Today - Westchase District

WESTCHASETODAY
YEAR 15 | ISSUE 3 | FALL 2013
THE NEWSLETTER
FOR
AND
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY WHERE BUSINESS IS MOVING
Coming Soon: An Office Building Sequel That’s
Bigger, Better and Right in Westchase District
Clarion Partners, PM Realty Group Team Up to Double Down on Vision for New Corporate Campus
the latest chapter in a blockbuster movie
C
liked the existing tenant base and the development
franchise, though it is a follow-up to an
opportunities on site,” said John Spafford,
earlier successful work with plans for additional
executive vice president and leasing director with
stature of a Class A building at an attractive price,”
installments.
PMRG. “They had plans to immediately continue
added Chuck Kemp, senior vice president for
with phase two.”
Clarion Partners.
A First-Class Second Act
Blending Art and Commerce
all it “Rings of Steel: Park II.” No, it’s not
International commercial real estate investment
managers Clarion Partners and Houston-based PM
Realty Group (PMRG) are expanding the property
“When Clarion purchased the property, they
“We’ll have indoor food service and outdoor
seating accessible to both buildings,” said Spafford.
“We’ll deliver the first-class amenities and
A six-story, 300,000 square-foot property,
In a city filled with gleaming steel and glass
known as Westchase Park, located in Westchase
Westchase Park II will complement the existing
office structures, it can be difficult to stand out in
District on the southbound W. Sam Houston
building but will have floor plates more easily
Houston. Fortunately, the Westchase Park campus
Tollway between Richmond Avenue and Westpark
divisible for smaller tenants. “It will have a
draws attention from southbound motorists with
Drive.
different configuration,” Spafford said. “The first
a beautiful water feature and a contemporary
Our Story Begins…
building has “L” shaped floor plates, while the new
sculpture piece.
Westchase Park I, a six-story, 272,000
building has “Z” shaped floor plates. The change
Titled “Synergy,” the 32-foot sculpture includes
square-foot office property built in 2009, was
was made based on the perceived need in the
three intersecting steel elliptical rings and was
the first phase of what was originally designed
marketplace.”
created by Texas artist George Schroeder. Both
as a two-building corporate campus. When the
Westchase Park II will have a dramatic
Kemp and Spafford agreed that the addition of the
property was acquired earlier this year by Clarion,
two-story lobby and first-class amenities
second building at the Westchase Park complex
the new owner was eager to begin construction of
throughout. A shared building will feature a
will add still more synergy to the corporate
the second building.
restaurant, conference facilities and a fitness center.
environment there.
(continued on pg 3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Meet the New Guy:
Jonathan Lowe
The Next Generation
Salad Bar
PG 2
PG 5
Farmers Market Opens
Oct. 24
Personalized Public
Safety Patrolling
PG 3
PG 6
St. Cyril’s Celebrates
50th Anniversary
Traffic Improvements
PG 4
Galleria & Houston West
Chambers Unite
Taste of Westchase
Dining Promotion
PG 5
PG 7
PG 8
Address Service Requested
www.westchasedistrict.com
10375 Richmond
Suite 1175
Houston, Texas 77042
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WESTCHASETODAY
The Westchase District is 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 in Houston, Texas. It is home
to 81,000 employees and 28,000 residents.
We promote and encourage economic
development through programs that enhance
public safety, area mobility, area marketing,
area image and beautification.
And Now for Something
Completely Different
T
he British comedy
group Monty Python
used the above phrase
for their first feature film, as
they would pivot from one
surreal segment to another.
As random as their steam-of
consciousness approach might
have seemed, sometimes their
sketches would tie back to
larger themes.
In looking at the articles in
this issue of Westchase Today,
you might notice one story
about an undertaking of ours
Westchase District’s General Manager Jim Murphy and Board Chairman
that seems completely different.
Mark Taylor.
But first we’d like to point out
other good news taking place
of the reasons why many markets never come to…
within Westchase District:
well, fruition (sorry, we couldn’t resist). We’ve
We’re excited about the breaking ground
pressed on, principally through our Communications
on yet another new major office building
VP Sherry Fox, because we see this market as being
(Westchase Park II), as Clarion Partners
able to provide a number of unique benefits.
increases its stake in Westchase District.
