Midtownpark BECKONS VISITORS with GREENSPACE and FAMILY FUN “Parks and Playgrounds Are the Soul of a City,” Canadian Writer Marty Rubin Once Said

WINTER ISSUE, 2018

midtownpark BECKONS VISITORS WITH GREENSPACE AND FAMILY FUN “Parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city,” Canadian writer Marty Rubin once said.

Nowhere is that more true that Midtown Park, 2811 Travis St., Midtown Redevelopment Authority and Midtown Parks Conservancy. which has been described as an urban oasis in the heart of “We’ve devoted a deep level of care to Midtown Park because we Houston. It serves the soul of the Midtown Houston community by know how essential parks are to sustainable infrastructure and the offering a variety of amenities and activities to appeal to everyone. significant impact they have on quality of life.”

While the park opened to the public mid-October when the The park spans three acres, with pedestrian-oriented streetscapes construction fences came down, a formal celebration is being to facilitate safe travel. It features a lush lawn for games and activities, planned for Saturday, January 20th. Residents can look forward to a a playground, and interactive water features. Organic art installations “New Year, New Park” event that will feature food trucks, live music, by artist Sharon Engelstein called, “Tall Ma” and “Little Ricky" welcome family-friendly fun like face painting, and a preview of activities the children to the playground area and offer climbing adventures. The park will offer in 2018, like fitness classes. In addition, there will be open-air Camden Pavilion and plaza provide a venue for concerts and park tours, games, a photo booth, fun for your furry friend in the performances, public events, and exercise groups. Reliant Dog Park, and a silent party. Midtown Park is conveniently located at the McGowen METRORail “Midtown Houston has spent the past few years crafting unique station, and an underground parking facility can be found beneath the elements to transform an empty urban space into a green retreat park. In 2018, park visitors will be able to enjoy a half-acre retail plaza that can attract new development and invigorate the already thriving with a full-service restaurant, dining patio, and a public plaza along Midtown Houston community,” said Bob Sellingsloh, Chair of McGowen St.

MIDTOWNHOUSTON.COM p h o t o : s ly w o r k s photography HOUSTON BOUNCES BACK AS LIVE. A WINNER AFTER HARVEY LIVE.

We’re looking forward to another innovative and vibrant year in Midtown Houston! When the Houston Astros won the World Series, they showed us what amazing things can happen when people work together as a team. The fans’ support during the playoffs and the championship series showed I am excited to serve as the new Midtown Management District (MMD) Board Chair. I the power and impact of having an entire community behind you, rooting for your success. have been a member of the MMD Board for 10 years, and have had my business in the neighborhood for 25 years. It has been deeply rewarding to see the community change The same was true of the entire city in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in August. We saw and prosper, and I look forward to leading further efforts to improve Midtown Houston. firsthand what can happen when a city of more than two million people commits to helping each other. Neighbors and strangers gave each other a helping hand, either to escape from rising floodwaters, debris Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath was a challenging time for the community, but I was clean up, or just to provide fresh bottled water. inspired by Midtown Houston’s response. Midtown Kitchen Collective cooked around 15,000 hot meals per day and made 1,800 sandwiches per hour! To support local restaurants The Astros may be our World Series heroes, but all across the Bayou City, impacted by Harvey, Midtown Houston launched a eatINmidtown campaign in mid-October. there have been so many other heroes worthy of our thanks and celebration The month-long campaign offered food and drink specials to a dozen Midtown during the long days of recovery from the flooding. In September, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner encouraged all volunteers to log their hours of service WE TAKE YOUR INPUT Houston restaurants, encouraging Houstonians to explore our neighborhood. at reportyourhours.com because this total — 256,845 hours as of November SERIOUSLY AND NEED YOUR The campaign was a huge success and received significant media attention. PARTICIPATION TO BENEFIT ALL 2nd — would have a positive impact on funds the city would receive from OF MIDTOWN HOUSTON! We were able to keep the focus on shopping local during the second annual the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The city also created Mistletoe Market in Bagby Park on Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, a “Harvey by the Numbers” website where citizens can see detailed statistics November 19th. Over two dozen vendors showcased fine arts and crafts and delicious and maps. “This is our latest effort to keep the public informed about what food in a holiday atmosphere complete with strolling carolers, Santa Paws, and festive the city has done, is doing, and will do as Houston bounces back,” the mayor decorations. We are looking forward to more markets this spring as well as new park events said. “We are all in this together.” like movie nights and weekly soccer workouts. And thanks to your feedback, we are also In Midtown Houston, we applaud all the local businesses and organizations that have helped our working to bring you a weekly farmer's market. Visit our website or social media for updates. community through its continuing recovery. Midtown Kitchen Collective sorted food donations to help supply meals as well as providing food for other relief kitchens. They prepared around 15,000 hot meals per Another event that received significant attention this fall was the completion of day and made 1,800 sandwiches per hour! construction in Midtown Park. Midtown Redevelopment Authority removed the fences in early October and the park was immediately used by schools, festivals, Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) hosted a Harvey Relief Concert with proceeds going fitness classes, and families. Midtown Park was honored to be the 2017 Houston to local charities. Sterling House also hosted a benefit to help our city. Axelrad Beer Garden, Interfaith venue for Diner en Blanc on Saturday, November 18th, which brought over 2,100 Ministries, the breakfast klub, Catholic Charities, YogaOne Studios, and Trinity Episcopal Church all served visitors to the park in their best whites. The park sparkled; it was a truly magical as centers for monetary and material donations, such as diapers, formula, bottled water, and gift cards. St. night. Be sure to join us on January 20th as Midtown Parks Conservancy hosts John's United Methodist Church, which placed a priority on helping senior citizens impacted by the floods, a grand opening event featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and the first received a financial donation from Houston’s own Beyoncé Knowles and her mother, Tina. Even though their annual Midtown Houston Awards! Please see this issue for more information own restaurant sustained damage, Jennifer and Bryan Caswell, owners of Reef in Midtown Houston, were about the opening and ongoing events in all of Midtown Houston’s parks. committed to providing breakfast tacos and sandwiches for 16,000 flood victims.

