By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
The Houston real estate market showed signs of recovery in 2024, experiencing modest growth after two years of decline. Across The Leader’s six zip codes, 3,080 homes were sold, reflecting steady demand and a competitive market. Here’s a closer look at how each zip code performed and insights into what 2025 may hold.
2024 Home Sales Breakdown
• 77018: 640 homes sold, ranging in price from $120,000 to $2,581,859 in Garden Oaks.
• 77092: 215 homes sold, ranging in price from $130,000 to $1,365,000 in Bay Ridge.
• 77091: 396 homes sold, ranging in price from $74,000 to $2,200,000 in Highland Heights.
• 77007: 556 homes sold, ranging in price from $260,000 to $3,441,000 in Crestwood Acres.
• 77008: 763 homes sold, ranging in price from $270,000 to $2,200,000 in Houston Heights.
• 77009: 510 homes sold, ranging in price from $110,000 to $2,100,000 in Norhill.
Houston Real Estate Trends
The Houston market saw steady price appreciation, strong demand, and a balanced inventory in 2024: Price: The median home price in December 2024 was $320,179, up
North Shepherd has been undergoing a gentrification-induced facelift since the end of 2021, in efforts to beautify and improve the neighborhood. It was also fueled by a growing initiative to brand the Heights as a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and render it a ‘walkable’ community, of sorts. With that crusade came great transformations to the existing business landscape to keep pace. For many years, the ShepherdDurham corridor was home to many commercial businesses (some rather transient in nature) that lacked aesthetic appeal and were unsightly blemishes on the face of a blossoming surrounding residential area that was both desperate and overdue for change. A large percentage of the real estate along both thoroughfares was home to literally dozens of used car dealerships and odd businesses that seemed to litter the corridor. The
1300 block was no exception. It was formerly home to one of those many used car sales lots and other affiliated businesses, including a signage and glass shop. It wasn’t until the buildings were cleared a few years after the last ownership change that it became obvious just how unattractive the land
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
Houston parents, get ready to shop and save sustainably! On Jan. 30, 2025, Once Upon A Child, a leading retail resale concept for children’s clothing, toys, and gear, will officially open its doors at 1102 Pinemont Dr. The grand opening weekend promises excitement, family fun, and incredible deals as the store invites the community to explore its unique offerings.
The four-day celebration is packed with activities for kids and
parents alike.
• Thursday, Jan. 30: The first
25 customers will receive a $25 gift card. All day, guests can stop by the counter to receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Parent Survival Kit, featuring a gift card to a local restaurant, a Lululemon crossbody bag and more. From 3-5 p.m., customers can spin the wheel for a chance to win a prize.
• Friday, Jan. 31: From 10 a.m.noon, families can enjoy a Bluey Party featuring Bluey cutouts, prizes, and a special appearance by “Blue Dog.” All day, kids can
beneath the improvement structures actually was. Also evident was how much would need to be invested to enhance the property, while maintaining and preserving the homogeneity and charm that characterizes the Heights.
participate in a Treasure Hunt— if they find a gold coin, they can bring it to the counter to exchange it for a prize from the Treasure Box.
• Saturday, Feb. 1: From 1011:30 a.m., children can meet Elsa (AKA “Ice Princess”) at a Princess Party, complete with princess decorations and stickers. From 3-4 p.m., Superhero Saturday brings an action-packed hour, including a meet-and-greet with Spiderman.
2.7% from 2023. Average prices hit a record high of $443,362 in July before settling at $425,150 by year-end.
Sales: Single-family home sales increased by 1.3% to 85,163 compared to 2023. Luxury homes priced over $1 million saw a notable 21.4% sales increase.
Inventory: The inventory held steady at a 4.4-month supply throughout most of 2024, keeping competition high and homes selling quickly.
