montgomery, founder
and pastor of Abundant Life Cathedral, about
granting an easement on the church property for a
portion of the Brays Bayou Connector Trail. The
2.92-mile trail will connect to the District’s Library
Loop Trail and run south from Richmond Avenue to
Bellaire Boulevard. Construction on the new trail is
scheduled to begin in early 2014.
“Dr. Montgomery and his staff were receptive and
enthusiastic about participating in the development of
the trail,” Sanchez said. “Not only were they excited
about a trail connecting their church to Arthur Storey
Park, they asked us to create a section that will branch
off to connect to Harwin Park as well.”
“We think the trail will be a great feature for
Westchase District’s workers and residents in general,
and for our church’s members specifically,” said
Montgomery. The church graciously donated the land
to Westchase District.
From corporate space to spacious
cathedral
Founded in 1981 by Montgomery, the fast-growing
nondenominational church moved into its current
9,300-square-foot residence on Harwin Drive in 1991.
“We were here when there was no Westpark Tollway,
no Beltway 8 and no paved roads,” said Ernest Walker,
business manager of ALC Church. “Since then, we’ve
grown to more than 7,000 members and we reach
countless others through our multimedia broadcasts.”
“We offer more than 20 different ministries and
volunteer outlets, including our World Outreach
Center,” Walker added. “We started out as a
congregation of 31 people and have been blessed to
mature into one of the fastest growing churches in the
country.”
In 2001, the 70-acre, campus style corporate
development Oak Park at Westchase became part
of the District. In 2008, properties on the corner of
Westheimer Road and Seagler Road (including Amegy
Bank, Phillips 66 gas station and Ascension Episcopal
Church & School) joined Westchase District.
“Our board of directors carefully evaluates
each annexation inquiry, and this time it felt that
Abundant Life Cathedral showed eagerness to
participate in the community,” said Dave Gilkeson,
Westchase District’s chief operating officer. “Plus,
their addition helps to strengthen Westchase District’s
ties with the residents attending the church amidst an
area that has been mostly office-oriented.”
“Our inclusion in Westchase District has the
potential to bring joy and connectedness far beyond
both of our boundaries,” Montgomery said. “It’s
a path, make that a trail, we’re looking forward to
exploring.”
One of the
fortunate few
Although strong
economic growth has
taken place within
Westchase District for
decades, Abundant Life
Cathedral is only the
third instance when the
District has granted the
annexation of properties
not included in its
original boundaries
established in 1995.
Well-groomed Award Winner Praised for Beautiful Features
Keep Houston Beautiful recognizes District’s Library Loop Trail with Mayor’s Proud Partners Award
Westchase District’s Library
Loop Trail was recognized recently
at the 29th Annual Keep Houston
Beautiful Awards Luncheon, when
the nonprofit presented the District
with one of its Mayor’s Proud
Partners Awards.
In its 34th year as the city’s leading organization
providing beautification, litter reduction and recycling
education, Keep Houston Beautiful annually
recognizes nearly two dozen individuals, organizations
and businesses for their outstanding contributions.
Mayor Annise Parker was on hand to present
awards to all the winners. Irma Sanchez, Westchase
District’s vice president of projects, accepted the
award which was given in recognition of the trail’s
contribution to Houston’s beautification.
Irma Sanchez (center) accepts a Mayor’s Proud
Partner Award from Keep Houston Beautiful
Chair Jim Tates and City of Houston Mayor
Annise Parker.
The 1.35-mile Library Loop Trail connects the
Robinson-Westchase Library on Wilcrest Drive to the
U.S. Post Office on Rogerdale Road. The trail features
more than 400 30-gallon trees, an exercise station,
water fountains, bike racks, trash bins, and 15-foot
concrete and redwood benches.
“We’re honored to be acknowledged by Keep
Houston Beautiful and also excited for the future,”
Sanchez said after the luncheon. “The Library Loop
Trail is only the beginning of a much larger connected
trail system we have designed. Construction on our
next phase – a 2.92-mile trail that will run south from
Richmond Avenue to Bellaire Boulevard – will begin
in 2014. You can be sure that each new section will
contribute to our beautification efforts in Westchase
District.”