Just a reminder, if you see any maintenance issues in the neighborhood, please report them The process of recovery continues for so many people, and resources for assistance are still available: via SeeClickFix on your phone or desktop. You can sign up at midtownhouston.com. Stay • Flood victims can call FEMA to report damage at 1.800.621.3362. tuned for a major change to our mobile offerings; we are working on developing an app that integrates SeeClickFix so you can find all the Midtown Houston information you need in one • The Texas Association of Business has established a hotline to provide resources to affected business spot. Easily communicating with you is a high priority for us! owners at 512.637.7714. • To talk to a professional about emotional distress, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1.800.985.5990 We need you to help us continue to improve Midtown Houston. Join a committee, attend or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. meetings, participate in an event, subscribe to the eNews, and engage on social media. We take your input seriously and need your participation to benefit all of Midtown Houston! • For basic legal questions, the State Bar of Texas legal hotline can help at 1.800.504.7030. In an interview on the CBS program, “Face the Nation,” Mayor Turner summed up the city’s recovery game plan and the enduring spirit of its citizens. “We are going to take it day by day, week by week. But at the Thank you from the Board, same time, this is a ‘can do’ city. We’re not going to engage in a pity party. We are going to take care of each other,” he said. “Neighbors are taking care of each other. Good samaritans and businesses are responding. Community and neighborhood people are responding. But, we are getting back on our feet and we are open for business.” Willie High Coleman, Jr. Board Chair, Midtown Management District

p h o t o : s e c o n d s h o t s p h o t o g r a p h y p h o t o : s ly w o r k s photography 2 3 A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT MIDTOWNHOUSTON.COM LIVE. PLAY.

MIDTOWN HOUSTON LIVING OFFERS GET FIT IN MIDTOWN HOUSTON LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE Building, training, and stretching your muscles on a regular basis has multiple health beneﬁts. One of the great advantages of living in Midtown Houston is the proximity to Downtown Houston and Exercise reduces stress, burns calories, improves circulation, increases endurance, lowers blood the Texas Medical Center, the economic hubs for the nation’s fourth largest city. Access to great career pressure, alleviates back pain, and promotes self-esteem and an overall feeling of wellness. opportunities is just part of the package because some of Houston's ﬁnest restaurants, museums, and Those who live and work in Midtown Houston don’t have to look very far to find some of the best fitness options the city entertainment venues are also located nearby. has to offer — from yoga to dance workouts to traditional gyms and fitness centers. Convenience makes it so much easier to squeeze a workout into your busy schedule and stick to a fitness plan.