By MITCH COHEN The Leader Arts Contributor
The First Saturday Arts Market, a mainstay of creativity in Houston, proudly marks its 21st year in March, kicking off the celebration with a Valentine’s twist. Since 2004, this market has been a cornerstone for local artists, offering a vibrant monthly showcase at 540 W. 19th St. in the Historic Houston Heights, from September to May. This February, the First Saturday Arts Market adds a Valentine’s Day twist to its celebrations, offering art lovers a special opportunity to find unique gifts for their loved ones while commemorating 21 years of artistic innovation.
A Tradition of Excellence
First Saturday Arts Market has transformed from a small gathering to Houston’s longest-running monthly outdoor art market, attracting art enthusiasts with its unique atmosphere. The market has evolved into a cultural hub where creativity flourishes, providing a platform for artists to display their work in mediums like pottery, photography, jewelry design, woodcraft, printmaking, and painting. Artists are selected through a meticulous process ensuring originality, quality, and relevance, maintaining the market’s reputation for hosting only the finest art.
This Month’s Event WHEN: Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: 540 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 INFO: www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com
COMMUNITY REPORTS
CRAWFISH SEASON
Crawfish Cafe
Crawfish season is upon us, and the 13-year local favorite Crawfish Cafe is already serving up mudbugs at multiple locations across Greater Houston. Get live crawfish boiled by the pound a la carte or customize a combo deal with your favorite sides like snow crab, shrimp, corn, and potatoes. Mix and match boil sauces like house blends including The Signature (garlic butter and kickin cajun), The Mix (garlic butter and lemon pepper), The Grail (garlic butter and thai basil), plus classics like Texas Cajun, and more. Spice levels range from mild to reaper if you dare. Add-on options include corn, potatoes, mushrooms, egg, sausage, pineapple sausage, and a turkey neck. Make the crustecean bonanza complete with other crawdad creations like Crawfish Eggrolls, Crawfish Cheese Bread, Crawfish Mini Empanadas, and Crawfish Etoufee. Crawfish Cafe is located in Alief, Heights, The Woodlands, Cypress, and Pearland (opening Feb 1) and open seven days a week. Dine in or order online. For more information, visit crawfishcafe. com.
1026 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
www.crawfishcafe.com
THE BIG GAME
1891 American Eatery & Bar Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner, and 1891
American Eatery & Bar has the perfect game day party packages for those looking to elevate their game-day experience! Whether hosting a party or tailgate, 1891’s Super Bowl ToGo Packages offer a variety of crowd-pleasing platters, making it easy to enjoy delicious bites while watching the big game. Orders can be placed online at 1891heights.com or by calling 1891 American Eatery & Bar at (281) 501-9457 to reserve these delicious, game-winning platters.
702 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008 1891heights.com
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Common Bond
Slither into the Year of the Snake with Common Bond's limited-time-only Lunar New Year Entremet in collaboration with Lee's Golden Dragon. This sweet treat is made with almond sponge cake, espresso milk chocolate cremeux, and dark chocolate almond whipped ganache, and is available through Feb. 12 at all Common Bond locations. Join in on a Lunar New Year celebration happening at Heights Bistro & Bakery on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m., featuring a performance by Lee's Golden Dragon Lion & Dragon Dance Association. 449 W 19th St Suite #B100, Houston, TX 77008 www.commonbondcafe.com
Lyric Market
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Lyric Market with Lee’s Golden Dragon’s captivating lion and dragon dance performance on the Lyric Plaza in front of the iconic Virtuosi Statu on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. for Lyric Market’s Lunar New Year Celebration! To continue the celebration, enjoy Year of the Snake-inspired cocktail spe-
cials from Lyric Bar including a Cherry Cobra (vodka, cherry juice, and lemon-lime soda) or Blood Moon (tequila, lime, blood orange, and agave).
411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
www.lyricmarket.com
VALENTINE'S DAY
Mutiny Wine Room
Celebrate love in all its forms—whether it’s with friends, a partner, or a new flame—at Mutiny Wine Room. Indulge in a special 3-course dinner for $75 per person, thoughtfully crafted to make the occasion unforgettable. Savor dishes like Fresh East Coast Oysters with a Thai twist, House-Smoked Peking Duck Breast served with ginger stir-fried rice, and a decadent Chocolate and Red Wine Pot de Crème topped with candied hazelnuts.
