New Life for the Old Building

by Bill Baldwin, 2011 President

The Board of Directors of the Houston Heights Association (HHA) has approved an initiative that has been titled the 2012-2015 Fire Station Master Plan. The purpose of this project is to make renovations and improvements to the fire station that will complement the building’s style and character, bring it up to current Houston occupancy codes, and provide for additional usages and rental income.

The master plan will encompass five areas, and an ad hoc committee has been established for each. The ad hoc committees will be composed of Board members, community volunteers, and other stakeholders who are willing to think outside the box and look into the future to determine the needs of the facility and property for the next 20 years. Chairs have been enlisted for two of the five committees, but leadership still needs to be identified for the others.

• Exterior - looking for a chairperson
• Interior - looking for a chairperson
• Finance - Keith Crane
• Operations - Lauriel Pearson
• Grounds - looking for a chairperson

The committees will convene at least once a month in July, August, and September to complete a needs assessment and formulate a plan of action. The five committees will report on their progress to the Board of Directors during its scheduled meeting on the third Monday of each month. The Board of Directors will consider the proposed master plan before it is presented to the public on Monday, November 14, 2011, during HHA’s general meeting.

Part of the responsibilities of the finance committee will be to determine how to raise funds that will reimburse HHA general funds for the money spent to purchase the property and cover the estimated expenditures required under the master plan. These fundraising activities will be crucial to the success of the master plan undertakings for renovations and improvements to the exterior, interior, and grounds of the property and to its future operations.

The master plan, which will be under the oversight of HHA’s annual president, requires people to volunteer for the five designated ad hoc committees. In the past, concerned citizens have stepped up to raise the money needed to construct Donovan Park and beautify Heights Boulevard, to list just two projects. I hope our community will once again rally together behind the renovation of this cherished historic structure, which plays such an important role in our community.

If you have an interest in seeing the old building receive new life, please contact me at bill@yourblvd.com for more information. [See related story below.]

Late-Breaking News: Pending Historic Districts Approved

Houston City Council approved Houston Heights South, Woodland Heights, and Glenbrook Valley Historic Districts at its June 29 meeting. Houston Heights East and Houston Heights West Historic Districts remain in effect.

Fire Station Gets Facelift

On August 15, a construction project will start at the Fire Station to restore the building’s exterior. The 96-year-old structure has not had any repairs made to its brick exterior since it was built.

The restoration will consist of removing 1/2 inch of the mortar between the bricks and replacing it. Several places on the building where the decorative plaster has peeled away will be replaced and repaired.

During the 1940’s the Houston Fire Department enlarged the west front door opening to accommodate larger equipment. That opening will be restored to its original appearance and dimensions.

When the building was built in 1914, the letters H.H.F.D. (for Houston Heights Fire Department) were cast into the face of the building over the center front door. The Houston Fire Department removed one H when they took possession in 1919. The missing H will be recreated during the restoration.

The brick restoration work is the first part of a plan to restore both interior and exterior features of the building.

If all goes well, the garage doors will be replaced with glass-paneled wooden doors that will simulate the appearance of the building when it was built. Some of the interior alterations that were made by the Houston Fire Department will also be removed. The restoration of the building not only has historical significance but will also make it more marketable for special occasion rental.

If you are interested in getting involved with the restoration of the Fire Station, please consider joining one of the new Master Plan committees described in the article above.

Get In Gear…

Planning is already underway for the 6th annual Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt to be held Sunday, October 2, 2011. The rally will start and end at Marmion Park. Participants may start any time after 8:00 AM, but must finish by 4:00 PM.

Open to riders of all ages, the basic route will cover a 20-mile course through the Heights and surrounding areas. New this year is the addition of a shorter Kid’s Ride for our younger participants.

All riders will be provided with a scavenger hunt clue list describing mystery sights and objects that can be seen from the rally route. Prizes will be awarded to the person who unravels the most mystery clues.

At the end of the rally, join us for a Post Ride Party at 4:00 PM with the Awards Ceremony at 4:30 PM. Plan to celebrate with entertainment and refreshments while awards are announced and door prizes given.

If you are interested in volunteering for this fun event or donating door prizes or awards, call the Houston Heights Association at 713-861-4002, extension 6, or email bikerally@houstonheights.org.

Watch the website and future newsletters for updated information.

Constable Notes

Summer is here. This is when many of us take vacations, and burglars know this. There are some easy ways to be safer this summer.