A farmers market is not just a place, it’s a
Our Taste of Westchase dining promotion
community building activity. We selected Thursday
is underway as an innovative business
afternoons as a convenient time for people who live
development tool for our local restaurants.
or work in Westchase District. We want these groups
to mix. We expect to draw significant traffic from
One of our distinctive retailers, Cantoni
residents in adjoining neighborhoods as well. Many
Furniture, continues to thrive in Westchase
of these folks already shop, work or worship here,
District.
so expanding our relationship with these neighbors
We’ve established two new public safety
improves both our district and their neighborhood.
programs that put our officers in direct
Markets like ours and others draw in new consumers
contact with our residents and merchants
who may likely return to shop, to live or even locate
to cultivate productive relationships.
their companies within the District. Small businesses
All in all, these stories are pretty strong
in our region will benefit as well as local farmers
indications of a dynamic market area and some
become vendors at our market.
hands-on efforts by our district staff to ensure our
So while it might seem that this project is
continued prosperity. Yet, as promised, we have
something completely different, it actually ties
something launching that will move us in a new and
back to our core missions of promoting our area,
positive direction.
strengthening our community and helping businesses
Establishing a farmers market has been a goal
grow. You can support these goals as well - all you
of Westchase District for several years. In pursuing
have to do is come by on Thursdays and shop. We
our market, we have learned that certifying farmers,
recommend you come early, because we’ve learned
complying with health codes, seeking funds, hiring
that many vendors sell out quickly!
staff and following USDA guidelines are just some
•
•
•
•
STAFF
Jim Murphy
Tom Gall
General Manager
Assistant Projects
Director
Dave Gilkeson
VP, Chief
Operating Officer
Jonathan Lowe
Assistant
Communications Director
Sherry Fox
VP, Communications
Irma Sanchez
VP, Projects
Irene Pavlovsky
Receptionist
Debra Kunkle
Mark Hubenak
Accounting Clerk
Public Safety Director
John Carey
Farmers Market Manager
JLowe (not that J.Lo!) making headlines
in Westchase District
Assistant Director of Communications Jonathan Lowe – Achiever, Champion, Chef
Have District-related news for our readers? Please
send it to info@westchasedistrict.com along with your
contact information. Approved items may be altered
for clarity, length and style, and will appear as our
editorial calendar permits.
Copyright © Westchase District. All Rights Reserved.
2
T
he curly-haired three-year-old toddled
unsteadily, carrying her container of
Dora the Explorer cereal to the kitchen
table. As she poured her star-shaped breakfast
into her bowl, she looked up proudly at her father
and proclaimed, “Look Daddy, I’m cooking!”
The moment reminded Jonathan Lowe – a.k.a.
“Daddy” to his two daughters, and “JLowe” to
his colleagues – that understanding is all about
perspective. He also realized it was time to ease up
serving sandwiches, takeout and TV dinners.
Understanding the perspectives of Westchase
District’s tenants and property owners is part of the
job for Lowe, who joined the District in November
2012 as assistant director of communications. Sherry
Fox, vice president of communications, expanded
her team after 12 years as a one-woman department.
“I sought someone professional and personable with
strong writing skills, who’s willing to tackle anything
and willing to contribute fresh ideas,” she said. “Of
all our candidates, Jonathan stood out as the best fit
for our office.”
A Missouri native with 15 years’ experience in
external, internal and wayfinding communications,
Westchase Park II (continued from pg 1)
Westchase District Farmers Market
About to Sprout
Spafford is leasing the new building, along with
PMRG’s Wade Bowlin and Allie Hubbard. “We’re
actively promoting and marketing the property,”
A rough row to hoe, tenacity yields a great amenity for area
consumers looking for fresh food
said Spafford. “We have an active prospect list and
are pleased with the interest so far.”
Bowlin added that while energy-related
Many a green thumb has turned
brown while attempting to cultivate
a backyard garden in Houston’s
extreme weather and clay soil.
Growing flavorful red tomatoes
or crisp green peppers in Houston
requires patience, perseverance and lots of planning.
The same can be said for establishing a farmers market.
After a year of anticipation, the Westchase District
Farmers Market will open at last this October. The
year-round weekly market will be open on Thursdays
from 3 to 6 p.m. on the parking lot at St. Cyril of
Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer Road
(at Rogerdale Road).
“We’ve encountered a series of logistical challenges
in launching our market,” said Sherry Fox, vice
president of communications for Westchase District.
“At last we’re finally ready and I’m thrilled to get the
market off the ground…or perhaps out of the ground.”
“Having a location where we could operate every
week was the first hurdle to clear,” said Fox. “We’re
grateful to Fr. Mario Arroyo and St. Cyril for hosting
the market.”
The second hurdle was hiring the right manager
to operate the weekly market. Fox found a veteran
vegetable expert in John Carey. A Houston native,
Carey also manages the weekly Saturday farmers market
at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. He has previously
operated markets in Spring Branch and at CityCentre.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Westchase District
Farmers Market,” said Carey. “I have participated in
various markets – as a vendor, as a manager and as a
customer. This location is perfect for all our audiences
and the vendors I’m speaking with are excited about
having such a great urban consumer base for their
produce and other agricultural products.”