Sip, taste, and savor the romance of the holiday weekend with our Valentine’s Day 3-course menu, available February 14–16 from 4-9 pm. Explore the full menu and reserve your table here. Mutiny Wine Room's regular dinner menu will be available as well.
1124 Usener St, Houston, TX 77009
www.mutinywineroom. com/event-details/valentines-weekend
El Bolillo Bakery
El Bolillo Bakery is spreading the love this season with the sweetest treats! Customers can now preorder online or instore for pick-up on February 3 – February 14 at any El Bolillo Bakery location. Preorders can be placed by visiting elbolillo.com. For nationwide shipping, orders can also be placed on goldbelly.com. 2517 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009 www.elbolillo.com
February 1-14, this box is the perfect gift for someone special or a special treat for yourself.
449 W 19th St Suite #B100, Houston, TX 77008
www.commonbondcafe.com
Mostly Chocolate
The season of indulging in a copious amount of sweet treats without judgment has arrived — and yes, it’s also the Season of Love! Mostly Chocolate has everything you need to make this Valentine's Day extra special, including four seasonally exclusive bonbon flavors: Dark Chocolate Crunch, Cookies n’ Cream, Champagne and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. All of these new flavors and Mostly Chocolate classics are available in store or online in Build Your Own Boxes (6, 12, 16, 25 or 36 pieces ranging from $21-$105.)
Plus, head chocolatier, Dany Kamkhagi, is introducing his 3D Smashable ChocolateCovered Pecan-Filled Hearts for $20, along with a variety of Valentine’s-themed delights from Mostly Chocolate’s Chocolate Pizazz offerings. Treat yourself — or someone you love!
1050 N Post Oak Rd #220, Houston, TX 77055 https://mostlyhtx.com
Caracol
pairing for an additional $36. Full bar, award-winning wine list. Reservations highly recommended. 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 www.hugosrestaurant.net
Rainbow Lodge Rainbow Lodge is Houston’s one of Houston’s most unique and romantic restaurants, an original lodge restaurant featuring seafood and wild game in a historic 116-year-old log cabin on an acre of beautiful grounds. The restaurant is offering a three-course menu dinner for $125 per person plus tax, gratuity & additional beverages. As is tradition, the menu will begin Lodge favorite starters such as Taste of the Wild, Smoked Duck Gumbo, Leafy Salads and Speckled Tater Tots with Rainbow Trout Caviar; main courses feature signature Steaks, Wild Game and Seafood Entrees; and the meal will end with a selection of seasonal Desserts. The restaurant will be open for lunch on Valentine’s Day from 11 am to 3 pm, and dinner service begins at 5 pm. Full bar, award-winning wine list, patio seating. Reservations highly recommended. 2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
www.rainbow-lodge.com
Common Bond
Caracol is one of Houston’s best seafood restaurants, serving authentic seafood dishes from the six coastal regions of Mexico & more. For Valentine’s, they will offer a special Couple’s Menu on the evenings of February 12, 13 & 15 for $120 per couple plus tax, gratuity and beverages. Optional cocktail pairing available for $33 per person. On Valentine’s evening, February 14, they are offering a set, four-course menu for $85 per person plus tax, gratuity and beverages. There is an optional cocktail pairing available for $36 additional. Full bar and award-winning wine list. Reservations required. 2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056 www.caracol.net
Etoile Cuisine et Bar
Who knows romance more than the French? For Valentine’s, Chef Philippe Verpiand will be offering a special four-course menu on the evenings of February 11-16. The menu will be available Tuesday through Sunday in addition to the full a la carte menu, and will be the only menu for Valentine’s night, February 14. Cost of the Valentine’s menu is $98 per person plus tax, gratuity and beverages. Full bar, patio seating. Reservations highly recommended. 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 www.etoilecuisine.com
Kenny & Ziggy’s Why not show your Bubby and Zayde – grandma and grandpa – some love this Valentine’s Day with a shared meal at Kenny & Ziggy’s?? Just for the holiday, they will offer a special 3-course menu for just $25 per person plus tax, gratuity & beverages. 1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 www.kennyandziggys.com
Optional beverage menu an additional $33. The in-house bakery will be making special pastries such as heart-shaped conchas and cookies around the Valentine’s holiday. Full bar, outdoor seating. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd Suite 12, Houston, TX 77056 www.urbehouston.com