24Hour Fitness at 3201 Louisiana St. is exactly what it says: open 24 hours almost every day except some holidays. The gym’s My24 app helps you track your fitness goals on your smartphone or other devices, and the 24Life magazine is full of ideas to help you stick to your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. At 24Hour It’s no wonder, then, that so many professionals choose to “This is one of the fastest growing cities in the There’s no time like the Fitness, you’ll find state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines to help you build and tone forego the traffic and settle in Midtown Houston with a myriad United States, and where there’s growth there present to make a vow and your muscles, plus racquetball and basketball courts, an indoor lap pool, sauna, steam of housing options. is opportunity.” activate a plan to become a room, whirlpool, pro shop, free Wi-Fi, and a Kids’ Club for children up to age 12. A wide variety of classes enable you to tailor your workout to suit your needs and style. Classes For instance, the Camden Midtown apartment and townhome little stronger and a little ﬁt. include cycling, pilates, yoga, martial arts, and zumba. On Fridays, JAfrican® Fitness complex at 2303 Louisiana St. offers a garden-style setting and Founder and instructor, Jacqueline Ngbesso teaches her special classes that combine beautiful courtyards, two beach-style pools, two 24-hour fitness Finally, another major development in Midtown Houston is the West African dance principles and modern dance moves for aerobic conditioning and overall body toning. centers, outdoor grills and dining areas, a business center, dog 27-story apartment tower under construction at 2850 Fannin park, onsite dry cleaning services, and a sports and entertainment St. This $200 million luxury property being built by the Caydon Moving to the music is a workout inspiration for many people, and MetDance at 2808 Caroline St. — lounge that can be rented for special gatherings. Property Group of Melbourne, Australia will be bordered by where beginners are welcome — offers six-week class sessions in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and modern dance. Drew St., Main St., and Tuam St., across from Midtown Park Each of the one- and two-bedroom apartments features a private If you’re looking for a low-impact way to increase your energy level, muscle strength, tone, and flexibility, check out and the McGowen Station METRORail stop. patio, covered and direct-access parking, full-size washers YogaOne Studios at 3030 Travis St. Operating in Midtown Houston for almost a decade, YogaOne offers two spacious and dryers, and at-the-door trash and recycling collection. The The Midtown, designed by Houston's own Ziegler Cooper studios under one roof: a hot room and a flow room. kitchens are spacious with granite countertops and stainless Architects, will offer 350 to 380 studio, one- and two-bedroom or black appliances. All of the two-bedroom open-concept Sometimes getting back into shape requires a little guidance, and that’s what GYMGUYZ is all about. Based in Midtown apartments with luxury finishes. Amenities include a pool with townhomes feature two bathrooms, a study, and an attached Houston, this unique company provides mobile personal fitness training at home or in your office. That’s right — the swim-up bar, a fitness center and yoga studio, and a sky lounge garage. Camden’s newest development adjacent to Midtown Park, GYMGUYZ come to you! Certified coaches can customize a one-on-one workout, group instruction, or corporate overlooking the city. Private parking for 482 cars will be available. Camden McGowen Station, will offer amazing views of the Houston fitness plan, working out of five vans stocked with all the necessary fitness equipment. An additional 12,000 square feet of retail space for shops and skyline and the city’s premiere urban oasis when it opens restaurants along Main St. and Drew St. will be part of this new Other workout warriors like to go at it alone, and for them, Midtown Houston is a haven of opportunity with parks and in 2018. complex, which should be completed in 2019. greenspaces for sunlight and fresh air to enjoy while you stretch your physical limits. Midtown Parks Conversancy offers If owning your own space is more appealing than renting, Surge a variety of free fitness events in Babgy and Midtown Parks, including capoeira and yoga. Check out midtownhouston.com Recognizing that Midtown Houston is a place to thrive, Caydon's Homes has two attractive developments in Midtown Houston. for a full listing of free park fitness events. In 2016, the Houston Press named La Branch St. — which runs north and Principal Joe Russo also expanded its operations from Melbourne The Isabella at Midtown condominiums at 4001 Main St. are south through Midtown Houston — as one of the six safest streets in the city for cyclists. to a second office at 1415 Louisiana St. “This is one of the fastest currently accepting VIP reservations, and the Parc at Midtown growing cities in the United States, and where there’s growth there There’s no time like the present to make a vow and activate a plan to become a little stronger, and now that you know townhomes at 2401 Crawford St. are under construction. is opportunity,” Russo said. about all these great fitness options in Midtown Houston, you have no excuses! The Parc at Midtown will be a modern gated community that p h o t o : userofreality includes a park, security cameras, and parking for guests. It offers 70 professionally designed interior packages for kitchens and bathrooms in its one-of-a-kind Sky Townhomes™, and the options of one, two, or three bedrooms. A select few penthouses also will feature large terraces and panoramic skyline views.

