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Newsletter of the Houston Heights Association
Come Run or Walk
On The Boulevard
Volume 36, Number Five, May 2010
General Meeting
The May General Meeting
will focus on our Constable
Get your running shoes on!
Patrol Program. Meet and greet
The 25th annual Heights Fun
the Constable Deputies patrolling
Run is coming up on Saturday,
our east and west sides, Officers
June 5, and you don’t want to
Aaron Muñoz and Brien Le, and
miss it. As usual, our Heights
Patrol Division Capt. John Kovar.
business community has stepped
Deputy Art St. John of
up to the plate and donated lots
Constable Precinct 1 will provide
of goodies for this year’s Fun
tips on making your home less
Run. We are lucky to have such a
crime-friendly. We will introduce
generous community!
a “walk through” service
The 5K Fun Run starts at 7:30 AM, the 5K Walk starts at 7:35
performed by the constables to
AM, and the After Race Party festivities begin at 8:00 AM. There is
evaluate your home for crime
also a fun Kids’ 1K that starts at 8:30 AM.
prevention and lower insurance
Registration can be done by mail, at www.signmeupsports.com,
premiums.
through the Houston Heights website www.houstonheights.org, or at
Please join us on Monday,
Marmion Park (Heights Blvd. at 18th) the morning of the race. Adult
May 10, 7:00 PM at the Historic
registration is $25 before May 31 or $30 after May 31. Kids are $15
Houston Heights Fire Station
before May 31 or $20 after May 31.
and City Hall, Yale and 12th
Race packets may be picked up at Luke’s Locker from 10:00
Streets. Also, please see page 3
AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, June 3 and 4. Final packet
for March east and west patrol
pickup will be at Marmion Park just before the race.
statistics and information about
The post race event will be a blast, so take a load off and prepare
signing up for our proposed
to party after the race! The Al Bettis Band will play tunes to kick the
...continues on page north patrol area.
The Houston Heights Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following 2010 Platinum Sponsors:
Fun Run from page party off right. Breakfast tacos, a Heights Fun Run staple, will be
served along with fruit, kolaches, and much more! Come join in the
fun!
We want to recognize our Platinum Summer Sponsors, KBR,
Republic Services, and San Jacinto Stone, as well as our Bronze
Summer Sponsors, Boulevard Realty, Phil’s Texas Barbecue, and
Rampart Builders, for their generous support of the Houston Heights
Association and for making this event possible.
If you should have any questions regarding pricing or registration,
you can email [email protected] or leave a message on the
Houston Heights Fun Run line at 713-861-4002, extension 4. If you
have an interest in volunteering on race day, please contact Andrea
Sharp at [email protected].
Looking forward to seeing all of you in June!
Looking For New
Bicycle Rally
Chairman
The Heights Bicycle Rally
(scheduled for the first Sunday
in October) is looking for a
new chairman. Paul Carr, who
has chaired the event since its
inception, would like to find a
new chairman or a co-chair this
year who would be chairman next
year.
If you are interested, call Paul
at 713-869-0505 or e-mail him at
[email protected].
Support Local Business
A reminder from the HHA Business Committee
Please support our local business community. Shopping local saves time and gas, and it keeps your
money within the neighborhood.
A good starting point would be to consider our business members and sponsors. Our current sponsors
are featured in every newsletter and on our web site, www.houstonheights.org. Our business members are
also listed on our web site through the “Area Businesses” tab or directly at http://www.houstonheights.
org/business.htm and in our semi-annual printed Business Directory.
Thank you for supporting Heights businesses.
The Houston Heights Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the
following Spring 2010 Silver Sponsors:
The Heights is published monthly by
the Houston Heights Association, Inc. Its
purpose is to acknowledge achievements and
to inform HHA members of events.
Copyright 2010, the Houston Heights
Association and/or the authors unless
otherwise noted.
Newsletter inquiries, suggestions, or
submissions should be directed to:
Editor, The Heights, P.O. Box 70735, Houston, TX 77270-0735,
email [email protected],
or leave a message on 713-861-4002.
Editor.............................Mark R. Williamson
Assistant Editor........ Kathleen S. Williamson
May contributors:
Stephanie Babb, Sharon Balke, Vanessa Carmean, Paul Carr, Kit Davis, Angela DeWree,
Linda Eyles, Barbara Guerra-Grainey, Lauriel
Hindman, Matthew Jefferson, Beth Martin,
Elizabeth Poirrier, Andrea Sharp, Kelly Simmons, Dean Swanson, Lanna von Baden.