Brasserie 19
Bring on the rosé and raclette! It's Galentine's Day! Houston, this one’s for the girls. B19 patrons will be in their Chalet Chic for this Galentine’s Raclette-style brunch on February 15 from 12:30 - 4:30. Brasserie 19 will be joined by a DJ spinning from 12:30-4:30 pm. Don’t miss this extra-special Swiss afternoon filled with bubbles, specialty cocktails, food specials, large-format “brunchsized” bottles, and more! 1962 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 www.brasserie19.com
Celebrate love with Common Bond’s Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pastry Box, featuring a delightful selection of sweet Valentine’s treats! For just $15.99, enjoy a Strawberry Cheesecake Entremet, two Strawberry Macarons, and two Strawberry Cake Pops. Available for preorder online with 72-hour advance notice and for purchase in-store from
Hugo’s FELIZ DIA DE SAN VALENTIN – Happy Valentine’s Day! On the evenings of February 12, 13, 15 & 16, Chef Hugo Ortega is offering a special four-course couple’s menu $120 per couple plus beverage, tax and gratuity. Optional cocktail pairing menu for $33 per person. For Valentine’s night, February 14, there will be a set four-course menu for $85 per person plus tax, gratuity & beverages. There is an optional cocktail
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen Houston’s home for amazing enchiladas and other Tex-Mex favorites is Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, with two locations in Houston. For Valentine’s, Sylvia’s will be offering Parrillada Special for Two from February 14-16, which includes a half-pound of chicken and beef fajitas, 2 grilled quail and 4 jumbo shrimp, served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, sour cream and tortillas, plus one chocolate tres leches to share for $54.95 + tax & gratuity. Available lunch or dinner, dine-in or to-go. Both locations have a full bar and patio. Reservations recommended. 6401 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057 www.sylviasenchiladas.com
URBE For Valentine’s, URBE will be offering a Valentine’s menu for 2 – three courses which offers choices for the first two courses plus a shared dessert – on the evenings of February 12, 13, 14 & 15 for is $85 per couple plus tax, gratuity & beverages.
Lyric Market This Valentine’s Day, join Lyric Market and enjoy "Dinner for the Lovebirds" with cocktails, live jazz, and delicious food. No reservations required. The weekend isn’t just about lovebirds, Lyric Market will be hosting a Galentine’s Paint and Sip Class on February 15 at 4pm. Grab the gals and celebrate with specialty cocktails at Lyric Bar paired with bites from Lyric Market Favorites Dorado Sushi, Mexology, Samurai Noodle and more. Paint & Sip Class reservations can be made by visiting https://bit. ly/LyricMarketPaintandSip. 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002 www.lyricmarket.com
In 2021, the Terry Black Family, also known as Black Family Hospitality (BFH), known for developing restaurants and event spaces across Texas, began searching for the perfect location to expand into the Houston market. The Central Texas family fell head over heels in love with the Heights and identified property available for purchase in the 1300 block of North Shepherd. As fate would have it, their first acquisition in late December of 2021 coincided with the launch of the longanticipated Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority’s TIRZ 5 Shepherd-Durham Revitalization Initiative. The project (which is still ongoing) is intended to improve, update, and renovate the Shepherd and Durham north-south corridors between I-10 and Loop 610. As the ‘For Sale’ signs came down and the old improvements were cleared, the neighborhood was abuzz with speculation about what was being done with the property.
The Black Family’s development project was announced to the community on several occasions, including an August Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council meeting and an October open forum Heights Homeowners Association meeting, where additional concerns and comments were encouraged and addressed. Family representatives shared their preliminary plans at both meetings. However, the general nature of the early-stage plans, coupled with a lack of familiarity with the Terry Black Family, initially caused a degree of apprehension among Heights residents, very similar to that experienced with the introduction of the Downtown Heights’ Hotel Daphne. As commonly happens with new developments in the community, questions began to simmer about the project.