More than a dozen vendors have committed to
participate in the market and more are signing up as
Carey reaches out to them. “I expect to have a good
mix of agricultural products, including pork, lamb,
beef, eggs, produce, and cheeses,” he said. The farmers
market also will feature value-added products such as
locally-made jams and jellies, honey, specialty soaps and
bread.
companies are logical candidates, technology
companies will find the space attractive as well.
“That tenant base is already native to Westchase
District and west Houston,” he said. “We’ll
have a corporate campus environment that will
accommodate businesses and companies that don’t
have their own corporate campus.”
Westchase Park II is already in production and
is scheduled for a fourth-quarter release in 2014.
More Sequels in the Works
This is not the first pairing of Clarion and
PMRG. “We’ve worked with them on other
Local and on the lot: John Carey will manage
Westchase District Farmers Market every
Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of
St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church.
The Westchase District Farmers Market is made
possible by a $65,000 grant through the United
States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market
Promotion Program. The FMPP supports efforts to
improve and expand domestic farmers markets and
other community-supported agriculture programs.
“Our market will exist to offer citizens of west
Houston access to high quality, locally-grown seasonal
fresh foods, as well as to provide a vibrant community
gathering place for the Westchase community,” said
Fox.
The market hours were set to accommodate both
the working community in Westchase District and the
residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. “Our
hours will accommodate 8-to-5 employees, carpool
parents and retirees living nearby – all of whom want to
take advantage of the opportunity to buy locally-grown
produce,” she added. “We’re confident both the
business and the residential communities will support
the market and its vendors.”
Visit www.westchasedistrict.com/market.htm to find
out when the market will open. Or be among the first
to know by signing up to receive Westchase District’s
twice-monthly eNewsletter, The Wire, at www.
westchasedistrict.com/signups.htm.
Lowe honed his skills at Memorial Hermann, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Goodwill Industries
of Houston and The Methodist Hospital. “My career achievements all come from working for
nonprofits,” he says. “To give my best, I must believe in an organization’s mission. With so much
going for the District, it’s easy to champion for enhancing public safety, mobility, beautification and
economic growth.”
In addition to cross-training with Fox on many of her duties, Lowe produces the Westchase
Wire, a twice-monthly email newsletter sent to a growing subscriber list. “Everyone’s pressed for
time and their attention’s valuable. We’ve designed The Wire to give readers our top four or five
messages at a quick glance,” he says. Also, Lowe helps Fox compile and publish the District’s
quarterly commercial real estate data. “That project helps me familiarize myself with our many
audiences conducting business in the District,” he says. “Plus, I’m gathering interesting stories for
future newsletters.”
“I’ve let Sherry know the bar’s now raised for her and JLowe,” Jim Murphy, Westchase District
general manager, says with a grin. “With doubled staff, I’m expecting doubled success.”
Lowe says he relishes the opportunity to advance how the District interacts with its clients.
“Authentic relationships stem from people sharing personal stories with each other. Clear, concise
storytelling helps make complex issues understandable. As long as Jim doesn’t ask me to cook
anything, we’re great.”
projects in Houston and elsewhere,” said Spafford.
The possibilities for future buildings are strong.
This summer Clarion acquired One Oak Park,
a six-story, 153,000 square-foot Class A office
building located in Westchase District at the
corner of Town Park Drive and Rogerdale Road.
The purchase included an adjacent 4.2-acre land
parcel for possible future development.
“We have five investments in Houston,” said
Clarion’s Kemp. “We’re big on Texas and big on
Houston. We’ll be investing here for a long
time.”
Stars come out for big premiere: Clarion
Partners and PM Realty Group teamed up to
celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of
Westchase Park II.
Lovely ladies on each arm: Jonathan Lowe, Westchase
District’s assistant director of communications, with
daughters Sophia (left) and Katelyn.
3
From Rural Pioneers to Roadside Evangelists
Forget the frankincense and myrrh, St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church
is enjoying a golden anniversary
I
n June 1963, a Catholic community of about 230
families began worshiping in west Houston in an
area defined as St. Cyril of Alexandria parish. Fifty
years later, that parish has grown to more than 3,300
families and more than 9,200 members.
As an outgrowth of St. Michael’s parish in the
Galleria/Uptown area, St. Cyril was the first Catholic
church founded west of what is now the North Sam
Houston Tollway. Temporary trailers surrounded by
dirt roads gave way to a church/multipurpose building
in the heart of Westchase District at the corner of
Westheimer Road and Rogerdale Road in 1967,
where membership had increased by 50 percent.
By 1981, a second main church building was
constructed to accommodate 2,000 families. Today,
nearly 120 different ministries exist within the church,
including social outreach programs, 12-Step meetings
and faith formation programs for all ages.
“We now have more Eucharistic ministers and
education staff members than the total number of
original parishioners,” said Rev. Mario Arroyo, head
pastor at St. Cyril since 1998.