Constable Patrol News
East Side
Officer Muñoz reported that in March he patrolled 1,221 miles; responded to 2 alarms, 2 major
accidents, and 8 disturbances; made 1 arrest, 36 park checks, and 67 citizen contacts; and 41 vacation
watches were in effect. Keep up the good work, Officer Muñoz!
Remember that we are currently taking renewals and new subscriptions for the east side for June
through December. We must have the money in hand from 300 subscribers there to continue service.
West Side
Our new west side Constable Deputy, Brien Le, reported that he patrolled 1,391 miles; made 2 arrests,
25 park checks, and 45 citizen contacts; and 57 vacation watches were active in March. Welcome to
Houston Heights, Officer Le!
Officer Le came to the U.S. from Viet Nam at the age of 10
knowing no English. He graduated from Alief Hastings High School
(Cum Laude), University of Houston, and Texas Chiropractic College.
He practiced chiropractic, rehabilitation, and pain management for 12
years; he also went to the Sheriff’s Academy and was assigned to Patrol
Division in District 4. Last year, he decided to pursue law enforcement
full time and transferred to Harris County Constable Precinct 1.
North Side
You can now sign up for constable patrols in the north side area,
which will be between 610, Airline, 20th and Durham. The cost is
$175 for the period from June 1 to Dec 31, 2010. We need about 300
subscribers by the end of May to make this work. If you are in that area, please spread the word to your
neighbors, as not everyone gets the newsletter. If we do not reach the 300-subscriber requirement, then
your money will be refunded minus a small transaction charge of less than $5. You do not need to be a
member of the Houston Heights Association or the Sunset Heights Civic Club to subscribe.
You can sign up online at http://houstonheights.org/northsidepaypal.htm. You can also pay by check
and mail if you like. Make checks
The Houston Heights Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the to HHA Northside Constable
following Spring 2010 Bronze Sponsors:
Patrol and mail to P.O. Box
70735, Houston, Texas 772700735. Please include your name,
service address, phone, email,
and a note that this payment is
for the North Side Patrol.
More detail about the
benefits and areas covered,
including a downloadable
brochure and links to signup
Heights Liquor
pages for all three areas, is
on 11th
available at http://www.
houstonheights.org/security.htm,
Spring Home and Garden Tour
by Linda Eyles, Tour Chair
More than 1,300 people came out to visit the 2010 Spring Home
and Garden Tour. After a few early morning showers on Saturday, the
skies cleared just in time for the six homes to open. The rest of the
weekend was all sunny skies and comfortable temperatures ensuring a
big success.
Each home featured a piece of the unique character and
architecture that make up this eclectic neighborhood. The 1904 cottage owned by Curry Glassell featured
stunning contemporary artwork alongside beautiful art deco antiques. Tour guests meandered through Sue
and Bob Burleson’s meticulous vegetable garden after visiting their delightful house. At David Morello’s
home, people marveled at all the charming details, including his bathroom decoupaged with insects and
the riot of color in his garden. Antiques, Murano glass, and a glorious
vintage piano were the draw at Anne Rodgers’ 1920s bungalow. The
contemporary crispness of Brenda and Mike McIntyre’s abode was
refreshing and Zen-like. And Anna and Brad Eastman’s family style
and huge screened-in porch delighted everyone.
The homes were beautifully accented by arrangements provided by
local florists. Many thanks to Gayle Klaybor and Mary Lou Erbland for
their work in securing just the right florists to complement the homes.
Jana’s Flowers, Darlene’s Flowers, Central Market, Village Greenery
and Flowers, The Empty Vase, and newcomer Sketch by Albert created spectacular floral designs.
Joe Gonzalez did a fantastic job working with our room sponsors again this year. Pottery Barn, Kuhl
Linscomb, Krispen, and Regina of Twins Design created elegant tablescapes and vignettes in some of the
homes, adding the perfect finishing touches.
Our beautiful marketing materials this year were conceptualized by
Katy Bomar. Local artist Kevin Peterson created an acrylic-on-canvas
painting of Pamela and Steve Kunkemoeller’s classic 1967 Impala in
front of the iconic Heights Theater. This painting inspired the old
movie vibe of the entire weekend event. Thanks to Michael Stencel for
his help with the photographs and the collateral.