Mark Black, co-owner of BFH, drove down from Austin recently to have a rare, oneon-one conversation with The Leader about the history behind Terry Black’s BBQ, expansions into new markets and, most importantly, the vision for their planned development.
The History of Terry Black’s BBQ Black said that his side of the family opened the first Terry Black’s BBQ in 2014 in Austin. In just a couple of years, Texas Monthly recognized them on their list of the Top 50 Barbeque Joints in Texas.
“We continued to expand, opening restaurants in Dallas, Lockhart, Waco, Fort Worth and, now, soon to be Houston,” Black said.
Restaurant patrons in those areas of Texas were very familiar with ‘The Original Black’s BBQ’ name, but did not immediately understand the reason for the ‘Terry Black’s BBQ’ branding at its onset. What is often not known to the general public, especially outside of Central Texas geography, is the turbulent backstory behind it.
The entire family had been intimately involved in the family-owned Original Black’s BBQ that first opened in 1932 and has been thriving for nearly a century. However, the two sides of the family and the two restaurant chains they operate are two completely separate and distinct entities. Mark explained that, leading up to 2013, his father Terry’s side of the family and his Uncle Kent’s side of the family had a falling out and were feuding over the way the original restaurant was managed and operated.
This resulted in Terry’s family pursuing the opening of their own new restaurants that incorporated years of rich tradition and experience, while embracing a fresh approach to the business.
As they were opening their first BBQ restaurant in Austin, however, Uncle Kent filed a cease and desist order. He demanded that Terry’s family make a name change so that their restaurants could not and would not be confused with his. As a result, Terry Black’s BBQ was born, distinguishing itself in name from The Original Black’s BBQ. Still, the conflict and tension continued to spiral as their Uncle Kent became increasingly disgruntled with what he perceived to be plans to open a competing site in Lockhart. When they attempted to secure property in the area, Mark said, the Original Black’s BBQ began to retaliate, using advertising to ensure that the public knew that there was only one ‘true’ Black’s BBQ in town. According to Mark, they even included resorting to inflammatory, if not misleading, signage referencing the newlyformed restaurant chain, taking bitterness to a new level in the family.
Despite the roadblocks, however, Terry Black’s BBQ prevailed and was able to purchase a nearby location that was far closer, visible and accessible to Highway 183, the main corridor between Lockhart and Austin. Then, in 2022, the media melodrama pendulum swung in the ongoing saga. The Original Black’s BBQ was slapped with an adverse decision, following a Department of Labor audit, where they were found to have violated a change in labor law that now made it illegal to share or split employeeearned tips with management. Although The Original Black’s BBQ denied having knowledge of the change, they were found guilty of wrongfully reallocating $230,353 in earned tips by hard-working employees to management across their four locations. The funds have since been re-paid.
“While the unpleasant competitiveness and animosity have been unfortunate, it has served to bring our immediate family so much closer together and our collective drive, so much stronger,” Mark said.
The Vision for North Shepherd
The Blacks continued to grow their holdings by expanding and diversifying to include new markets for their barbeque restaurants, a seafood restaurant, and even two wineries. But, what they have in mind for their North Shepherd project is a new and exciting departure for them. According to Mark, the site will be home to a new Terry Black’s BBQ restaurant but, eventually, it will also be home to a charming, yet intimate, resort-type venue. It begs the question, “Why here and why now?”
When asked about the motivation behind this new multiuse development in the Heights, Mark responded, “We buy most of our sites, rather than lease. And when you’re buying real estate, you don’t always have control over how big or how small the property is. When we are fortunate enough to be able to buy larger sites or contiguous properties, we have the luxury of being able to expand our vision. We chose this neighborhood because of its obvious inherent charm, the ensuing plans for increased walkability and because of the number of diverse people that live, work and dine here. When we were looking at available properties, we determined that the Heights was far more appealing and residential than any of the other locations we scouted.”
