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Westchase Today

Wings Over Westchase That Never Leave the Ground

Wings Over Westchase That Never Leave the Ground

Winging It: Mural artist Larry Crawford works on a giant mural that now adorns the concrete slope along the District’s Library Loop Trail. There’s more public art on display in Westchase District and this time mural artist Larry Crawford is thinking big. How big? Well, his latest mural depicting six butterflies is about 80 feet wide by 30 feet tall. “It’s the biggest single project I’ve done by myself,” said Crawford, owner of Mural Arts.…..Read More

Game Changer: Parks and Recreation Coming Soon

Game Changer: Parks and Recreation Coming Soon

A proper home for scooters and soccer balls: This 3.4 acre-field just north of the Library Loop Trail on Wilcrest Drive will become one of two parks in Westchase District. For all the rich amenities in Westchase District – unmatched mobility, award-winning beautifi cation, superior public safety and convenient retail shopping just to name a few – the area historically has been park poor. That’s about to change with the City of Houston’s recent vote…..Read More

Recreational Reading as Walking Trail Attraction

Recreational Reading as Walking Trail Attraction

Take a book, leave a book: The new, Little Free Library along the Library Loop Trail is now open for all to enjoy. Perhaps you've heard of the Little Free Library movement? The concept is simple: quirky mailbox-like structures filled with books supplied by readers that are free for all to enjoy. Borrow a book or leave one to share with the world - it's a grass roots way to promote reading and randomly discover…..Read More

20 Years of Conference Planning, One Meeting at a Time

20 Years of Conference Planning, One Meeting at a Time

Even in today’s world of virtual meetings and working from remote locations, there’s still something to be said for getting up from your desk and interacting with people face-to-face. Well-planned, well-run meetings are a timeless necessity for most businesses. Hotels often specialize in meeting space, but what if most of your meeting attendees don’t need sleeping rooms? For 20 years, one of Westchase District’s best answers to that question has been Norris Conference Centers. A…..Read More

Hotels Positioning for Upturn

Hotels Positioning for Upturn

Major Makeover: The lobby at the Houston Marriott Westchase recently underwent a complete transformation as part of a $20 million renovation of the hotel. Since 2014, Westchase District’s hotel market has grown by nine percent, adding 303 new rooms, mostly limited service/extended stay brands. That construction boom has slowed, but as the industry rides out a dip before the 2017 Super Bowl comes to town, managers at older properties are staying competitive by renovating their…..Read More

Hungry? Meet Me at the Ranch…Rio Ranch

Hungry? Meet Me at the Ranch…Rio Ranch

Kick Up Your Boots: The Rio Saloon is a full-service bar complete with hickory and rawhide barstools, a 22 foot long solid mesquite wood bar and a wood ceiling made from a Civil War-era barn. Don’t call it a comeback: Rio Ranch Steakhouse, located at 9999 Westheimer Road, has been here for years. But Judy Orlando, the new general manager of the Hilton Houston Westchase, wants customers to know that as the restaurant approaches a…..Read More

Twice as Nice: Apartments Open Phase 2

Twice as Nice: Apartments Open Phase 2

Old World Style, New World Luxury: Clockwise from top left: One-bedroom study units are spacious and modern; Portico at West 8 features a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and Texan architecture; the new community room offers residents a place to lounge; a swimming pool is at the center of this enclosed courtyard with barrel tile roofs and stucco siding. In Italy, the word “portico” simply means “porch” – but in Westchase District, the word is associated…..Read More

Doing What Your Mother Used to Do for You

Doing What Your Mother Used to Do for You

The Heights at Westchase, the District’s newest luxury apartment community, opened in November 2015 and already is ahead of leasing expectations. So what is attracting residents to the seven-building, 265-unit community? Nicki Trinidad, community director thinks it’s due in part to the “signature white glove services” offered. Both Trinidad and assistant community director Kristy McLocklin live on property, in part because of the services. “Not only do I love the amenities, but it’s nice that…..Read More

Like Father, Like Son, Like Labrador?

Like Father, Like Son, Like Labrador?

Following in your father’s footsteps can be tough enough when you’re 5’8” and he’s 6’4”. But when your old man is Glen Mayo, a 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, a member of the K9 unit, a supervisor on the HPD dive team and a member of the Westchase District patrol? Well, those are some big strides to match. But officer Alex Mayo isn’t fazed - he’s got his own scuba gear, his own…..Read More

Stuffing Buns across the Country

Stuffing Buns across the Country

Behold the Texas kolache: a spin on Czech- and Slovak- inspired homemade dough filled with meats, cheeses or fruits. Over the years, the popularity of the semisweet pastries has grown from central and southeast Texas to spread across the country. While both Caldwell and West, Texas assert themselves to be the state’s kolache capitals, Westchase District lays claim as the birthplace of Kolache Factory, one of the fastest growing companies in Houston. Local Roots Though…..Read More