Photo Credit: Woodallen-Houston
5
Phillips 66 Tops Off Tank of Building Projects
New construction contributes to growth of Westchase District’s ever-fluid skyline
W
estchase District’s seen a steady stream of
new construction this year. To prevent
your drowning in a pool of real estate
news, we’ve skimmed off some highlights – let’s plunge
in and get current:
Phillips 66
Phillips 66, the downstream company spun off
last year from Conoco Phillips, recently broke ground
on its new
headquarters
building,
which will
be located
on the West
Sam Houston
Tollway
between Briar Forest Drive and Westheimer Road.
Set on 14.5 acres, the multi-building campus
will total 1.2 million square feet of space in multiple
buildings. The campus will feature a fitness center,
credit union, and training and development center
for its 1,800 employees. The project will also include
multiple dining options, a soccer field, and a running
track on the roof of a parking garage. According
to Phillips 66, the building will take approximately
three years to complete. More than 1,500 Phillips
66 employees currently work in Westchase District in
leased office space.
Two Briarlake Plaza
One of Westchase District’s trophy properties, One
BriarLake Plaza is transforming into a full-fledged
corporate campus with the addition of Two BriarLake
Plaza (2050 West Sam Houston Parkway South).
The 19-story, 331,689 square-foot structure
has “topped out,” or reached its highest elevation.
With 12 stories of offices above a seven-level garage,
the top six floors already are pre-leased to Samsung
Engineering. Both BriarLake Plaza buildings will share
a fitness center, a full-service bistro and conference
space. Expected completion: Summer 2014.
6
Granite Briarpark Green
CGG Campus Expansion
Now open for business, Granite Briarpark Green
(3151 Briarpark)
has become
home to Granite
Properties’
corporate offices.
Soon, engineering
firm JGC America,
Inc. will join
them, leasing
two floors in the
12-story, 300,000
square-foot, Class
A office tower.
The tower has
a contemporary, two-story lobby and corporate living
area for employees and guests. Conveniences include a
fitness center, food service facilities, shared conference
space and on-site recycling.
Granite Briarpark Green was designed by PGAL
and built by Hoar Construction, two companies
headquartered in Westchase District.
Westchase Park campus developer Clarion Partners
is also building a 108,000-square foot building for
CGG, a geoscience company already occupying
310,000 square feet in two buildings at Rogerdale
Road and Town Park Drive. Their new four-story
office building at 3700 West Sam Houston Parkway
South will connect to the lobby, conference center
and three floors of the existing campus.
The building is designed to meet the U.S.
Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard for
environmental design. The new building will allow
them to better integrate the employees of Fugro
Geoscience division recently acquired by CGG.
Expected completion: Fourth quarter of 2014.
Westchase Park II
Like Two BriarLake Plaza, Westchase Park II
(3600 West Sam Houston Parkway South) is the
second phase of a planned two-building development.
Located on 15.2-acres between Richmond Avenue
and Westpark Drive, the campus is distinguished
by a large water feature and sculpture by Texas artist
George Schroder. Westchase Park II will be six stories
with 50,000 square-foot floor plates per floor.
The six-story structure, designed by Ziegler
Cooper architects, will connect to the existing
Westchase Park I via an 8,000 square foot building
housing shared amenities, including conference space,
a restaurant and a health club. Expected completion:
Fourth quarter of 2014.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
To serve the projected increase in business
travelers, the northwest corner of Westpark Drive
and the West Sam Houston Parkway South will see
a new a 120-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
Construction is underway and the hotel is expected to
open in Q4 2014.
Voted the top limited-service extended stay
hotel brand this year by J.D. Power and Associates,
TownePlace Suites will feature smaller rooms for
cost-conscious business travelers, yet include full-size
kitchens and ergonomic work spaces. Amenities will
include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour
“In a Pinch Market,” and, yes, a swimming pool,
for customers who want to dive into something other
than real estate news.
Safety Officer is No Cape, All Crusader
Once a violent crime target himself, Sgt. Herman Estrella brings justice to Westchase District
A
young man becomes a victim of a brutal
robbery, then dedicates his life to catching
criminals at night and protecting the citizens
of his city. No, this story isn’t about how Bruce
Wayne becomes Batman. It’s about Westchase District
patrol officer Herman Estrella.