Divine Signs
For all of its ministries and outreach programs,
Janet Mayer, parish administrator, suggested perhaps
the church’s most recognizable feature is its letter
board marquee on Westheimer Road. “It’s our face to
the public along Westheimer.”
“So many cars pass by the sign every day and I hear
from people all the time who tell me the messages
help them and give them something to ponder,” she
said. Each week since 1999 (five years before the
launch of Twitter and using nearly two-thirds fewer
characters), sign committee volunteers have reshuffled
letters to display clever, thought-provoking and
inspirational messages as a form of public outreach.
Sign committee chair Bob Carpenter – along with
Bernie, his wife, and their three young sons – moved
from Oakland to west Houston in 1970. St. Cyril
4
Catholic Communication: The letter board marquee on the corner of Westheimer and Rogerdale has
become one of St. Cyril’s most distinctive features.
was the first parish the Carpenters joined and
for 43 years, their family has experienced three
confirmations, one wedding, and countless
opportunities to assist in various ministries at the
church. “It’s like a village to us,” said Bernie.
“I see it as an extension of our family.”
While the Carpenters have moved several times
during their years living in Houston, Bob said they’ve
continued to travel to St. Cyril, even when other
nearby parishes were located closer to them. “No
matter where we lived, we’ve always considered St.
Cyril our spiritual home.” From leading spiritual
retreats to organizing St. Cyril’s Thanksgiving dinners
for the homeless for more than 20 years, Bob said
serving at the church has broadened his perspectives.
“One of the things I’ve appreciated is the cultural
diversity found at St. Cyril,” he added. “It’s like a
mini-United Nations.”
The More Things Change
In its five decades at the corner of Westheimer
and Rogerdale, the ethnic demographics of St. Cyril
has changed from predominantly Anglo parishioners
to a Hispanic majority. Arroyo said it makes little
difference to him. “While the makeup of any parish
constantly shifts, this church will always remain to
serve whoever comes here. We’ve been under the same
management for 2,000 years and that mission will
never change.”
O Taste and See That the Food Is Good
Get 15 percent discount at select restaurants, win prizes during Taste of Westchase
campaign through Oct. 31
Most Westchase District dining
establishments enjoy steady lunch
crowds, however, dinner business
often slows down considerably
once office workers commute
home. “Evenings are pretty dead,”
said Louie Rukah, general manager of Brookstreet
BBQ. “It thins out enough we’ve repeatedly discussed
whether or not to shorten our evening hours.” Stories
like Brookstreet’s are common and pose a loss for
evening diners, because some of Houston’s best dinner
cuisine can be found right here.
Now, patrons have a good reason to discover the
diverse and delicious dining options offered every day
in Westchase District with our Taste of Westchase
restaurant promotion, running Sundays through
Thursdays through Oct. 31.
How It Works
Visit westchasedistrict.com/taste.htm and follow
the link to download a 2013 Taste of Westchase dining
certificate. Present your certificate at any participating
restaurants (dine-in dinner only) to receive 15 percent off
your meal (does not apply to beverages, tax or gratuities).
Your server will place a special sticker on your
certificate confirming your dining visit. When your
certificate has stickers from eight different participating
restaurants, mail it to Westchase District, 10375
Richmond Avenue, Suite 1175, Houston, TX 77042
(must be postmarked on or before Oct. 31, 2013).
You’ll be entered to win one of several great prizes,
including:
• Four tickets to Zest in the West – West Houston’s
premier culinary and fine wine tasting festival – Oct.
24 at Chateau Crystale (valued at $400) Note: due
to the date of this event, the drawing for these tickets
will take place Friday, Oct. 18.
• A gift basket of gourmet delights hand-selected
by the epicurean experts at Whole Foods Market,
Wilcrest (valued at $250)
• An overnight stay for two and complimentary dining
at the Extended Breakfast Buffet at the Houston
Marriott Westchase (valued at $200)
Participating Restaurants
Bistro Le Cep
Brookstreet BBQ
Cafe Pita +
Cantina Laredo
Churrascos Westchase
Crespo Pizza
Eatwell Bakery Cafe
Forno’s of Italy
Kaneyama Japanese Restaurant
Masala Wok
Napoli Flying Pizza
Nick’s Place
Palazzo’s Trattoria
Prince’s Hamburgers
Ragin’ Cajun
Red Robin
Republic -- A Texas Grill
Rio Ranch
Rudi Lechner’s
Saldivia’s South American Grill
Whether you’re looking for a bargain or for your
next favorite restaurant, Taste of Westchase is a great
opportunity to uncover some of Houston’s culinary
crown jewels, all while supporting local businesses.
