There’s No Place Like Home…

Houston Heights Home & Garden Tour

The Home & Garden Tour will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, 2011, from noon to 6:00 PM each day and consists of six spectacular homes and gardens - four historic and two recent construction - each reflecting the unique character and architecture of our neighborhood. Also on the tour this year will be an opportunity to see the “before” version of Immanuel Lutheran Church - an historic structure which will soon be transformed into a community center for art exhibits, receptions, and community and youth programs.

Luxury bus shuttles to all of the homes, included in the price of your ticket, will be standing by at the Heights Fire Station at Yale & 12th Streets, where parking is available.

Advance tickets are $20 through April1 by cash or check at Another Place in Time, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Davis Hardware, Eclectic Home, Lovejoy’s Antiques, Waldo’s Coffee House, and Write Now! You may purchase tickets by credit card through noon on April 1 at our website. Advance bundles of ten are also available for the discounted price of $175 through April 1. Tickets purchased online will be waiting for you at “Will Call” at the Heights Fire Station during the hours of the tour.

Tickets on the days of the tour will be $25 each, $20 for bicycle riders, and $5 for a single home. You may purchase your tickets during tour hours at each of the homes, by check or cash only, and at the Heights Fire Station, where credit cards will be acepted.

While you are at the Fire Station, you will want to see the artistic gifts of our area children at the Houston Heights Association Education Committee’s Sixth Annual Youth Art Show. Visitors will also want to explore the charming Houston Heights area, rich in antique shops, art galleries, clothing and jewelry boutiques, home furnishings and décor, outdoor cafes, and world-class restaurants who will be pulling out all the stops for Heights First Saturday.

Executive Chairs: Denise Martin, Chris Silkwood, and Kelly Simmons

Executive Chairs-Elect: Hilary Parr Cobb, Gilbert Perez, and Lina Fairchild

Home Tour Chairs: Jan Cottage and Sandy Steitz

To volunteer or for more information, you may call 713-861-4002, extension 3, or e-mail springtour@houstonheights.org.

More Home Tour-related articles below:

• Candlelight Dinner
• Auctions
• Children’s Art Show
• Featured Homes & Gardens
• Cover artist Patrick Palmer
• Buy an ad in the program

Candlelight Dinner & Auction

There’s No Place Like Home… We’re not in Kansas anymore.
Houston Heights Home & Garden Tour,
Candlelight Dinner & Auction - April 1, 2011

Tickets are now on sale for the 2011 Candlelight Dinner & Auction to be held on Friday, April 1 (no foolin’), at the fabulous and funky locale of Spring Street Studios. Often referred to as the Houston Heights’ social event of the year, this evening begins with a private tour of homes from 5:00 to 7:00 PM (before they are opened to the public that weekend) and a fun evening of fine dining, open bar, a spectacular live and silent auction, and other special entertainment from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Cocktail attire this year is “Red Footwear-Sneakers to Stilettos,” so start looking for that perfect pair of shoes that defines your style - as long as they are RED!

Surprises are in store this year as you enter the venue, including live performance art, flying monkeys, Miss Gulch’s bicycle complete with Toto, and the much-anticipated event drink, the “Twister,” which some say tastes a lot like a Lemon Drop Martini.

Formerly the Harris Moving and Storage Building, Spring Street Studios is a new redevelopment project in what has become a flourishing art community developing in the First Ward and will provide us over 10,000 square feet of uninterrupted space, with concrete floors and soaring ceilings. The owners are generously holding off on the division of the first floor space into artists’ studios until our event is over. After that, it becomes home to approximately 80 artists, 002 Magazine, a yoga studio, and a popular destination for art openings and events. You can read more about Spring Street Studios or get directions here.

Tickets are $125 per individual (open seating) and $1,250 for a reserved table for ten. Seating is available on a first-come first-served basis up to 500, and we expect the event to sell out, so purchase your tickets early. You may buy your tickets by returning the completed registration form included with the Candlelight Dinner invitation to be mailed to HHA members, or you may buy them online at the HHA website.

The Candlelight Crew

Candlelight Dinner Chairs: Denise Martin, Chris Silkwood, and Kelly Simmons

Candlelight Dinner Chairs-Elect: Marylou Erbland and Gayle Klaybor

Auction Chairs: Kit Davis, Janet Buchheit, and Beth Martin

Venue Design & Entertainment: Kristal Kirksey and Ellen Newcaster

Kick-Off Party Chairs: Linda Eyles and Danae Stephenson

Media Production: Katy Bomar and Suzie Jennings

Auction Committee: June Barth, Rita Blanchard, Anne Culotta, Suzie Jennings, Ellen Newcaster, Pamela O’Brien, Julie Pettit, Martha Pieratt, Nicole Ridgeway, Liz Conces Spencer, and Carol Welter

Emcee: Anne Culotta

Auctioneers: Simon Eyles and Martin Piké

Gala Program & Ads: Anne Culotta and Paula Collins

For more information, you may visit our website, call 713-861-4002 extension 3, or e-mail candlelightdinner@houstonheights.org.