The Isabella at Midtown is a modern mid-rise with 15 floor plans that include lofts and the option of up to three bedrooms. The building features an interior courtyard and pool with a fitness center and owners’ lounge for hosting gatherings with a big-screen TV and full kitchen. Reserved parking is available in the secured parking garage, and METRORail runs right outside the building on Main St., which allows for easy commuting.

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Midtown Houston employees give insights into their work.

I’ve been with Midtown Houston for 18 years and the number of restaurants, boutique shops, and nightlife spots has increased signiﬁcantly. Midtown Houston TUE–THURS 4–10p m helps to attract businesses by making the area clean, safe, and exciting, and building FRI–SAT 4 p m –12a m vibrant spaces, like Midtown Park. SUN 4–10p m —Sally Adame Administrative Assistant  4104 FANNIN ST. 77004 for Midtown Houston  832.582.6335 MOMOHTX.COM MOMO FOOD + WINE DELIGHTS DINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS

If there's something unique on the menu — something that no other restaurant offers Italy, Japan, and Magnolia, Texas also offer an YOUniverSOUL Fest was our first event in — Houston foodies will find it and flock to it. That's what Moon Jamaluddin was hoping international touch. Specialty cocktails include Midtown Park and it was awesome! We also enjoyed being the 2017 Houston venue when she opened Momo Food + Wine at 4104 Fannin St. in early October 2017, and The Momo, which is brandy, lemon juice, and for Diner en Blanc. But I’m most excited since then, she says, “it's been a new adventure.” orange liqueur; The Houstonian: aged rum, orange about our grand opening event on Saturday, January 20th. There will be something fun for peel, and spices; Sunday Morning: chenin blanc, everyone to enjoy. cherry brandy, orange liqueur, and —Mechelle Phillips Momo shares that adventure with its patrons by Jamaluddin says, are the savory chickpea waffles bitters; and The Bengal Tiger: bour- Midtown Park Manager offering a menu of bar snacks and small plates and the Hakka street noodles, an Indo-Chinese bon whiskey, soda, lemon, and for Midtown Parks Conservancy influenced by Spanish, Moroccan, and Indian dish that includes ground lamb, carrots, peas, elderflower. Non-alcoholic selections dishes. In creating the menu, Jamaluddin says onion, and cilantro. include coconut water, tea, sodas, a lot of what she decided to offer was based on Topo Chico, and San Pellegrino. what she might actually serve to her own dinner The bar snacks are only available in the later Jamaluddin, who holds a degree in guests, as well as choices that just come nat- evening hours, but they are worth the wait. They accounting, previously worked in the urally to her in her own kitchen. A selection of include marinated olives, spicy roasted peanuts, oil and gas sector before launching flavors from around the world was chosen based Nimki crackers, and Jhal Muri. Jhal Muri is a her own catering and events busi- on places she’s been and places she wants to spicy and crunchy puffed rice mixed with fried ness in 2009. Now she hopes the In my 21 years with Midtown Houston, go, she says. lentils, peanuts, tomato, onion, cilantro, green chili, and mustard oil. The Midtown Dog is an success of that venture carries over the most significant change I’ve seen is the number of people on the streets Among its small plates, Momo serves Salvadoran upscale all-beef frank with caramelized onions into the cozy Midtown Houston eatery. Always in enjoying the neighborhood and its masa cakes with beans and queso fresco, and shredded cheese, garlic mayo, Dijon mus- tune with the taste buds of her patrons, Jamaluddin amenities. Thanks to Midtown Houston working with developers and the city flatbreads with braised beef or shrimp, and a tard, and jalapeno ketchup, to which chicken is working on additions to the menu to keep things of Houston to improve the quality of fish croquette with garlic mayo. Patatas Bravas, or beef can also be added. interesting. Coming soon, a garden board will life, Midtown Houston is now an active, which are red potato wedges dressed with delight vegans and vegetarians, and a salty board walkable area in the middle of Houston. turmeric, paprika, parsley, garlic mayo or jala- The wine list includes a diverse selection of labels will include a selection of meats and cheeses.Visit —Kandi Schramm from French, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, Indian, Administrative Manager peno ketchup, can also be topped with chicken them for Bubbles and Brunch on Sundays from for Midtown Houston or beef. Two of the most popular small plates, and American vineyards. Beers from Belgium, 10am until 10pm!