Fresh Salad with Pickup on the Side, Hold the Self-Serve
Salata Westchase offers online-order-only pickup window for customers in a rush
for their roughage
Eating salad can get
complicated. Really. Choosing
Food &
pre-made salads sometimes can raise
Drink
nagging, lingering uncertainties.
Was this salad made under clean
conditions? How long ago was it
prepared? Traditional salad bars come with their own
sets of reservations. There’s no label near that canister
of green stuff – what is it? Who spilled dressing all over
the sunflower seeds?
Enter Salata Westchase, billed as “The Next
Generation Salad Bar,” which opened in July at 10898
Westheimer Road (in the Lakeside Estates Retail
Center). Instead of a self-serve salad bar, clean and
courteous servers assemble and toss made-to-order
salads or wraps for you. Enjoy your custom creation
in the 2,500 square-foot indoor dining area. Want to
enjoy some fresh air in the cooler seasons?
Chop Chop: Tina MacInnes (center) cuts the
ribbon on her new Salata Westchase location at
An 800 square-foot outdoor patio is in the works and
scheduled to open in November.
Click Through, Drive Through
And You’re Through
Online ordering is also available at Salata.com.
The website is delightfully simple – a few quick clicks
and you’re submitting your order. Once an order is
placed and paid for online, salads are prepared 10-15
minutes in advance of your chosen pickup time. The
Salata Westchase pickup window is for online orders
only.
“Not only are we the first stand-alone Salata,
we’re also the first location in Houston to offer
an online-order-only pickup window,” said Tina
MacInnes, owner of Salata Westchase. “Since
customers have already paid online, they simply drive
up, give their reference number and they’re off with
their order. We average about 30 online orders per day
– during lunchtime, we’re filling them nonstop.”
MacInnes reports that she sees many customers
who faithfully stop by two or three times a week.
“There’s one lady who regularly places online orders
in the late afternoon and then picks up her salads on
her way home from work,” she said.
Those types of orders are just one benefit of Salata
Westchase’s prime placement on Westheimer. “I
give our location in Westchase District a gold star,”
MacInnes said. “I’m pleased with our parking, and we
even get customers working nearby who simply walk
over to us.”
That’s a Wrap: A custom salad wrap with pita
chips and tomato basil soup are just a few of the
many options available at Salata Westchase.
Catering To The Community
As the new kids to the District, MacInnes and her
team have eagerly introduced themselves to other local
businesses. “We’ve catered for some of the large energy
companies in Westchase as well as some of the schools
and fitness centers,” she said. “We participated in
Jacobs Engineering’s employee health fair and we offer
free, fully-catered workplace lunch and learn events
for administrative staffs to educate office assistants
and managers about Salata’s catering services.”
Customers with questions can call 832-623-7615
or send an email to westchase@salata.com. Catering
and delivery services may be placed via fax at
832-831-2901. Salata Westchase hours are Mon. Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., closed on Sundays.
10898 Westheimer.
5
The Underachiever
Meet Officer Samuel Glaze, a real slacker who’s earned four degrees and works four jobs
S
Just in time, a surprise life insurance payout
allowed him to afford an apartment, regroup
and decide on the next phase of his career. A
buddy encouraged Glaze to explore HPD’s
training academy in 2006. It was a good year
for Glaze: he graduated from the academy, got
married and began work as a campus police
officer with the Houston Independent School
District.
amuel Glaze is many things to many
people: Houston Police Department
officer, Iraq War veteran, college graduate
with multiple degrees, U. S. Air Force reservist,
full-time law student, husband and father. One
thing he’s not: complacent.
Glaze is also a Westchase District patrol
officer who’s worked bike and vehicle patrol
since 2009. A Houston native who grew up in
Crime Doesn’t Sleep, Neither
Does Glaze
Fifth Ward and graduated from Waltrip High
School in 2001, Glaze has experienced more in
Glaze became an officer with HPD in 2008
and joined Westchase District patrol one year
“My mother stressed the importance of
later. Glaze has worked as part of Westchase
education to my older sister and me,” he
District’s “Knock and Talk” community
The Energizer: Westchase District Patrol Officer Samuel Glaze
said. “She was a nursing assistant who never
policing program, where officers make personal
just keeps going and going.
finished her degree, so she made sure we would
visits to foster connections with apartment
strive for more.” Glaze obeyed: so far, he’s earned
community residents. “I’m always meeting
Heartbreak, Homelessness & HISD friendly and interesting people,” he said.
two associate’s degrees, a B.S. in Management and a
It was during one of Glaze’s assignments in Dubai
Glaze is assigned to the Air Force Reserve
Master’s degree in Homeland Security.
when, back in Houston, his mother died in a fire that
Command, where he serves out of San Antonio as an
Four Years, 21 Countries and 386
also claimed her home. Lacking sufficient tenure to
air transportation craftsman. He is also earning his
Consecutive Days In Baghdad
take time off, Glaze had no choice but to quit his job
law degree at Texas Southern University, with plans
After high school, Glaze enlisted in the United
in order to settle his late mother’s affairs.
