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Saturday, November 25, 2023 • Vol. 68 • No. 46
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Former Sears site in Garden Oaks set for development From Community Reports In a move set to redefine the landscape of the Garden Oaks area, a major development project is now underway, marking the transformation of the former Sears building situated on North Shepherd, spanning 43rd Street to the north and Garden Oaks Boulevard. Lamasar Capital, alongside Summit Capital and Delta LP., recognized for their commitment
to fostering community growth and revitalization, have expanded their holdings in Garden Oaks. This strategic move underscores their dedication to local development and creating lasting value for the community. Houston-based Fidelis, property owners in 14 states and 26 cities, has been brought on as partners to build and manage the development. “We’re incredibly excited about this acquisition, as it marks the start
of an exhilarating venture with Fidelis. Our vision for a vibrant mixeduse development in this thriving neighborhood aims to create not just residences but also a spectrum of destinations and services”, said Ashiq Ali, co-founder of Lamasar Capital. “Our goal is to establish a legacy that integrates innovation, serves the community, and becomes a focal point for the neighborhood’s See SEARS P. 5
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Sears at 4000 N. Shepherd Dr.
THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF
Reviving Surf and Skate Culture in Houston, ‘Dude’ From Community Reports
INSIDE.
Don’t miss trash pickup! See the Thanksgiving schedule
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In his role as Heights Santa, Steve Sellers makes local children’s dreams come true.
Photo by Brittney Chiappinelli Photography
From thrift store Santa to heartwarming icon: The journey of Steve Sellers as the Heights Santa By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor
Authorities need help: Have you seen them?
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Why shopping local matters
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Happy Thanksgiving, and stay safe!
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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������5 Classifieds ���������������������������������6 Local Culture �����������������������������8
Eight years ago, a chance encounter at a shopping mall set the stage for a transformation that would touch thousands of lives and change a humble jeweler’s perspective on his own. The Santa Claus origin story of Steve Sellers began when he stumbled upon a Mall Santa who saw something special in him. While window shopping at Almeda Mall and awaiting friends for dinner, Sellers caught the attention of a persistent Mall Santa. First, Sellers noticed the Mall Santa was looking intently at him. He thought maybe someone was standing behind him that Santa personally knew. Then there was a wave. Santa was definitely looking at him. Then an eager arm gesture to come over for a visit. Sellers obliged, reluctantly. What followed was a casual, fun conversation about Sellers’ “look”. With a little help, Sellers could pull off a Santa gig, no problem, the Mall Santa told him. Mall Santa and Sellers had a few laughs and took some selfies which Sellers posted on social media. A short time later, a friend of Sellers commented that he just left a thrift store where there was a $25 Santa suit for sale. The friend suggested Sellers buy the suit just for kicks. As a jeweler and regular artist at the First Saturday Arts Market, Sell-
Photo by Brittney Chiappinelli Photography
A thrift store suit and a jolly attitude turned Steve Sellers into the Heights Santa.
ers initially intended to wear his thrift store Santa suit for laughs at his art show booth. He did and it was a big hit. The next weekend just happened to be Lights in the Heights. Sellers donned his $25 Santa suit and took to the streets. “You would have thought Mick Jagger was walking down Heights Blvd,” Sellers said. “It was the craziest thing. My wife and I had a ball that night”. Returning home from the event, ‘s wife observed the happiness he brought to people and suggested he consider being a “real” Santa Claus. With a shrug and the thought, “It’s just a few weeks a year, right?” Sellers embarked on a journey that would rede-
fine his life. Seeking authenticity, visited a seamstress to create a Santa suit befitting the iconic figure. Delving into what it takes to become a good Santa, Sellers learned there are actual Santa schools and a community of Santas on social media, most of whom were willing to share and help get on his feet. With their guidance and some big magic of his own, Sellers transformed into a Santa who could command a room and ignite childhood memories. Sellers, often described as shy and reserved, found a surprising comfort in his Santa alter ego. Whether in a room
Surfhouse, the oldest traditional surf and skateboard shop in Texas, has announced its reopening under new ownership. Having served the Houston community for almost six decades, the iconic store is now open to the public and located at 215 E 11th St., Houston, TX 77008, nestled in the heart of the Greater Heights area. “We are amped to re-open Surfhouse to the Houston community and carry on the ‘hang loose’ vibe fostered by Lloyd and Carol Sandel,” said Brian Fish, coowner of Surfhouse. “As our guests refamiliarize themselves with the store, we hope they see how we have preserved its rich history while introducing changes to satisfy all their surfing and skateboarding needs, complete with a smile and good conversation – a tradition Carol hopes will live on.” Occupying nearly 2,000 square feet, the new establishment represents a significant expansion from its previous location while paying homage and embracing the original Surfhouse. Housed in a century-old building, the new Surfhouse proudly displays vintage memorabilia throughout its welcoming space. Surfhouse on 11th proudly showcases the original cash stand, door, a quiver of surfboards and sign, seamlessly integrated into the fresh surroundings. Blending old with the new, Brian Fish refurbished the original display cases into clothing racks. With the additional square footage, Surfhouse now offers an extensive range of merchandise, including a full women’s section, exclusive Surfhouse branded hats and t-shirts, a robust shoe section and a cozy nook that invites enthusiasts and hodads alike to a safe haven. “I roamed the aisles of the original Surfhouse as a child, and being a part of its resurgence is nothing short of amazing,” said Brian Menn, co-owner of Surfhouse. “Brian and I look forward to serving our customers with the same passion See SURFHOUSE P. 7
Photo courtesy of Unicorn Photos by DeAnna Anderson Dezignmachine
The iconic Surfhouse has re-opened at 215 E. 11th St.
See SANTA P. 7
Artists come together for the 19th Annual Heights Holiday Market Dec. 2 By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor One of the best things about the Heights is its thriving arts community. And there’s no better time than the holidays to come out and support our neighborhood artists, especially when these artists collaborate to organize a special event to make shopping for unique hand-crafted gifts a little more fun and festive. The Heights Holiday Market is just such an event, and this
year it celebrates its 19th year. Woodland Heights resident and jewelry artist Dorie Kerr, who has been organizing the event for many years with help from fellow artists, describes it as “the cooperative effort of local artists and crafters.” So, if you want to shop small and support your community, or if you want to soak up some of the good energy that’s invariably present when a group of artists work together and help one another, you do not want to miss this market.
The 19th Annual Heights Holiday Market will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 927 Studewood. There are many things that make this market special, chief among them the talent present and the spirit of collaboration. But its history and its choice of location are special, too. “The Heights Holiday Market was one of the first markets in the area. We’ve always had it See MARKET P. 7
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The 19th Annual Height Holiday Market will take place Dec. 2, 2023, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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