Candlelight Auctions

Your ticket to this year’s Candlelight Dinner also gets you into one of the most anticipated events of the evening, the live and silent auctions. This year we have a wonderful array of items sure to please no matter if you are from Kansas or Oz or someplace in between. There are a number of homemade treasures, and if your intention is to be someplace other than home, even though there really is no place like it, there are a number of getaway packages for just the two of you or you and your munchkins.

Of course, art will again be taking center stage with an incredible number of works from some of our favorite and most acclaimed artists. Be sure to check out the unique and beautiful side tables, which are crafted and designed by some of our local artists and artisans. [See article at left.]

A special item this year will be the auctioning of a replica of the Miss Gulch bicycle (you remember that meanie who tried to take Toto away from Dorothy… boo hiss). The bike even comes with a replica Toto in a basket.

Of course, there will be many more surprises in the auction, so come and have a heart to support your HHA, your courage to outbid your best friends, and your brain to recognize a good bargain when you see it.

Buy An Ad In The Candlelight Dinner & Auction Program

The popular keepsake Gala Program for the Candlelight Dinner & Auction is distributed on the evening of the event to 500 distinguished guests. Guests are strongly encouraged that evening to support those businesses, professionals, and artists who purchase ads in the Program. Guests peruse them that evening to find out what awaits them in the live and silent auctions, and take them home to look at all of the creative ads and see who is supporting the neighborhood.

Want to submit an “ad” to brag about your children or grandchildren? Your animal companions? Place a memorial or honor someone? Support your favorite charity? We welcome those “ads” too!

Ads are black and white in the following sizes and prices:

Business Card - 3.5” x 2” - $100

Half Page - 5.5” x 4.25” - $250

Full Page - 5.5” x 8.5” - $400

Proceeds from the event and the Gala Program will directly support the ongoing beautification, education, renovation, and maintenance projects and efforts of the Houston Heights Association.

The deadline for submission is March 18. Ads may be submitted in print form (such as business cards), PDF, Word, Power Point, JPEG, or Publisher format.

To print and submit the ad sales form and pay for an ad, please click here. For more information, visit our website, call 713-880-0923, or e-mail anneculotta@usa.net.

Historic District Reconsideration Update

On October 13, Houston City Council passed amendments to the Historic Preservation Ordinance and a transition process to the new ordinance. From October 18 through November 17, property owners in an existing or pending historic district could request reconsideration of their district.

In seven historic districts, the owners of 10% or more of the tracts asked for their districts to be reconsidered. The City mailed to all property owners in those districts an announcement of a public meeting and forms to be mailed back by any owners wanting to repeal their districts.

Planning Director Marlene Gafrick reported to City Council on January 6 that the number of returned forms was insufficient to trigger a recommendation to abolish the Heights East, Heights West, Heights South, Boulevard Oaks, and Avondale West districts.

Preliminary results from Planning and Development show that Norhill and First Montrose Commons districts also failed to reach the 51% threshold. No district is likely to be dissolved.

Planning and Development expected to present all the reports to City Council at their February 23 meeting or shortly thereafter. Council will use the information from the returned forms and recommendations from staff to decide whether to affirm, modify, or abolish each district.

Late Breaking News:

At the February 23 City Council meeting, the Director of Planning & Development formally presented reports with survey results and recommendations on the six existing historic districts that underwent reconsideration, including Houston Heights East and West. Her reports indicated that no district had reached the threshold for dissolution and that surveys requesting repeal of district designation were dispersed throughout each district. Her recommendation was that Council take no action with regard to the designation of five of the six districts (that is, leave them intact) and that Council amend the boundaries of First Montrose Commons to exclude one tract at a corner of the district, which had been included unintentionally.

At that meeting, the following schedule was announced: Reports on the three pending districts (Houston Heights South, Woodland Heights, and Glenbrook Valley) would be presented to City Council on March 2. Any action on the six existing districts would be deferred until March 9.

Copies of the formal reports on the six existing districts (with maps of survey results and the Director’s recommendations for City Council action) are now available on the City Planning Department site (click here) along with the amended Historic Preservation Ordinance and the transition ordinance. We hope that further information on the reconsideration process will be posted there as it becomes available.

Restoration/Historical Committee

The next Houston Heights Association Restoration/Historical Committee meeting will be held at the historic George Henry Burnett House at 219 W. 11th St. on Thursday, March 17, 7:30-9:30 PM.