to take his bar exam in 2015 and become an Air Force
States Army as a petroleum supply specialist and was
“Suddenly I was unemployed and homeless, forced JAG Corps officer.
stationed in Baghdad from January through April of
to keep moving from one relative to another,” he
As he attends law school five days a week, works
2004.
said. After about four months, Glaze felt he had worn
nights with HPD, and squeezes in family time for his
Glaze received his honorable discharge in 2005,
out his welcome among family and was resigned to
wife and two young children, it appears Glaze stays
sleeping in his car.
transitioning to a U.S. Army Reserves unit at
awake round the clock. “I only need about four hours
“Now when I encounter homeless people during
of sleep,” he said, without a trace of a yawn. “Besides,
Houston’s Ellington Field until 2009. Upon leaving
when people are motivated to achieve a goal, they
my policing patrols, I have empathy for many of
active duty, he returned to Houston to work for
find time. I’m willing to put in the time to do the
them,” Glaze said. “I know all too well what it feels
Halliburton in a job which often required him to
work.”
like to be in that situation.”
travel to the Middle East.
his 30 years than many do in a lifetime.
Welcome Back to the Days of Personal Patrolling
Programs enhancing familiarity with officers strengthens bond with residents and retailers
They’re not whistling down
the street twirling their baton or
phoning in to an old-fashioned
call box, but Westchase District
patrol officers are bringing about
the return of policemen building
personal relationships with the people they protect.
Whether by visiting apartment residents
door-to-door as part of the “Knock & Talk”
apartment program, or by chatting with store owners
and sharing robbery prevention tips, officers are
making proactive efforts to build trust among citizens.
residents in the District, gaining intimate knowledge
of their area.
“Our responses to repetitive problems seldom
involve only police resources,” Hubenak said. “We’re
concerned not only with high-visibility crimes, but
with minor offenses which contribute to fear of crime
Old Concept, New Style
“It’s a modern approach to the idea of police ‘beats’
where our officers patrol on foot or bicycle, providing
more interaction between police and community
members,” said Mark Hubenak, Westchase District
public safety director. “We’ve found that crime
prevention education talks strengthen police
effectiveness and encourage cooperative efforts to
make a safer community.”
Hubenak said when officers spend time out of
their patrol cars and in sight of apartments and
businesses, citizens come to know officers by name.
Those officers, in turn, meet scores of employees and
6
Officer Friendly Not Just for Kids Anymore:
Westchase District Patrol Officer Chris Engelhardt
introduces himself to a local shop owner as he
hands out retail robbery prevention flyers to area
businesses.
and negatively affect public perception of District
safety. Increasing our visibility and listening to
residents’ and retailers’ concerns often influences our
public safety strategies.”
Hello Neighbors, Goodbye Hoods
“Law-abiding folks are glad to see us and appreciate
our interest in their safety,” Officer Chris Engelhardt
said. “People up to no good get the message that they
might want to move somewhere else, because we —
and their neighbors — are keeping a close eye on what
goes on in the community.”
Engelhardt said he believes neighbors on the
lookout improve officers’ abilities to discover criminal
conduct, solve problems before they escalate and
involve citizens in patrol operations.
Those improvements, Hubenak said, don’t come
overnight, but are the result of sustained contact with
community members.
“It’s a gradual change from a style of policing
which emphasizes crime control and ‘crook
catching’ to one that emphasizes citizen interaction,”
Hubenak said. “Over time, that produces a feeling of
friendliness and safety, which enhances livability in
Westchase District.”
Combatting Leftist (well, at least left-turn) Threats
Strategic traffic signal enhancements, intersection upgrades improve Westchase District’s mobility for drivers
e’ve all experienced it: we’re sitting at
W
pedestrians. Locations across the country that have
drivers a sheltered place to wait as they merge with
a traffic light, preparing to make a left
implemented permissive left turn signals have seen
oncoming traffic.
turn and wondering when – or even
improved traffic flow and fewer collisions.
as a car gets broadsided on the passenger side as it’s
arrow is the most intuitive signal for motorists,” said
onto Westpark, which hopefully will reduce the
making a left turn. And just about every driver has
Irma Sanchez, Westchase District’s vice president
potential for side and rear-end collisions” Sanchez
crept along or languished in gridlock wondering what
of projects. “The City of Houston has adopted this
said. “Also, we’re taking great care to preserve as
horrible accident lies ahead, only to see traffic was
standard, and is beginning to implement it in select
much of the existing landscaping as possible, so that
merely bottlenecked.
areas. We decided to install 33 of these signals at 14
the overall intersection area retains a beautification
locations within the District on our own so we can
level that’s up to Westchase District standards.” The
dozens of mobility improvements that address, and
reap the benefits as soon as possible.” Sanchez said the
project costs about $75,000 and is scheduled for
hopefully resolve, these and other local transportation
project will cost about $33,000 and will be completed
completion by end of the year as well.
tribulations.
by end of the year.
