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Saturday, November 23, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No. 47
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Commissioners Court greenlights additional flood detention partnership with city, Kamin’s office COMMUNITY REPORTS
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Last week, another significant step was taken for flood mitigation in our area. Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved authorization for Harris County Flood Control District to move forward with property acquisition to support construction of the Turkey Gully Bypass Stormwater Detention Basin, a critical component of a regional project
to reduce the risk of flooding in the Greater Heights neighborhood of Shady Acres along Turkey Gully. This is an area that has experienced consecutive and repetitive flooding. District C Council Member Abbie Kamin has been driving this CityCounty collaboration, announcing last Fall the City of Houston will spend nearly $15.5 million to divert flow from Turkey Gully to White Oak Bayou and provide additional infra-
structure improvements. “I want to personally thank our County Commissioners Court and Harris County Flood Control District for their support and partnership as we further this critical effort to protect residents from flooding,” she said. When the Turkey Gully Project is completed, nearly half, or close to 250 homes and businesses in the area will experience a reduction in flood
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
risk during a 10-year storm event. The City’s portion of the project is currently in the design phase with construction expected to start in 2026. More information is available on engagehouston.org. “All of our families deserve a safe, strong, and resilient Harris County. I’m proud that today we are one step closer to delivering on our efSee FLOOD P. 5
I Love 11th Street Festival returns with community, celebration, and tradition By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
City announces holiday trash collection schedule
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Heights/GOOF real estate data by zip code
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Pet of the Week: Meet George, a senior lady
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Community Calendar: See what's happening around town
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Support your local animal shelter this holiday season
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THE INDEX. Topics ����������������������������������������5 People ���������������������������������������7 Classifieds ���������������������������������8 Local Culture �����������������������������9
Photo courtesy of the OFHA Beautification Committee
New wooden and stone signage are examples of the improvements that were made throughout the Oak Forest neighborhood.
Oak Forest receives a long-awaited signage makeover By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor On Nov. 16 a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Oak Forest in the esplanade near the intersection of West TC Jester and Du Barry. The event—a reveal of new Oak Forest signage—celebrated and commemorated the completion of the most recent initiative accomplished for the benefit community, according to Deena Alcorta, Public Relations Director for the Oak Forest Homeowners Association (OFHA) Beautification Committee. The OFHA Beautification Committee spearheads numerous neighborhood projects intended to maintain and enhance the aesthetic charm that defines Oak Forest. According to their site, the committee’s reach includes caring for the subdivision esplanades, mowing for the American Legion, Candlelight and Oak Forest Parks during the summer
The highly anticipated Second Annual I Love 11th Festival will transform 11th Street from Shepherd to Michaux into a hub of celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12-6 p.m. Building on last year’s overwhelming success, when the event drew over 2,500 attendees, this year’s festival boasts an expanded footprint, exciting new activities, and a continued dedication to fostering community connections. “We’re all here because we are supporting each other as a community,” said Emmanuel Nunez, a member of the festival’s Leadership Committee. “With the help of sponsors, we’re able to host four markets, over 25 live music performances, and so much more. This event is about showcasing what we love about the Heights and sharing it with everyone.” With over 75 businesses on 11th St, the festival strives to celebrate and support the shops, gyms, bars, salons, restaurants, services, and more that make 11th Street thrive.
Festival Highlights This year’s event kicks off with a 5K run at 10 a.m., hosted by Eureka Heights and Houston Run Clubs. The festival officially begins at noon with an array of activities for all ages, including: Four Curated Markets: Featuring unique goods and experiences for shoppers. Watercolor Arts Society Plein Air Painting: Live demonstrations by local artists. See 11TH P. 2
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
Residents, members and supporters of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association proudly welcome their neighborhood’s new markers and signage.
and maintenance and replacement of the neighborhood signage. Lucy Cain is the president of the OFHA and the Beautification Committee is co-chaired by Danielle Maudlin and Mary Jane Simon. Completing this signage project has become Maudlin’s proudest
project this year. There has been a long-standing desire to update and replace the neighborhood markers and signage. However, as is the case with many homeowners associations, OFHA is a nonprofit relying on its See SIGNAGE P. 5
Photo by Lisa Morales
I Love 11th leadership committee members Emmanuel Nunez and Idalia Guerra.
Heights projects honored with 2025 Preservation Houston Good Brick Awards By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Preservation Houston has announced the recipients of its 2025 Good Brick Awards, highlighting excellence in local historic preservation. Among the 11 honorees, two projects in the Heights have received recognition for their remarkable contributions to preserving the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Restoration of Heights Church Windows
The Church at 1548 Heights is being celebrated for its meticulous restoration of historic windows in its 1924 building, originally designed by noted Houston architect Alfred C. Finn. The project preserved the beauty and integrity of this Houston Heights landmark while maintaining its functionality for continued use.
Adaptive Reuse of Big Three Industries Building
Another Heights-area winner is the adaptive reuse of the Big Three Industries Building at 3535 W 12th St, designed in 1974 by MacKie & Kamrath. Owners Diane and Ray Krueger have transformed the midcentury modern building into a functional space while respecting its See AWARD P. 5
Photo by Divya Pande
The former Big Three Industries building at 3535 W 12th St in the Heights, now owned by the Krueger family.
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