Whether you are new to the neighborhood or have lived here for years, you may have heard stories about the Sears Craftsman House, designed in the Queen Anne style in March of 1904. As was the custom then, the house was pre-cut in Illinois, shipped by rail, and transported to this site by wagon. A local carpenter who lived next door assembled the house. The home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This unusual construction is one of just a few left in the Heights constructed in this fashion. But the really interesting thing about it is the story behind the man who had it built.

Mr. Burnett moved to the Heights soon after losing his family in the 1900 “Great Storm,” the worst natural disaster in the United States. In his book about the storm, Isaac’s Storm, author Erik Larson recounts how George and brother Gary Burnett sought refuge from the storm in a neighbor’s home in Galveston but lost their wives and children when the house collapsed in the dark waters from the hurricane’s storm surge.

From being a tragic hurricane survivor, to building one of the most historic homes in the Heights, to becoming an artist, inventor, cabinet-maker, and controversial Vaudeville accordionist, his background was not exposed until after his death. His associations with famous people like Al Capone and a “mysterious” film and TV star just make his story more interesting. His business skills extended to a commercial roller-skating rink, the first milk pasteurization plant in Houston, and co-founding one of the city’s largest commercial dry cleaning establishments.

Of special interest to restoration enthusiasts will be the home itself. Original gas and electric lighting, beautiful personal touches from his carpentry skills, original photos, and memorabilia are to be viewed. A recent addition to the home has added more living space while keeping the historic style of the historic home.

The Houston Heights Restoration/Historical Committee meetings are open to the public bimonthly to learn about history and restoration in keeping with an appreciation of the historic nature of the Houston Heights. Membership in the Houston Heights Association is encouraged, but not mandatory to attend these events.

Please let Committee Chairman, Dean Swanson, know if you have a restoration project, historical structure under restoration, or historical information or photos pertaining to the Heights to share at future meetings. Dean also conducts historical tours of the Houston Heights for groups and can be contacted at 713-880-2832 or by e-mail to swansonad@sbcglobal.net.

The 2011 Featured Homes & Gardens

Cohen Home, 726 E. 8th St.

Homeowners: Wanda and Mark Cohen
Head Docents: Natalye Appel and Stuart Smith
Florals: The Empty Vase

Completed in 2009, this three-story modern structure, designed by Natalye Appel and Associates and built by Eimar Virkus, references the Craftsman style of the Houston Heights. Large windows and balconies on each level provide light and views in all directions. Handmade artisan furnishings create a unique backdrop for the amazing international collections of pottery, ceramics, glass and baskets. A large stainless steel water feature framed by grasses, bamboo, and gingers highlights the low-maintenance contemporary xeriscape. These homeowners can be found most evenings relaxing by their cozy outdoor fireplace or on one of their view-inspired balconies.

Bohnn/Green Home, 945 Columbia Street

Homeowners: Brett Bohnn and Bill Green
Head Docents: Benjamin Graham and Holly Simmons
Florals: Bergner & Johnson Design
Table Setting: Buchanan’s Bungalow

A sense of community and “real” yards drew the homeowners to the Houston Heights. In this 1920 classically-renovated Craftsman-style home, Bill Baldwin Restoration incorporated custom updates and expansions to fit the homeowners’ modern lifestyle. Furnishings, fixtures, and art throughout generous living spaces are a comfortable mix of contemporary, traditional, and antique - including the home’s original claw foot tub. The awe-inspiring landscape features several distinct, wildlife-friendly sitting areas, including a tranquil pond, butterfly and migratory bird gardens with vintage concrete benches, and a roomy back porch overlooking their New Orleans courtyard-style pool.

Willis Home, 711 E. 19th Street

Homeowners: Dawnia and Darryl Willis
Head Docents: Sue and Bob Burleson
Florals: Darlene’s Flowers
Table Setting: Bliss on 19th

This 2010 LEED green building certified house was realized from the homeowners’ dream of a comfortable, sustainable, and efficient home. The large front porch welcomes visitors into the grand hallway banked by a set of pocket doors that were reclaimed from a sunken 1906 yacht once owned by Mussolini. The home is filled with one-of-a-kind furnishings and Russian artwork collected in their travels. The architectural design, by Newberry Campa Architects and builder Kerry Galvin Homes, reflects the couple’s desire for clean lines and functional open spaces perfect for entertaining. The equally comfortable outdoor space functions as a roomy extension and features a fabulous outdoor kitchen pavilion.

Vaughn Home, 1802 Cortlandt

Homeowners: Gena and Michael Vaughn
Head Docents: Jeannine Coffey and Mitzi Mickolas
Florals: Central Market
Table Setting: Batsche Design, Inc.