The home tour received lots of attention in the media, with articles
in the Houston Chronicle and Texas Monthly among others. With all
that attention, we had lots of visitors to our neighborhood throughout the weekend. Thanks to the hard
work of volunteer coordinator Janet Buchheit, the flow through the busy tour homes went smoothly and
lines were kept to a minimum. Head docents Diane Easley, Katy Bomar, Bill Baldwin, Hillary Parr Cobb,
Joy Stapp, Kathy Butler, Barb Waugh, and Jan Cottage performed the delicate balancing act of ensuring
that tour-goers and homeowners alike are happy and well cared for. And, of course, Paul and Mary Carr
were once again instrumental in making it all happen.
A new feature of our tour this year was the addition of a raffle. A Madsen bike was raffled off at the
April 12 Houston Heights Association General Meeting. Please see the related article on page 6. Beth
Martin did an incredible job of organizing this exciting new event for us. Thanks, Beth!
We would like to wish the very best to the 2011 Spring Home and Garden Tour co-chairs, Denise
Martin, Chris Silkwood, and Kelly Simmons. With all that talent and experience, next year’s event is sure
to be a huge success!
[Thank you, Linda, for making it all come together! Ed.]
Now Showing… The Candlelight Dinner and Auction
by Linda Eyles, Tour Chair
The 2010 “Now Showing… The Candlelight Dinner and Auction”
premiered at Master Car Care on Yale, and the event was a blockbuster!
Byron Rusk and Ruben Martinez transformed their facility, and it was
absolutely sparkling by the time we took it over for the party. Right out
in front of the event was the now famous Impala and, inside, guests were
awed by the vintage cars up on the lifts. Special kudos to Paul Carr for
finding the venue for our party; with a sell-out crowd of 500, we needed
an extraordinary place!
Candlelight Dinner chairs Donna Bennett and Kristi Synek turned
the space into a scene from a James Dean movie premier with the help of
Angela DeWree and her team from Design and Inspiration. The paparazzi
photographed guests as they walked the red carpet to enter the event,
and then — once they were past the velvet drapes — racing flags, black and
white checked banners, and glitz were everywhere!
Partygoers sipped on Side Cars provided by Heights Liquor as they
soaked up all the excitement. The gourmet dinner provided by Massoud’s Catering was fit for a celebrity
with plenty of delicious Chicken Marbella and tasty stuffed bread for everyone. And if that weren’t
enough, everyone took home a beautiful gift generously provided by Eclectic Home.
The auction room was bustling with people bidding on all the fantastic items collected by chairs
Pam Kunkemoeller and Kit Davis and their committee. There was so much to choose from — dinners,
accessories, packages, and more! There was an incredible grouping of art on display for guests to vie for
as well as some truly gorgeous jewelry to covet. Please support all of the donors who so generously gave to
our event and without whom the party could not have been such a success. Our donors have been listed
separately in this newsletter.
This year, the auction featured “Barkitecture,” seven superb custom created doghouses by local
architects and builders. Each structure was unique and beautifully crafted to suit someone’s pampered
pooch. The bidding excitement was fueled by the slide show put together by Damian Ogier. It featured
images of all the doghouses and live auction items set to exciting music that played throughout the night.
And what a live auction it was! Danae Stephenson and Linda Eyles introduced Master of Ceremonies
extraordinaire John Blass, and the bidding took off. First on the block was a beautiful print by Sharon
Kopriva that got the crowd excited. Keith Crane’s fun and funky fan
light created from found objects sold next. The competition became
fierce over a weeklong winter holiday in Telluride at a private home
along with airfare provided by Continental Airlines. The incredible
totem pole collaboration created by John Palmer and Chris Silkwood
was snapped up by a collector. The final item in the auction was the
iconic Heights Theater painting created by Winter Street artist Kevin
Peterson, which will have pride of place in a business along Heights
Boulevard.
We are very happy to announce that the live and silent auctions this year made more than $85,000,
which will support the many wonderful projects of our neighborhood and the Houston Heights
Association. Thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen!
Photographs of the event can be viewed at www.christinetremoulet.com. Click on “clients,” create a
profile, and you can purchase photos online.
2010 Home Tour Bike Raffle
Has a Winner!
We have a winner in this year’s 2010 Spring
Home Tour Raffle! Isaac Tapia, a Heights
resident, won the blue Madsen Kg 271 Bucket
Bike. The happy winner and family are pictured
below as they set off to meet their builder, who is
building their new Heights home!
Surely, you will see the Tapia family on the
new Heights Hike and Bike Trail or driving our
beautiful neighborhood streets. So, if you see
them, say hello and maybe they will give you a
ride.
