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Saturday, June 29, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.26
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INSIDE.
MHRA secures $850,000 grant for sidewalk improvements By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) has announced a significant milestone in enhancing the community’s infrastructure with the award of an $850,000 federal grant aimed at improving sidewalk safety and accessibility. This funding is part of a Community Project Funding (CPF) request for FY 2024, facilitated by U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher of Texas’ 7th District.
The newly secured funds will be used to upgrade sections of sidewalks that are currently missing, in poor condition, or undersized, the MHRA said in a media statement dated June 25, 2024. The enhancements, it said, are crucial for providing safer connections and better access for community members, including students and children. The grant will specifically cover the construction costs, while the MHRA will locally fund the associated design, survey, environmental, and grant management work.
A recent evaluation by the MHRA reportedly highlighted the urgent need for these improvements, revealing that nearly 25% of sidewalks within and around the district boundaries were either in poor condition or non-existent, and over 40% did not meet current width standards. The project’s primary goal is to enhance connectivity and access for all users to transit stops, schools, and major activity centers
Image courtesy of Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority
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The Shepherd/Durham Project
WORD ON THE STREET
Wes Landry: A musical journey intertwined with Houston’s artistic community
Stages announces new managing director
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
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Preserving a small piece of history
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Joey Sanchez shows off a custom blue tile creation by Curb Appeal Blues.
Victorian melodrama Ruddigore comes to Cullen Performance Hall
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The Blue Tile Project’s mission to save historic street markers By CHRIS DAIGLE The Leader News Contributor
Trees For Houston celebrates successful planting season
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Mission Success preps for Junior World Squash Championship
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“We’re saving a Houston heritage,” says Joey Sanchez, standing at Spring Street Studios amid a parking lot of symbols of a city’s history. Little noticed by drivers whizzing by every day, many Heights-area curbs have blue tile telling us which street and block we are on. They have been there since at least the early 1920s, some even before that, when Houston’s streets were dusty ancestors of what we have now. In 2015, Sanchez and his wife were out on a bike ride in Midtown when they noticed the blue tiles at the curbs, and how time has taken a sad toll on them, even being removed as the roads were improved. They saw a call to action: “This is Houston history disappearing,” Sanchez says. Sanchez created a database called the Blue Tile Project which sets out to document all the existing curb names, and invites others to do the same. In
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Photo by Chris Daigle
Blue Tile Project creator Joey Sanchez with an example of a 1920s blue tile curb address.
a short time, more than 4000 markers have been identified across Houston. But with anything historic, time is of the essence. “We’re working with the city to let
us come in and replace these as construction goes on. With ramps being put in, the tiles are not replaced, and we don’t know when or where they are disappearing,” Sanchez says. “It’s important we save this fabric of our city.” Blue tiles were not just used for street tiles early in the 20th century, he explains. “You’ll see tiles on tombstones and sidewalks in places like Olivewood Cemetery,” he says. Sanchez notes that by locating and cataloging the remaining tile markers, he learned that they were likely started when Houston roads were widened and improved from shell and gravel pathways, probably in the early 1920s or even earlier. “Having curbs instead of ditches was a major step back then, and Houston was much smaller then, with the whole city inside today’s Loop 610.” What becomes clear, however, is that each tile address was made by See BLUE TILE P. 4
See LANDRY P. 4
Wes Landry
Submitted photo
Malibu Barbie Cafe comes to the Heights area in August COMMUNITY REPORTS
Local psychiatrist shares evaluation of Trump in new book
Photo courtesy of Blue Tile Project
Wes Landry, a long-time resident of the Heights in Houston, has spent over two decades deeply embedded in the city’s vibrant arts scene. His artistic journey, shaped by the support and collaboration of local colleagues and friends, reflects his profound connection to Houston’s cultural fabric. “Houston is such a vibrant place for the arts,” Landry shares enthusiastically. “I was drawn to it as a student, I received my master’s degree in music from UH, and more than 20 years later, my entire adult artistic life is intertwined with this amazing city. The incredible teachers and friends I’ve met here and performed with have shaped me every step of the way.” From performing at Opera in the Heights to serving as the Director of Music at St. Mark’s UMC in the Heights since 2014, Landry’s artistic endeavors have been deeply rooted in the local community. His involvement with the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) Chorus for 18 seasons stands out as a significant chapter in his career. It was here that Landry not only honed his craft but also found love, meeting his husband. One memorable experience that resonates deeply with Landry is the premiere of an evening of songs by Houston composers, set to texts written by local military veterans. “Many of these folks had never told
Interactive Pop-Up Roller Rink + Restaurant Inspired by the Iconic Fashion Doll Plans To Paint H-Town Pink Bucket Listers and Mattel, Inc. are making waves with the Malibu Barbie Cafe. Following the viral success of their New York, Chicago, Miami, and Mall of America® locations, sights are now set on Houston. Fans of the most iconic fashion doll in history will soon be able to experience Barbie like never before. The family-friendly pop-up restaurant and roller rink will be inspired by the groovy beachside energy of 1970s Malibu, a time of carefree sum-
mer days when Malibu Barbie was first introduced to the world. “Bucket Listers is honored to continue partnering with Mattel, bringing Malibu Barbie Cafe down to Houston after sold-out runs across the country,” says Bucket Listers President of Experiences, Derek Berry. “Barbie has proven to be one of history’s ultimate icons, it means so much for us to bring exclusive experiences like this to life for our community. I cannot wait for the city to see what we have in store.” “We are delighted to announce the opening of Malibu Barbie Café in Houston, bringing a truly unique experience that celebrates the Barbie brand and all she represents to the city.” said Julie Freeland, Vice President of
Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “At Mattel we are always looking for exciting, new ways to bring the Barbie experience to life. From the décor to the menu, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the iconic Barbie style.” Opening this August in Houston at 8200 Washington Avenue in the Heights through mid-October, the Malibu Barbie Cafe will allow guests to experience the ultimate form of Barbiecore™ dining alongside a groovy roller rink worthy of Barbie herself. Guests can expect a fast-casual menu (created by Master Chef finalist and Chopped Champion Chef Becky Malibu Barbie Cafe
Submitted photo
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