Flashers to Pervade the District
Refining a Texas “T”
if – we’ll ever get a green arrow. Or, we’ve witnessed
Fortunately this year, Westchase District is seeing
According to the Federal Highway Administration,
“National research shows the flashing yellow
The T intersection at Westpark and Westcenter
“Modifying the turn opening will give drivers lane
space to safely pull out and then merge eastbound
Both upgrades are examples of Westchase District’s
commitment to advancing the area’s infrastructure.
“These are small, well-planned mobility projects
about 27 percent of all intersection crashes are
Drives (one block east of the W. Sam Houston
grounded in sound traffic analysis,” said Jim Murphy,
associated with left turns. To reduce these risks and
Tollway) often creates problems for motorists during
Westchase District general manager. “These targeted
ease congestion, Westchase District is one of the first
peak evening commute hours.
upgrades have direct, positive effects on public safety,
areas in Houston to install a new signal type known
To improve safety and relieve congestion at the
traffic congestion, commute times and even pollution
as “permissive left-turn arrows.” Instead of waiting
three-way junction, Westchase District has contracted
reduction. They touch all corners of Westchase
for a green “protected left” arrow to cycle through,
with LJA Engineering to design a left-turn channel
District and they result in improved quality of life,
the green arrow will be followed by a flashing yellow
at the median opening for drivers turning east
not only for pedestrians and motorists travelling
arrow, indicating that left turns are still allowed, but
onto Westpark. The channel will provide an offset
within our boundaries, but for those passing through
motorists first must yield to oncoming traffic and
separated from the main traffic lane, which will allow
as well.”
Contemporary furniture showroom is leading
purveyor of Triple C in Westchase District
Cantoni: Design Ideas with Modern Flair
For Michael Farmer, general
manager of Cantoni Houston,
Triple C has been a way of life for
years. No, not Coricidin Cough
and Cold (the over-the-counter
medicine misused in high
doses as a recreational drug); Farmer embraces his
company’s Triple C philosophy: Cantoni. Customer.
Commitment.
A leading retailer in modern indoor and outdoor
furniture, artwork, accessories and interior design
services, Cantoni was founded in 1984 in North
Dallas. A Houston showroom opened in1992,
moving to its current 30,000 square-foot location at
9889 Westheimer Road in 1996. “Back then there
was no Signature Kroger, no apartments. We were
pretty much it,” Farmer said.
In the last 17 years, the Houston location has
offered high-end, eclectic and custom European
imports with no high pressure sales.
“Earlier this year we launched our updated
online store, so now we even ship worldwide, but
mostly we’re about building relationships with our
customers,” Farmer said.
“We’re less interested in quick sales and more
focused on creating an experience that hopefully
opens people’s minds to different design styles.”
More Than Just Dealers
Those styles are introduced to customers by a
team of two architects, seven design consultants
and two designer assistants. Team members deal
mostly with furnishing commercial and residential
spaces, including kitchens and bedrooms. However,
their expertise often extends beyond store inventory
to advising on paint colors, lighting and even
aromatherapy choices.
Jody Ferguson chose Cantoni when decorating the
executive lounge for DataVox, located in Westchase
District off the W. Sam Houston Parkway. “It’s
not your normal executive office space; it’s also part
man-cave,” said Ferguson, community relations and
facilities manager for the communication solutions
company. “I wanted something welcoming and
comfortable, yet high-class and professional. Cantoni
helped me furnish the space with just the right look.”
Sit & Spin: Michael Farmer, general manager,
kicks back in an Italian Parabolica swivel chair
Enticing Repeat Customers
That look isn’t the result of snap recommendations. Farmer said for many clients, his consultants
conduct onsite or in-home assessments and interview
executives and family members before making any
presentations.
“Even when people are unsure about what styles
they like, we’re able to discern what types of colors,
finishes and textures appeal to them, as well as what
will complement their existing pieces,” he said. “We
do our homework before presenting ideas, which I
think sets us apart.”
Once designer and client agree on a general
direction, Cantoni staff create PowerPoint
presentations showing the layout of each room
detailed with sample accessories, art colors, fabrics
and finishes.
“Also, we try to divide ideas into stages or
individual rooms so customers don’t feel they must
purchase everything at once,” Farmer said.
That strategy cultivates recurring business for
Cantoni as they continue to assist their clients in
fulfilling master design plans.