With a capacity for hauling 600 lbs, this family, which includes their 15-month-old son, has room to
spare. You can’t miss the bike, and you will enjoy meeting this wonderful family. Madsen, a company out
of Utah, doesn’t distribute in Texas, and that makes this a pretty unique ride.
Congratulations to our winner and thanks to the nearly 650 people who purchased tickets. Proceeds
from the raffle will go towards the Houston Heights Association’s charitable efforts.
Heights Youth Art Show Results
The judges for the Heights Youth Art Show, held in conjunction
with the Spring Home & Garden Tour, recognized the following local
students for their excellent work.
Best of Show
First Place
Andrew Cantu
Reagan HS
Second Place
Eduardo Barrera
Love Elementary
Third Place
Armando Olvera
Hamilton MS
Elementary Division
First Place:
Eduardo Barrera
Love
Second Place:
Lela Delorme
Helms
Third Place
Victoria Ortega
Love
Honorable Mention
Miguel Sirdayan
Love
Honorable Mention
Kathy Simon
Love
Middle School Division
First Place
Armando Olvera
Hamilton
Second Place
Jacquelin Aquilar
Hamilton
Third Place
Darla Marie Loyala Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Jessica Romero
Hamilton
Honorable Mention
Nelly LY
Hamilton
High School Division
First Place
Andrew Cantu
Reagan
Second Place
Victoria Sanders
Reagan
Third Place
Tomas Montelongo Reagan
Honorable Mention
Monica Zavelo
Reagan
Honorable Mention
Mario Martinez
Reagan
Auction Donors
Our thanks to the following
friends, neighbors, businesses,
and organizations that donated
to the Candlelight Dinner and
Auction.
Addie Ann Spicer and Brian
Tamplen
Air & Tent Party Rental
Alabama Furniture
Alan and Tricia Ratliff
Albert Goldrich
Alice Flood
Alley Theater
Allie Kays Stained Glass and
More
Andy’s Mexican Restaurant
Angela Obenhaus
Anne and Ken Culotta
Anne Sloan
Anne-Joelle Gallye
Anonymous
Another Place in Time
Antidote
Anytime Fitness
...continues on page Auction Donors from page AREA
Art League of Houston
Artisan Wedding Cakes
Arturo Rodriquez
August Antiques & Ben’s
Antique Gardening
Barrio Antiguo Imports
BB1 Classic
Behind the Garden Gate
Berryhill in the Height
Betsey Evans
Bill Baldwin & Joe Gonzales
Bliss on 19th
Blue Line Bikes
Bob Derr
Bonnie Miline
Bonnie Milone
Brazos Bookstore
Brickmoon Design
Browman Design and
Construction
BSL Golf Corp
Buchanan’s Native Plants
Buffalo Hardware
Bungalow Fitness
Bungalow Revival, LLC
C&D Hardware
Cabot & Rowe
Catalan
Catherine Winkler Rayroud
Central Market
Chana’s House of Pottery and
Things
Chatters
Cheryl Tamborello
Chippendale Eastlake
Antiques
Chris Silkwood
Chris Silkwood & Gary
Milnarich
Chris Silkwood and John
Palmer
Christopher and Kristi Synek
Christopher Coker
Cindy Wingo Realtors
Circa Lighting
City Artworks
Clouse Wood Flooring
Collector
Collinas
Contents Boutique
Continental Airlines
Cookie Wells
Cosa Bell
Curves
Dacapo’s
Daily Review Café
Dan Allison
Danae Stephenson
David Morello Garden
Enterprises
David, Etc.
Debbie Wetmore
Dian Jones
Diane Easley
Dominic Walsh Dance
Theater
Dragon Bowl
Dramatika
E. Hall Furniture
East Egg Designs
Eclectic Home
El Matha Wilder of Etui
Elegant Additions
Ellen Newcaster
Events
Eye Contact - Marc & Gwynn
Piccolo
Faulk for Congress
Framework Inc.
Frances Wagner
Friend of the Heights
Fundamentally Toys
G.D. Hartley Remodeling
Gabriel Tran Photography
Genesis Art Glass
Gilbert Joseph Custom
Design & Interiors
Grace Hart & Co.