Stop your paper and mail services, or have someone pick them up for you so they do not pile up and make it obvious that you are away. Place some lights on timers so that it appears that someone is at home turning lights on and off. Simple motion activated lights outside your home will illuminate specific areas when anyone gets near. Garages, even if they are detached, should be locked. If you have front or side fences, then they also should be locked.

The more you can do to impede a would-be burglar, the better. And if you are a subscriber to the Heights Constable Patrol, you can submit a vacation watch by calling the number provided to you when you subscribed.

Heights Fun Run Wrap-Up

by Linda Eyles, 2011 Fun Run Chair

The 26th annual Heights Fun Run was held on Saturday, June 4, and more than 1400 people came out to enjoy the 5K Run and Walk and the Kids’ 1K. The post-race party was buzzing with people enjoying their victory along with the music and delicious refreshments.

The 5K run is certified by the USA Track & Field and the Gulf Coast Association USA Track & Field. The race was managed by Run Wild Sports, and packet pick-up was held at Luke’s Locker. To see the race results, click here.

Congratulations go out to the first place winners in the 5K Run, as well as to all participants in the 5K Walk and the Kids’ 1K. In addition to the Overall Open and Master runners, thirteen separate age groups received prizes for finishing first and second in the run, for both male and female categories.

The race would not have been possible without our Platinum Sponsor, Republic Bank, and our Bronze Sponsors, My Fit Foods, Boulevard Realty, Rampart Builders, and Linda Eyles Design, Inc. We would also like to thank our generous contributors Bungalow Fitness, Luke’s Locker, The Hot Bagel Shop, J. Luna Produce, Katz Coffee, Silver Eagle Distributors, and Whole Foods for providing refreshments, tireless help, and so much more. We appreciate Jason Cantrelle of State Farm Insurance, Studio Fitness, Athlete’s Honey Milk, Heights Pediatric Associates, and VO2MAX for participating in the after party. David Hodgson of Blue Marlin kindly provided the very cool logo, brochure, and t-shirt design this year. Thanks also to Write Now!, Buchanan’s, Jade Morel, Curtis Johnson, Joy Yoga, John Rodriguez at Memorial Wellness, REI, James Edwards with Hands In Harmony, and the Houston Junior Forum among many others for providing the wonderful door prizes given away at the after party.

Sergio with Scoop le Poop should get a special mention for the terrific job he did cleaning up Marmion Park prior to the race. Every running shoe left the park in perfect condition thanks to Sergio’s great work. You can check out Scoop le Poop’s website at here.

And most importantly, many thanks to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make this race happen. From organizing the post-race party, stuffing runners’ packets, and manning water stations, all the way through to the final clean up of Marmion Park, you guys did it all! I can’t tell you how much all of your hard work is appreciated. You are the reason this is such a special neighborhood to live (and run) in!

[Finally, thanks to Linda for pulling everything together! -Editor]

Progressive Dinner Wrap-Up

On Saturday, May 21, 16 adventuresome guests struck out on a journey to eat, drink, and be merry with neighbors familiar and new at a progressive dinner auctioned at the 2011 Spring Home & Garden Tour.

The whirlwind night began at the home of Linda and Simon Eyles with a menu of spicy ginger pomegranate martinis, fresh ceviche, pesto pie, and walnut- and gorgonzola-stuffed endives. The party moved to the west side abode of Danae Stephenson and Martin Piké, where guests were seated for two sumptuous courses culminating in roasted pork and potato gratin in a rosemary crust. Last stop was at the Easley house, where Diane and Mike set out an impressive array of liqueurs, after-dinner beverages, and three gorgeous and delicious desserts: lemon crème brulée, raspberry chocolate mousse and mini strawberry shortcakes. Katy Bomar and John Childs helped to host the colorful evening. A good time was had by all.

Calendar of Events for July-August 2011

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

Community Calendar

Events planned by other community organizations.

July 8 through 30, UpStage Theatre presents Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. For more information, visit www.upstagetheatre.org or call 713-838-7191.

July 27, 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce presents its Community Expo at the SPJST Lodge, 1435 Beall Street. In addition to business dispays, the event will include the Heights of Dining food sampling and the Idol of the Heights singing contest. For tickets or more information, phone Jacob or Ken at the Chamber office, 713-861-6735.

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.

Future History

October 2, Bicycle Rally

December 2-3, Holiday Home Tour

December 5-7, Holiday Basket Preparation and Delivery

2012:

February 26, Awards Dinner

April 5-7, Spring Home Tour

June 2, Heights Fun Run

Heavy Trash Notes

July is a “Tree Waste Only” month, August is a “Junk Waste” month. For dates in your area and more information, visit the City Solid Waste site here.