Construction

As leader of Houston’s second-oldest civil engineering firm, Jim Russ is inspired by the past and the future. He is part of a rich legacy linked to the names of EHRA Engineering founders Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ and Associates. Modest about his role as president and CEO in EHRA’s success, Russ wants his associates to feel empowered by their role in the firm’s work. “We don’t use the word employees - our associates are a team,”…..Read More

The long-awaited connection between the Terry Hershey Trail System and the Brays Bayou Trail System is now underway, courtesy of a Westchase District project that will improve sidewalks and bike lanes on the north end of the District. Bicyclists and pedestrians will enjoy a reconstructed, 8-foot wide, continuous sidewalk along the west side of CityWest Blvd, from Westheimer to Briar Forest. At Briar Forest, the path will utilize the existing signalized intersection to reach the…..Read More

It’s a project more than ten years in the making. Construction began in February on Westchase District’s $16 million project to transform Westheimer Road. When the Westchase District Board of Directors created its long-range plan in 2006, one of the six actionable goals was to “transform streets into more attractive and convenient places.” Today, that goal is being realized in two separate multi-million dollar projects: the complete rebuild of Walnut Bend Lane and the upcoming…..Read More

Jim Russ represents the “R” in EHRA Engineering. As the second generation of his family to be part of EHRA, Russ led the 83-year old engineering company into its biggest transition to date: new offices at 10011 Meadowglen. Having been in a company-owned building on Westoffice Drive for 32 years, EHRA moved into the newly-leased space at the beginning of January. Meanwhile, Kelly Hall, CEO of Harvey Builders, was leading his company on a similar…..Read More

With fewer cars traveling on one of the state’s busiest roads due to the stay-at-home order, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) seized an opportunity to shift the Westheimer Road resurfacing project to a 24/7 operation. Phase one, beginning at IH-610, began on April 2 and is near completion on the stretch within Westchase District’s boundary between Westerland Drive and Woodland Park Drive. Phase Two of the project is the eventual completion to Dairy Ashford.…..Read More

Westchase District’s largest ever capital improvement project is underway on Walnut Bend Lane. Workers are rebuilding nearly 6,000 feet of the roadway between Westpark Drive and Westheimer Road. The project scope includes some features that everyone will see and enjoy including enhanced sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, dedicated bike lanes, custom bus shelters, bike racks and extensive landscaping. But some of the most impressive improvements are the ones you won’t see. Walnut Bend Lane was built in…..Read More

Westchase District is home to 31,000 residents living in multifamily communities, ranging from modest workforce housing to luxury living apartments. While these residents enjoy the benefits of superior mobility, public safety and beautification as maintained by the District, there’s one aspect missing from their lives: nearby parks for recreational and social opportunities. All that is about to change. The City of Houston has purchased two park sites in the area and Westchase District will develop…..Read More

  Later this summer, Westchase District will move forward with the largest capital improvement project it has ever undertaken: a $20 million reconstruction of the section of Walnut Bend Lane that runs from Westpark Drive to Westheimer Road. Workers will reconstruct nearly 6,000 feet of roadway, construct enhanced sidewalks and upgrade underground public utility lines. Extensive improvements will include pedestrian lighting, dedicated bike lanes, custom bus shelters, extensive landscaping, bike racks, benches and signage.  …..Read More

  Recently, four businesses based in Westchase District either have relocated to new offices while remaining in the District or have expanded their existing footprint. Their decisions to stay in Westchase District are an encouraging show of confidence in the area and a validation of the efforts of the District to attract and retain world-class companies.   Costello Inc. After 20-plus years at 9990 Richmond Avenue, Costello, Inc., a preeminent civil engineering and surveying firm,…..Read More

Woodchase Park is becoming a reality! Recently, Westchase District General Manager Jim Murphy (above, left) inspected the site with Ali Choudhri, president of Jetall Companies. Choudhri sold the parcel to the City of Houston, which purchased the property on behalf of the District. The 1.8-acre park site is located at the southern end of Woodchase Drive, just north of the Westpark Tollway. The park will connect to a hike and bike trail that runs between…..Read More