Guus Kemp
Harold’s In the Heights
Heidi Gerstakhee
Heights Modern Home
Heights Veterinary Clinic
HHA Spring Home &
Garden Tour committee
members
Hickory Hollow
Homestretch & Jose’s
Upholstery
Houston Aeros
Houston Chronicle
Houston Heights Association
board members
Houston Heights Tribune
Houston House and Home
Houston Wine Merchant
Indika
Ink Spot Museum
J. Harding
James Myres
Jan & Christine Spin
Jan and Paul Cottage
Java Java
JaVi
Jay Baker Architects
Jazzercise
Jeff Brailes
John Henry Childs
John Manes
Joseph Havel
Joshua’s Native Plants
Jubilee
Judith Ann Jewels
Julie and Byron Pettit
Julie Pettit
Karin Broker
Karla Holoman
Katherine Veneman
Kathy Malone
Kay Kemp
Kay Sarver
Keep It Clean Car Wash
Keith Crane
Kelly Moran
Kelly Simmons & Keith
Crane
...continues on page Auction Donors from page Kermit Eisenhut
Kevin Peterson
King and Spalding, LLP
Kit Davis
Kristy Peet
La Paz
Laura Lopez
Laura Rathe Fine Art
Law Office of James Andrews
Linda and Simon Eyles
Linda Eyles Design, Inc.
Lisa Roark
Liz Conces Spencer
Lola’s
LoveJoy’s Antiques &
Collectibles
Luke’s Locker
M Penner
Madilyn Stein
Marcie Craig Designs
Margaret Dobbins
Margaret Miller
Margaret Scott Bock
Margarite Swanson
Marieli Alberti
Mariquita Masterson
Mark Bradford
Marsha Harris
Mary Lawton
Master Auto Care
McIntyre & Robinowitz
Architects
McWhorter Gallery
Melinda Patrick
Michael Streitmann,
M.D.F.A.C.S.
Miller Dahlstrand Architects
Mireille Hassenboehler
Mission Burrito
Mitch Samuels “Grystar”
Montrose Nails
My Dog & Me
Nails by Mary
Navid Ghedami
Nia Moves
Niko Niko’s
Nos Caves Vin
Nova Beads
Occasions
Pam August
Pamela Kunkemoeller
PARTAYGARAGE.COM
Patranella’s
Peck & Company
Phil’s Texas Barbeque
Pink’s Pizza
Pride of Persia
Proguard Self Storage
Props 2 Go
Raia’s Italian Market
Rainbow Lodge
Rampart Builders
Redbud Gallery
Republic Services, Inc.
Riva’s Restaurant
Rogers and Labarthe
Architects, with Ista
Construction and
Universal Sheet Metal
Ron Outen
Sally Ann Mayfield
Sam Sartorius
Sandra York
Sands Shefer
Sanford & Co.
Sara’s Bed and Breakfast
Scoop le Poop
Scott Rozzell
Sew Crafty
Shade
Sharon Kopriva
Sheila and Art Tybor
Silver Eagle Distributors
Simmons-Crane
Smith International, Inc.
Spaghetti Western
Spec’s Wine & Spirits &
Finer Foods
Stages Repertory Theater
Stella Sola
Strong Landscaping
Suzanne E. Sellars
The Artful Corner
The Auto Doc
The Boom Boom Room
The Children’s Museum
The Curry Glassell
Contemporary Collection
The Glass Wall
The Houstonian Hotel, Club
& Spa
The Law Office of James
Andrews
The Newton Nursery
The Pink Pokka Dot
Tina’s Salon Inc.
Todd August
Tony Mandola’s
Tootsies
Trudi Gonseaux
Twins Design Christmas
Upstage Theater
Urban Jungle Self Defense &
Fitness
Urbani Art
Venus Hair
Vieux Interiors
Wabash Antiques & Feed
Web Extra
White Salon and Skincare
Center
Wild at Heart Art
Wind Water Gallery
Yale Street Grill
Young at Art Pottery Studio
Your Body Center
Yu Cha Pak
City Directories Online
Those of you wanting to research the history of your homes but without time to hang around the
Texas Room downtown will be glad to know that the Houston Public Library Digital Archive now includes
a number of historic Houston city directories from several publishers. At the time this was written, 34
directories ranging from 1866 to 1922 are online, about half of them between the founding of Houston
Heights and annexation and a few later.
A few interesting examples from the 1918
directory are reproduced here.
City directories of a century ago were the
forerunners of modern telephone directories.
Printed by private companies, they listed
residents, businesses, government offices,
churches and other organizations, generally
organized by street address, by name, and
by category. The content changed from year
to year and from publisher to publisher,
but often gave residents’ occupations or
employers, businesses’ specialties, and the
like. As phones came into use, the numbers
were usually listed.