A New Jersey native, Estrella, the second oldest
of four siblings, moved to Houston when he was 17,
Curbing crime with carpentry
Assigned to work the Westside Division nightshift
patrol, Estrella became known as an officer unafraid
to take action.
“Once, a West Houston apartment community had
a spike in crime, caused mainly by a large hole in a
fence allowing non-residents access to the property.
graduating from Bellaire High School.
The cause of a crimefighting career
One fateful night in Houston when Estrella
was 20 years old, a man approached him asking for
directions. “While I was preoccupied with him, his
partner snuck up on me and held me at gunpoint,”
he said. “It was a real ‘your money or your life’
situation.”
He handed over his $40 cash and as the robbers
got ready to run, one of them punched Estrella in the
neck. “At least at first, that’s what I thought he did
– turned out he had stabbed me in the neck with a
knife. I guess he figured I wouldn’t get a good look at
them if I was dealing with a slit throat.”
Estrella stumbled to a nearby hotel, where he
received assistance getting to an emergency room. The
experience affected him profoundly, motivating him
to join the Houston Police Department several years
later. “It was the best career move in my life,” he said.
Nightshift Hero:
HPD officer Sgt. Herman Estrella
Management drug its feet on repairing the fence, so
on my day off I went to Home Depot, bought some
pickets with my own money and fixed it myself.
Crime dropped and when I asked the manager if the
fence ever got repaired he said yes, they had taken care
of it,” Estrella said, laughing.
Cop coaching & crook-catching
A husband and father of four, Estrella was promoted
to sergeant in 2004 and received his BA in criminal
justice two years later. He is currently a nightshift field
training officer, assigning new officers and sergeants to
work with more experienced mentors. His Westchase
District duties have included bike and vehicle patrols.
Though he finds his administrative tasks at HPD
rewarding, he’s most passionate about patrol work.
“I love night patrol,” he said. “Even after all these
years, I get huge personal satisfaction in working at
the street level apprehending criminals. The most
rewarding part of the job for me is bringing suspects
back to the people they victimized for identification.
It seems to give the offended some closure and peace
to know that I’ve caught their perpetrators.”
As for Estrella’s perpetrators from his youth?
“They were never caught, but I’ve actually come to
appreciate them,” he said. “It’s because of those two
criminals that I’ve apprehended hundreds.”
Officer Linked with Possession of Gold Bars
Recent HPD promotion underscores high caliber of Westchase District safety patrol officers
When the Houston Police
Department advanced Police
Sergeant Paul George to the rank
of Police Lieutenant in October,
the promotion represented a
couple of firsts. George became
the first member of his family to become a police
lieutenant, and he became the first member of
Westchase District’s public safety patrol to earn the
rank.
The promotion also served to burnish Westchase
District’s reputation as a municipal management
district that attracts HPD’s most talented and
ambitious officers. Of the District’s 45 off-duty HPD
officers, more than one quarter hold the rank of Police
Sergeant and nearly half of those officers made rank
during their time working for Westchase District.
“While HPD is the fourth largest police
department in the country, it’s recognized as a
national leader for many of its programs,” said Mark
Hubenak, Westchase District director of public safety.
“Westchase District employs many of the officers
who contribute to that leadership. We hire from a
select set of officers with outstanding work ethics and
recognition for excellence.”
Hat collections
When Westchase District began contracting with
HPD officers in 2004, the District’s public safety
director sought out patrol members with strong “smile
and wave” credentials. “Back then, my main focus
was on hiring officers who were friendly and good at
interacting with the general public,” he said.
“Over time, I’ve increased focus on finding officers
known for their crime reduction and prevention
accomplishments. All of our officers have to wear
multiple hats and I’m proud that everyone on our
patrol is outstanding at fulfilling multiple roles.”
Still serving in numerous positions, Chris
Engelhardt is one of the first Westchase District
patrol officers hired in 2004. He said he attributes the
success of the District’s public safety efforts in part to
more of his fellow officers pursuing higher education.
“More than half of all HPD officers today have
college degrees, so Mark’s picking from a more
educated crop,” Engelhardt said. “And it’s not just
criminal justice degrees – many of my colleagues
come from backgrounds in chemistry, pharmacy and
even music. That diversity of talent makes for a great
melting pot of skills that benefit Houston as well as
Westchase.”
line when finding new officers to cover open shifts,”
he said. “Word of mouth has spread that working for
Westchase District carries some prestige, which keeps
our patrol staffed by the best.”
