midtown
what’s inside 2
PAPER
in & about list of happenings in midtown
A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com
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mark your calendar midtown meetings and events
art. community. inspiration. space. premium quality studio space in midtown music world gives back an interview with Mathew Knowles
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attend or don’t attend... mustard seed helping hands in midtown
who do i call
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eatsdrinks • gloria’s restaurants • celtic gardens
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art calendar a list of midtown art events
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from asparagus to art DiverseWorks is in midtown projects… capital improvements
lookinside
midtownmap
Definitions with midtown meanings...
cat
a small, lithe, soft furred animal. (A cool, non-feline version named Krissy Salazar can be found at Kat's Meow Salon, 3622 Main.)
buf•falo
a variety of wild oxen. (Some say there’s a resemblance – customers and buffalos – when served the Blazin’ sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, 510 Gray.)
fish
coldblooded vertebrae living in water and having fins. (Immobile and more mouthwatering when served at The Fish Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 309 Gray.)
3rd qtr 2012
ART-citement in Midtown Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment district Designation
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By Jeri Brooks – One World Strong
s if you didn’t know... Midtown is full of amazing art galhave recognized that investing in creative and artistic ventures offers leries and venues. In fact, we have more than 30 cultural a good approach to community revitalization and cultural tourism," art and entertainment destinations right here in our says Deputy Director Jim Bob McMillan of the Texas Commission neighborhood. on the Arts. On September 6, 2012, the Texas Commission on The purpose of the Texas Commission on the Arts is to advance the Arts acknowledged our unique art culture, awarding Midtown our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Management District the Texas. The awarding of official Cultural Arts and the Cultural Arts and Entertainment District Entertainment District designation for the State designation reflects of Texas. Midtown is Midtown's unique envithe first management ronment, history, use of district in the state to land growth and cultural receive this honor and development. joins a short-list of 18 Just one week after other communities sharthe award, State ing similar status. Representative Garnet The Cultural Arts and Coleman, Council Entertainment District Member Ellen Cohen, designation will allow a representative from Midtown to apply for Congresswoman Sheila grants bringing additionJackson Lee’s office, al arts to the commuTexas Commission nity, while likely increason the Arts Executive ing our tax base. At the Director Gary Gibbs core of the responsibiliand a host of business ties, Midtown staff and leaders, community board members state members, the Midtown that economic developManagement District ment is key to the conBoard of Directors and tinued growth and sucMidtown artists met to cess of the area. celebrate the new desig"We expect the nation at The Ensemble Cultural Arts and Theatre. Local artists Entertainment District from Art Square Studios to stimulate economic on Main showcased cusdevelopment activities to tom pieces, musician include enhanced propRony “Steel Appeal” erty values, profitabilplayed Caribbean music ity of surrounding busiand caricaturist Bonnie nesses and an increase Blue, seen on The Ellen in the regional tax Show, entertained guests. base," stated Midtown Cynthia Alvarado, Management District Managing Director, Midtown’s Management District Board Members with Director Jim Bob McMillan, Texas Commission on the Arts. (Btm. alongside Art Supply on Executive Director Matt (Top) left) Vikki Trammell. (Btm. right) Midtown Management District Chairman Roger Neal, Executive Director Matt Thibodeaux and Managing Director Cynthia Alvarado receiving a Commendation from Council Member Ellen Cohen, District C (left). Thibodeaux. Main business owner Beyond the immediate economic impact, Midtown's investment Vikki Trammell, our arts’ groups and numerous Midtown volunteers will attract residents and stimulate tourism, retail and entertainment led the effort to secure the designation. The one-year process businesses. The outcome of a cultural district extends beyond the required Midtown to submit an extensive application, secure letters arts and cultural sector to benefit the entire community. from elected officials, business and community leaders and produce a "It is an honor to be among the historic group of communities that five-minute video about Midtown’s art and entertainment culture.
then&now
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nce upon a time, the In 1939, the Sears, Roebuck & Co. “Sears on South Main” at 4201 Main debuted a number was everyone’s “go of “firsts” – the first escalator in to” store. The location Texas, complete with Moderne brass brought year round happiness to the details; the first air-conditioned winmasses, complete with hot roastdowless department store in the ed cashews, an endless supply of country and one of the first stores Toughskins jeans and a mechanical in the nation to have lighted storeSanta strategically positioned in a corside parking. For the million dollar ner window at Christmastime. department store, that meant a parkToday, passersby only see the 1960s Sears, Roebuck & Co. circa 1940. Photo courtesy of Preservation Houston. ing lot for 600 cars. An auditorium, a battened down version, with little or no recollection of the original restaurant and a series of beautiful murals created to reflect Houston’s façade that dazzled the town and the state of Texas at its opening. history were equally unique to the interior. continued on page 8