You can get a list of the current city directory holdings of the Archive at this link: http://digital.
houstonlibrary.org/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2Fcitydir. While there, you might want to try the
pull-down “Browsing item(s) in” menu or the search function to see what else is in the Archive, including
oral histories, maps, and other images.
Warning: These directories are tens or
hundreds of megabytes each. Don’t plan to
download one via a dial-up connection. Driving
downtown would be faster.
Thanks to J. R. Gonzales of chron.com’s
Bayou City History blog and to moderator
“sevfiv” of HAIF’s Historic Houston forum and
of arch-ive.org for pointing out this resource.
Relay For Life Greater Heights
Community members invited to attend annual fundraiser
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a
life-changing event that every year brings together more
than 3.5 million people nationwide to celebrate the lives
who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and
empower individuals and communities to fight back against
a disease that takes so much. Members of the community
are encouraged to attend the event to take part in this
community-based effort. Relay For Life of Greater Heights will
start at 6:00 PM on May 14 and end at 6:00 AM on May 15 at
the Delmar Stadium Complex. Attendees are encouraged to
bring cash to make purchases from booths set up by the teams,
purchase raffle tickets, and to participate in other fundraising
efforts going on throughout the night.
The first lap around the track is completed by the survivors in attendance. This is an emotional time
that sets the stage of the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere develops
around the track. As walkers make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the
camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other:
eating, playing games and, of course, walking for a great cause.
Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria ceremony taking place after dark. Luminaria are bags with
lights inside them purchased in honor, support, or memory of individuals who have had cancer. They
line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their
efforts.
“Relay For Life is as much about raising awareness of the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,”
said Barbara Dickens, event chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer
themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival
rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment.” If you have ever been told the words “You have
cancer,” then you are a survivor. Cancer survivors are encouraged to register at www.rflgh.org or to send
an email to [email protected] to be honored at the event to show that not only are they encouraged to
fight back, but that members of their community are here to support them too.
The event is already at 45 teams and growing! It’s still not too late to get involved. For more
information about the relay, and how to get involved, contact: [email protected], visit the website www.
rflgh.org, or contact Barbara Dickens at 281-630-5120.
Students from Immanual Lutheran School 8th grade at work on Heights Boulevard spreading mulch. The
class was given the third annual Community Service Award at the Awards Dinner in February.
10
Restoration/Historical Committee
The next Houston Heights Association Restoration/Historical Committee meeting will be held at 226
W 19th St. on Thursday, June 10, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
Moving to the Heights with a newborn and a plan to buy a garage or garage apartment to convert it
into a recording studio took some time to make changes and implement for a young couple. Starting from
scratch, this couple, who were experienced with commercial and real estate development, bought the land
in June of 2008 and built their own home on a parking lot on W 19th Street in the Houston Heights.
They designed the entire home without the assistance of an architect using a Google design program and
implemented the design to fit on the 138x32 foot lot maximizing natural light with privacy. Two enormous
26-foot windows facing south were included for light. The recording studio was designed with the help of
John Sayers, a professional recording studio designer from Australia.
A friend used a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) program to get all the details needed for City of
Houston permits including standard dimensions and fixtures. Engineers designed the piers, foundation
plan, sidewalks, and drainage plans so they would pass codes.
Permitting was a brutal experience and took until February 2009. Moving from commercial to
residential permitting took extra time, but it was required since it was a home, and the studio isn’t open to
the public nor is it a walk-in type of business. Then the biggest struggle with permitting was the alley. The
City insisted with new construction that the entire alley be repaved. That issue was finally rectified without
spending additional budgeted funds and permits were finalized for construction.
Building construction was completed in a little over a week, but additional hazards with homeless
transients were not expected. A family company in the Woodlands did the construction, and other family
members were the general contractors.
Meeting attendees will see first hand the results of new construction of this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath
home. Decorating was completed by the couple for simplicity, without intricate baseboards, moldings, or
elaborate woodwork or trim. Making everything look sleek and simple, they used their eclectic furniture
and art to warm the feeling of the home. All the space is used without the typical family areas but with an
open great room with spacious 26-foot ceilings and exposed insulation to give it a loft feel. They embraced
the plain, ridged aluminum exterior without color. Cabinets were simple, and dark and simple tile was
used throughout the house with clean, white ceramic subway tile in all of the bathrooms accented with
light green glass and travertine. The floors throughout the first floor are dyed concrete in a dark green.
Online shopping for construction items will be discussed in detail.