“The trust is there, since they’ve already invited us
into their businesses and homes, and our customers
feel confident working with us,” Farmer said. “Once
we show them an overarching design vision that ties
everything together, they’re hooked.”
at Cantoni Houston’s showroom.
7
Celebrating a Decade of Frosty Family Fun and Fireworks
Tenth anniversary of Wonderland in Westchase slated from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 at Quillian Center
I
n 2004, Westchase District, Quillian Recreation
Center, First Methodist Houston Westchase
and the Houston West Chamber of Commerce
partnered to host Wonderland in Westchase, a free
holiday celebration as a gift to the public. The event
attracted about 1,500 people; in 2012, Wonderland in
Westchase drew more than 6,000 attendees. Over the
years it has earned a reputation as one of Houston’s
best free holiday events.
Sponsors and volunteers plan to polish that
reputation when the tenth annual Wonderland in
Westchase blows into town – with 50,000 pounds of
snow – from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 at
the Quillian Center, 10570 Westpark Drive.
Highlights planned for this year include:
• A live Nativity scene with a camel
• Santa, Mrs. Claus and a reindeer petting zoo
• Hay rides, pony rides, train rides and fire truck
rides
“We now run so many different attractions that
it’s tough for guests to experience everything that’s
offered,” said Tom Gaden, Quillian Recreation Center
director. “The upsides are that something is bound to
appeal to everyone and we feature enough activities
to ensure that everyone can participate as we celebrate
the spirit of the holidays.”
Wonderland is free and open to the public. Event
hosts request that attendees please bring either a new,
unwrapped toy or a bag of nonperishable food items,
both of which will benefit area charities, including
West Houston Assistance Ministries and House of
• Performances by area school choirs, as well as by
magician Carter Blackburn
• Games galore
• Food and drinks for sale, plus free samples, from
area restaurants
• 50,000 pounds of snow with a snow slide
• Spectacular fireworks
Amos.
For more information on sponsorship and
volunteer possibilities, please contact Sherry Fox at
713-780-9434, or at sfox@westchasedistrict.com.
Galleria Hooks Up with Houston West to Become
Friends with Membership Benefits
Houston West Chamber of Commerce Unites with Galleria Chamber to Represent More West Houston Businesses
T
he Houston West Chamber of Commerce
has united with the Galleria Chamber of
Commerce to create a combined business
organization representing almost one thousand
members in greater west Houston.
“People are sometimes confused by the geographic
boundaries of the Houston West Chamber,” said
Jeannie Bollinger, president and CEO of HWCOC.
“Hopefully, this will eliminate any confusion. Our
Chamber now represents all businesses west of the
610 Loop.”
Chamber CEO Jeannie Bollinger (left) and Board
Chair Kathie Edwards accept a City of Houston
proclamation honoring the Chamber’s work from
Council Member Oliver Pennington.
The union means that all active and paid members
of the Galleria Chamber are now members in good
standing of the Houston West Chamber. “We’re
working hard to create an environment where Galleria
Chamber members feel welcome in the Houston West
Chamber,” said Bollinger. “We hope they’ll renew
8
and stay part of our Chamber when their original dues the combined organization that much stronger,” she
said.
expire.”
The combined chamber means that many
“For our members, this represents an expansion of
businesses which previously maintained a membership
their existing networking opportunities,” she added.
in both organizations now only need to pay dues
“And Galleria Chamber members can take advantage
to the HWCOC. The merger also opens up new
of the more than 200 events hosted by the Houston
restaurants and hotels where HWCOC events may
West Chamber every year.”
take place.
The HWCOC has bolstered its staff to
“Many of our members are already physically
accommodate the needs of the expanded member
located in the Galleria area,” said Bollinger. “This
base. “We’re talking with the Galleria Chamber
union means that we can host events at restaurants
members to find out what events they like best and
and hotels in the Galleria, because many of those
what events they regularly attend,” said Bollinger.
venues are now members.”
One Galleria Chamber event which has already
The Houston West Chamber of Commerce was
been adopted by the HWCOC is the Women’s
recently recognized as a winner in the “Houston’s
Excellence in Business series. This lunch event
Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™” awards
will kick off at Tony’s restaurant in November and
continue every other month through May. “This was competition. The organization will continue to
a very popular Galleria Chamber event that fits nicely
maintain its offices in Westchase District at 10370
with our Women Driving Business series,” noted
Richmond. For a complete listing of upcoming
Bollinger.
HWCOC events, visit www.hwcoc.org.
“The two events mesh well
to provide leadership growth
and networking opportunities
for women executives and
entrepreneurs.”
Committees are an
important part of the
HWCOC structure,
according to Bollinger. “Our
members really carry the load
for our events and activities.
Having Galleria Chamber
Guests cheer for the Chamber’s Women Driving Business series, which has
members become part of our
become one of the most popular event hosted annually by the Chamber.
committee structure will make