When the homeowners purchased this 1920s American Foursquare in 2008, they immediately began interior and exterior renovations. Believing that the outdoors is as important a living space as the indoors, they paid careful attention to both. The result is a spacious and open indoor living space and beautiful outdoor dining area; both are perfect for entertaining and reflect the homeowners’ comfortable and welcoming style. The spectacular landscape design, including raised vegetable gardens, was inspired by the Wildflower Center in Austin, where the Vaughns were married.

Sitton Home, 247 W. 21st Street

Homeowners: Annie and Gary Sitton
Head Docents: Pen Morrison, Paula Swain, and Penny Fiederlein
Florals: Jana’s Flowers
Table Setting: Jubilee in the Heights

Previously named “Toad Hall” after the former owner’s love of A.A. Milne’s play “Toad of Toad Hall,” Gary and Annie renamed it “The Bunny Bungalow” as soon as the mass collection of toads moved out. The 1920 Arts and Crafts bungalow has recently undergone an extensive renovation, including the kitchen and baths. Reflecting the homeowners’ creative style and years of collecting, the cozy home is filled with art from local galleries and artists, mid-century and Stickley furnishings, and of course, antique and vintage bunnies of every imaginable stripe. Beautifully designed by Rogers + Labarthe Architects, the new detached garage studio apartment is an architectural jewel box, filled with art, collectibles, and his and hers bookshelves.

Perez/Eronko Home, 1401 Herkimer Street

Homeowners: Nick Eronko and Gilbert Perez
Head Docent: Hilary Parr Cobb
Florals: Killion Milam Florist
Table Setting: Bespoke by GJCD

This 1914 Pomona Style Bungalow was saved from demolition by Historic Houston and moved to its current location by Bungalow Revival. Though still in its original footprint, this home has been meticulously restored using reclaimed materials and antique period-style lighting fixtures. Minor floor plan modifications seamlessly complement the home’s many boastful and original architectural elements and features. The homeowners’ attention to period architectural detail, thoughtfully handpicked furnishings and textiles, and an eclectic art collection creates a unique yet timeless living space echoing the comfort and informality that inspired the original American Bungalow movement.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 15th & Cortlandt

In a terrible state of repair, this historic Gothic Revival Sanctuary was scheduled for demolition in 2010 until a neighborhood group formed to save the magnificent structure. Stop in and see the “before” version of this important historical building, which was designed by German architects in the early 1930s, as well as the soon-to-be “after” version, depicted in drawings and 3-D renditions by Ziegler Cooper Architects and to be executed by Fretz Construction. A new roof has recently been installed on the building, and the committee is currently raising the necessary capital to restore the building, which will function as a community center, including art exhibits, theatre performances, receptions, and youth services.

Calendar of Events for March–April 2011

HHA headquarters: The Fire Station is on the corner of Yale and 12th Streets.

Community Calendar

Events planned by other community organizations.

Every Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Historic Houston’s salvage warehouse is open. See www.historichouston.org.

Every Monday, 7:30 to 10:00 PM, Houston International Folk Dancers introductory lessons at Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th.

March 4 and 5, 8:00 PM, UpStage Theatre presents Rehearsal for Murder at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. For more information or tickets, call 713-838-7191 or visit www.upstagetheatre.org.

March 5, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, The Lymphoma Research Foundation will host its second Houston Lymphomathon at Stude Park, 1031 Stude Street. For more information, please visit www.lymphomathon.org/Houston2011.

March 5, 110:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce presents its Annual Crawfish Festival in the Sterling Bank parking lot, 414 W. 19th at Ashland. Call the Chamber at 713-861-6735 for full details.

March 24-26 and March 31 through April 2, Opera in the Heights presents Bizet’s Pearl Fishers at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. For more information, visit www.operaintheheights.org.

March 25-27, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Art Colony Association presents the 40th Annual Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park. For more information, please visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

April 2, 7:30 PM, Health Care for All Texas presents Jim Post in his one-man show “Mark Twain and the Laughing River” at Live Oak Friends Meeting Hall, 1318 W. 26th St. For information or to buy tickets, please visit www.healthcareforalltexas.org/Calendar.html.

Future History

June 4, Heights Fun Run

October 2, Bicycle Rally

December 2-3, Holiday Home Tour

December 5-7, Holiday Basket Preparation and Delivery

February 26, 2012, Awards Dinner

April 5-7, Spring Home Tour

At The Fire Station

Events at the Houston Heights City Hall and Fire Station, 12th and Yale

The second Monday, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and the last Monday of the month, 8:00 AM to noon, the City Council District H Satellite Office is open at the east (office) door.

Heavy Trash Notes

March is a “Tree Waste Only” month; April is a “Junk Waste” month. See Solid Waste website for dates in your area and more information.