The recording studio uses the same “big, metal box” concept with gates and locks so studio visitors do
not have access to the home, but the dog does. Recording rooms consist of a “live room,” a control room,
an isolation room, a “vocal booth,” reception area, kitchenette, and bathroom. The full-service studio is
the husband’s dream since college and it can be viewed at website www.226recordings.com.
This meeting will highlight a most unusual example of a one-of-a-kind home in the Houston Heights.
Overall, meeting attendees will see what new ideas bring to the Heights historic neighborhood using
modern construction techniques.
This meeting will be enjoyed by all as this energetic and lively Heights couple tell us its meaning for
them including how exciting it is to live on a commercial street in the heart of the Houston Heights and
how quickly you get to know your neighbors. They say they “have the greatest neighbors of anywhere they
ever lived!” And they love getting to know their business neighbors on 19th Street.
Please let Committee Chairman Dean Swanson know if you have a restoration project, historical
structure under restoration, or historical information or photos pertaining to the Heights to share at
future meetings. Dean can be contacted at E-mail [email protected] or telephone 713-880-2832.
11
HWC News
Even though it is still two
years away, the Houston Heights
Woman’s Club is already forming
a Centennial Committee to
celebrate the 100th anniversary
of the historic clubhouse at
1846 Harvard. A much-needed
landscaping project has already
begun.
The Hortense Ward
Founder’s Day reception will be
Thursday, May 13. The club will
present a scholarship to a South
Texas College of Law student.
The following Tuesday, May 18,
is the next general meeting. Both
events begin at 7:00 PM at the
clubhouse.
The Evening Group now
has a membership of 99. It is
still not too late to join. If you
are interested please contact
President Anne Sloan at anne.
[email protected] or phone
her at 713-869-8281.
Donations
New Members
Our thanks to the following
Please welcome the following
donors for their generous support new members to the Houston
of the programs of the Houston
Heights Association.
Heights Association.
Lorna & John Carpenter
Stephen Brossart & Gerrod
Christian Clark
George — Boulevard
Jeannine & Stephen Coffey
Maintenance
Kelly Dunnavant
Bob & Sue Burleson —
Frizell Group International
Boulevard Maintenance
LLC, David Frizell, Jr.
Robert Burress & Tom
Jennifer & Richard Garfield
Seymour — Boulevard
Shawn Hauptmann
Maintenance
John & Lisa Jones
Pat & Jerry Eversole —
Bob Kuter
Boulevard Maintenance
Lovejoy’s Antiques &
Angelia M. Lapp — Boulevard
Collectables, Thomas
Maintenance
Lovejoy
Gail Rosenthal — Firestation
My Cabinet Source, Louis
Endowment Fund
Fernandez
Megan Schimcek — Flower
Rosa & Angelo Navarro
Gardens
Phil’s Texas Barbecue, Martin
David & Diane Stotz —
Piké
Boulevard Maintenance
Pilates Treehouse, Joyce
Letty Surman — Deed
Ulrich
Restrictions, Business,
Rumor Has It, Havan Le
Home Tours
Valerie Serice
Alan & Leslie Wong—
Jacqueline Stallings
Boulevard Maintenance
Strictly Street Salsa, Raul
Orlando Edwards
Joyce & Steven Ulrich
Calvin Zievert
With Trees:
Living In Tandem
Information About Our Heights Urban Forest
The Heights is a marvelous neighborhood, and diverse array of native trees make up our extraordinary
diverse canopy. These mature trees thrive and provide the unique quality of life that everyone enjoys.
Trees provide flood and pollution mitigation, cooling temperatures outside and in. Our urban forest
contributes to the habitat for Texas migratory birds, wildlife, and families. Texas, and especially Houston,
is the apex of bird migration in the western hemisphere.
Living In Tandem With Your Heights Trees:
Trees in the City right-of-way (generally between the sidewalk and the street) are protected. Trees on
private property are protected if deed restrictions that include protections for the trees are adopted for that
property. Trees can also be protected if the property owner petitions City Council to place protections on
the trees. If a tree has active nesting, then Texas Parks & Wildlife can halt destruction.
For questions or concerns about your neighborhood trees, contact Dale Temple, your City of Houston
Urban Forester and Senior Superintendent at [email protected].. He will personally come
out to visit your trees.
...continues on page 13
12
Community Calendar
Events planned by other community organizations.
Every Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Historic
Houston’s salvage warehouse is open. See www.historichouston.org.
Every Monday, 7:30 to 10:00 PM, Houston International Folk
Dancers introductory lessons at Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th.