Black agreed that the concentricity and accessibility were as desirable as midtown or downtown, but without the traffic and congestion; the perfect site for their first multi-use development to have a lodging component. When asked about the plan and vision for the development he said, “That’s actually still evolving, as we’ve been fortunate enough to buy some adjacent properties to complement our
original purchase. The lodging component is going to be very small and intimate, most likely under 15 rooms, in the form of individual bungalows. We want to make it feel like ‘the living room of the neighborhood’. We want to give it a space where it’s not just driven by the guests staying at the hotel facilities, but also a destination for the residents in the neighborhood.”
Mark said the plan is to make amenities, such as the day spa and pool, available to neighboring residents for remuneration to be determined.
Beyond the desire to expand the amenities offered, part of the continuing efforts to acquire real estate in that block are to help mitigate potential parking and congestion issues around the restaurant, the lodging and its subsequent offerings.
“The city obviously has minimum parking requirements for the restaurant, lodging and amenities, but we will far exceed those,” Mark said, adding they would make valet parking available for the lodging, but there would be plenty of parking dedicated to the restaurant.
The other reason for acquiring additional real estate is to accommodate extensive landscaping. The site they are planning to transform is relatively void of greenery and flora and will require extensive planning and design.
When asked what he wanted neighboring residents to know most about the lodging component of the project he said, “The main thing is that neighbors and passersby will hardly notice it, we want it to blend in. It will be small and intimate, it will fit well with the community and it will be extremely comfortable.”
The restaurant, he said, will be readily identifiable and recognizable facing North
Shepherd, but the balance of the development will almost be camouflaged behind the foliage and will not exceed two stories, with the exception of one three-story building containing the gym, locker rooms, etc. To someone driving by, Mark explained, there won’t be any obvious indication of what the property even contains. And, more importantly, he noted they are focused on maintaining the homogeneity and integrity of the surrounding Heights neighborhood, rather than succumbing to modern architecture as many developers do.
“We are designing a space for the experience we want to provide inside of that space and that doesn’t happen overnight. We are focused on every little detail,” Mark said. “That’s why we plan to move forward with the construction of the restaurant later this year, but will move more slowly with the lodging and amenities.”
At the time they began purchasing the North Shepherd properties at the end of 2021, they had no specific plan, other than to bring their barbeque expertise to Houston. The more property they were able to acquire, however, the more thought went into an expansion.
“The bungalows will be designed as one- and two-story suites having a bedroom, living room and small kitchenette,” Black said, “If you’re re-doing your house and need somewhere to stay for a month or if you have company coming into town that can’t be accommodated comfortably in your home, this will be such a convenient and advantageous option.”
Collaboration and Family Involvement
Mark said he was genuinely pleased with a preliminary meeting they had with Abbie
Kamin’s office in District C, saying that they were extremely supportive and welcoming. The Leader asked about any concerns around the timing of the pace of the ShepherdDurham revitalization. The project was broken into two phases for the purposes of funding, with W. 15th as the dividing line. For unknown reasons, the project’s first phase started near 14th and worked its way north. Three years later, it is finally approaching Loop 610, and then Phase 2 will begin on the stretch between I-10 and W. 15th. When asked if road construction was a concern Mark said, “I was assured the remaining segment would be started in 2025. I haven’t received any updates to the contrary of late, but I assume that is still on schedule. While it would obviously be very nice to have it completed, it is something to look forward to. It will only serve to increase the aesthetics and walkability of the area around our new development and the neighborhood.” Being that the family resides in Central Texas, Black was asked if there would be any family involvement here locally. He shared that he has plans to move to the Heights prior to opening and added, “It’s just us, and everything we do has our family name on it in some way. We want to be involved and we’re very meticulous about how things are done. This is a very different type of project. We won’t be like a Marriot, Hilton or even Bunkhouse property. It will be us managing it and running it, rather than turning it over to an outside management company. We’ll be here and involved in the day-to-day. That is where we truly execute and I think that everyone in The Heights will be really proud of this project.”