6 p h o t o s : p h u t u r e photography MIDTOWNHOUSTON.COM 7 A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT MIDTOWNHOUSTON.COM

ONGOING PARK EVENTS WINTER ISSUE, 2018 Midtown Houston’s most popular parks host ongoing events that are free and open to the public thanks to the Midtown Parks Conservancy. MUST HAVE PHONE NUMBERS

 415 GRAY ST. EMERGENCY 911 WINE DOWN MIDTOWN IN MOTION NON-EMERGENCY 311 HAPPY HOUR FITNESS SERIES REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SERIES  Second & 713.526.7577  First Friday Fourth Saturdays 6 p m – 9 p m 9:30a m –11:30a m MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 713.526.7577 Wind down after work Get outside and get healthy with live music and with fitness instructor Roz PUBLIC WORKS entertainment. Happy hour Jones. 832.395.2500 and food specials offered by Rico’s Morning + Noon + Night. SOLID WASTE 832.393.0485

LIVE AT LUNCH YAPPY HOUR ILLEGAL DUMPING 713.525.2728

CODE VIOLATIONS LUNCH SERIES PET-FRIENDLY 311  Second Saturday SERIES 12:30 pm–2pm  Fourth Friday CENTERPOINT ENERGY 713.207.2222 Bring your lunch, or 4:30pm–6:30pm grab a bite at Rico’s Bring your furry friends MAYORS CITIZENS ASSISTANCE Morning + Noon + and meet other dog lovers 713.697.9221 Night, and enjoy live music during this fun event. and performances during the lunch hour. Featuring local pet vendors, as well as free treats, METRO games, and giveaways for your pets. 713.635.4000 HPD (NON-EMERGENCY) 713.884.3131

HPD CENTRAL STATION 713.247.4400  1701 ELGIN ST.  3104 AUSTIN ST. HPD SOUTH CENTRAL STATION 832.394.0200 SECOND SUNDAY YAPPY HOUR HFD STATION 7 832.394.6700 FAMILY-FRIENDLY PET-FRIENDLY SERIES SERIES CONSTABLES PRECINCT NO. 7 713.643.6602  2pm–4pm  Fourth Saturday Enjoy live music, food 11:30am–12:30pm S.E.A.L. SECURITY SOLUTIONS trucks, lawn games, Spend a playdate 832.900.7700 and giveaways! with your favorite furry friend and CRIMESTOPPERS 713.222.8477 enjoy treats, giveaways, contests, and prizes. POISON CONTROL 800.222.1222

 2811 TRAVIS ST.

YAPPY HOUR SAMBA AND FORRÓ DANCE CLASSES

PET-FRIENDLY FITNESS SERIES SERIES  Second Thursday  Third Wednesday 7 p m –8p m and 8 p m –9p m 5:30pm–7pm Learn two popular Brazilian Enjoy a free doggie playdate dance styles. featuring treats and Doga (dog yoga) led by YogaOne.

CAPOEIRA CLASS FAMILY CAPOEIRA AND CIRCLE CLASS

FITNESS SERIES FITNESS SERIES  Second Friday  Third Saturday 7 p m –8p m and 8 p m –9p m 10am– 11am Experience a form of Bring your family and enjoy movement that combines capoeira together!  410 PIERCE STREET, SUITE 355, 77002 spins, turns, precisely-  713.526.7577 aimed kicks, evasive defense moves, and breathtaking acrobatics. MIDTOWNHOUSTON.COM