May 1, 6:30 PM, St. Andrew’s in the Heights presents a spring
piano concert by Thomas Sicard at the church, 1819 Heights Blvd.
Featuring works from the Romantic Period, the performance will
showcase works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, and many
others. Tickets and more information at www.saintandrewsepiscopal.
org.
May 5, 6:00 to 9:00 PM, first session of eight-week Heights CERT
(Community Emergency Response Team) training class at Holy
Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church, 211 Byrne. For information,
email [email protected] or call 713-409-4240.
May 7, 6:00 to 10:00 PM, Spring Fling on 19th. This year,
businesses on 19th street are partnering with various charities, which
will benefit from sales made during the evening at various 19th Street
businesses, services, and restaurants.
May 8, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Art Car Parade on Allen Parkway. For
more information, visit http://www.orangeshow.org/en/cev/15.
May 14, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Relay For Life Greater Heights
fundraiser for American Cancer Society at the Delmar-Dwyer Sports
Complex. See page 10. For more information, visit www.rflgh.org or
send email to [email protected].
May 14, 6:00 to 9:00 PM, St. Andrew’s in the Heights will host an
exhibit of works by the students of the Hernandez School of Art at the
church’s Parish Hall at 1819 Heights Blvd. The art may be previewed
at www.garyschool.itgo.com.
May 15, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Spring Bazaar in the parking lot of
St, Andrew’s in the Heights. Admission is free. The event will feature
food, homebaked goodies, special musical performances, and a variety
of artists and vendors offering jewelry, specialty foods, decorative
items, and more.
Future History
October 3, Bicycle Rally
December 3-4, Holiday Home
Tour
February 27, 2011, Awards
Dinner
April 1-3, 2011, Spring Home
Tour
June 4, 2011, Heights Fun Run
At The Fire Station
Events at the Historic Houston
Heights Fire Station, 12th and Yale
Every second Monday, 5:00
to 7:00 PM, and every fourth
Monday, 8:00 AM to noon, the
City Council District H Satellite
Office is open at the east door.
Merry Christmas!
Yes, we know it’s a bit early,
but if you think you might be
interested in volunteering for
the 2010 Holiday Home Tour,
please email your name and email
address to Elizabeth Poirrier at
[email protected].
Happy Holidays!
Urban Forestry from page 12
Here are some links for educating yourself about trees and native gardening for our wildlife:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_w7000_0749.pdf
http://www.houstonaudubon.org
The Houston Audubon Society presented an incredible educational program in March at the
General Meeting at the HHA Heights Fire Station. They brought three amazing live birds and incredible
information on how to provide habitat on your property.
The Heights is the heart of bio-diversity — Living in Our Urban Forest. For more information about
the HHA Urban Forestry Committee, visit http://www.houstonheights.org/urbanforestry.htm.
13
Calendar of Events for May-June 2010
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2
3
HHA Land Use
6:30 PM
Fire Station
4
5
Cinco de Mayo
6 - garbage
7
8
10
HHA General
“Constables”
7:00 PM
Fire Station
11
12
13 - garbage
and recycling
14
15
19
20 - garbage
21
22
23
24
HHA Education
7:00 PM
Fire Station
18
Greater Heights
SNC (SN15)
6:30 PM
Fire Station
25
26
27 - garbage
PIP meeting
and recycling
7:00 PM
1602 State Street
28
29
30
31
June 1
2
4
Deadline for
next newsletter
(tomorrow)
5 Heights 1st Sat
9
Mother’s Day
16
17
HHA Board
6:30 PM
Fire Station
Deadline for
next newsletter
3 - garbage
Memorial Day
May 1
Heights 1st Sat.
Fun Run, see
front page
6
7
HHA Land Use
6:30 PM
Fire Station
8
9
10 - garbage
and recycling
Restoration
226 W 19th
11
12
13
14 - Flag Day
HHA General
Topic TBA
7:00 PM
Fire Station
15
Greater Heights
SNC (SN15)
6:30 PM
Fire Station
16
17 - garbage
18
19
22
23
24 - garbage
PIP Meeting
and recycling
7:00 PM
1602 State Street
25
26
28
HHA Education
6:30 PM
Fire Station
29
30
2
3
Heights 1st Sat
20
Father’s Day
27
21
HHA Board
6:30 PM
Fire Station
HHA headquarters: The Fire Station is on the corner of Yale and 12th Streets.
July 1 - garbage
HHA web site: <http://www.houstonheights.org>