Just don’t expect an opening for Lt. George’s shift
anytime soon – George says he plans to continue his
off-duty work for Westchase District. “Even though
my duties are changing some at HPD, I have the
same relationship with Mark and the patrol program
that I’ve always had,” he said. “I still enjoy the work
and hopefully I can apply my new experiences to
preserving Westchase District’s reputation as one of
the safest spots in Houston.”
Vetting through veterans
The secret sauce in Hubenak’s melting pot comes
from the recommendations of current patrol officers
who have silently evaluated their coworkers. “Because
our officers take ownership of and pride in their work
with us, they feel their own reputations are on the
Movin’ On Up: Newly appointed HPD Police
Lieutenant Paul George
7
Neighborhood News
Frost Bank is building a stand-along branch bank
on the southwest corner of Richmond Avenue and the
West Sam Houston Tollway. The bank will close its
branch just up the street on Richmond at Westcenter
when the new branch opens in February 2014.
The Frost Bank flag is already flying at the bank’s
new branch location under construction in
Westchase District.
8th grader Max Carr experiences the thrill of
victory as Grace School wins the Metro Athletic
League Championship.
Ascension Episcopal School students were
honored to present the American flag during the
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is the newest fast-food
offering in Westchase District. The international
spicy chicken restaurant, with roots in New Orleans,
will open in early 2014 at 11318 Westheimer Road.
Resumes are being accepted at [email protected].
opening of the Houston Dynamos home game
against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, October
20. A group of 114 students, parents, and friends of
Ascension School gathered to cheer the home team.
The orange were not victorious on this day, but it did
not dampen the spirits of the Ascension Episcopal
School community who enjoyed a great day at BBVA
Compass Stadium. For more about Ascension, visit
www.ascensionepiscopalschool.org.
Quillian Center hosted kids from its after-school
program and area neighborhoods for the grand
opening of Quillian’s new playground. The play
equipment provides an outdoor experience for
children to be more active than ever before. Its
unique design is ADA accessible, with proper
surfacing and ground level activities. A shade
structure was added to help kids stay cool and protect
them from the sun during the hot summer months.
The equipment is designed for kids between 5 and
12, with benches for tired parents. The playground is
open to the community when it is not being used for
special events.
For more information, visit www.quilliancenter.org.
Wendy’s demolished its existing building and
re-built a new-concept location at 10780 Westheimer.
The new design features a fast-casual style of ordering,
where customers order their food as they go down the
line, rather than waiting in line to be served by one
employee.
Wesley Academy students are collecting pop
tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House. “One
way that Wesley Academy encourages students to
Congratulations to the football team at Grace
School, which won the 2013 Houston Metro Athletic
says Head of School Elaine Pendergrass. RMH
League Championship. The football team had a
recycles the pop tabs, and the money benefits the
7-1 record and wrapped up its season with a 28-22
ongoing work of Ronald McDonald House. “This
championship overtime win over Faith West. “Our
year’s project enables students to give to families who
boys have had a great season,” said Athletic Director
need the comfort of home while their loved ones are
Ron Graves. This was the first championship for
in the hospital,” added Pendergrass. The students
the Grace School Gators in more than 10 years and
have already collected thousands of pop tabs and will
was their first season to play in the school’s new
collect many more during the year-long campaign.
$1.3 million athletic complex. Grace School serves
children between the ages of 20 months and eighth
grade.
For more information, go to www.graceschool.org.
8
develop Christian character is through generosity,”
The Houston West Chamber of Commerce
celebrated its annual Salute to Veterans lunch
honoring veterans and active duty members of all
services and all conflicts. Westchase District CFO
Dave Gilkeson chaired the tribute, which this year
offered a particular emphasis on veterans of World
War II. Veterans and their spouses or caregivers
are offered
sponsored
seats to attend
the event,
which featured
Senator Dan
Patrick, State
Representative
Jim Murphy
and a keynote
speech from
Donna
Fujimoto
Cole of Cole
The pledge of allegiance is led by
Chemical.
Gen. George S. Patton, portrayed
by Denny Hair of Patton’s Third
Army Living Historians.