Silver anniversary memories

Rise of the Wortham Theater Center: How it all began

News_Shelby_Dance Asian America_Lauren Anderson_Ben Stevenson_Janie Parker_Nov. 2011

Photo by Jia Li

In the 1980s, everyone agreed that Houston needs a new performing arts center. Even a recession couldn't stop the Wortham Center from rising in downtown Houston.

But fund-raising had stalled at $47,918,000 in advance of Houston’s declining oil economy in the mid-1980s. Robert Cizik, then CEO of Cooper Industries, became chairman of the LTF, with R. W. “Rusty” Wortham as co-chair, energizing the campaign with $8.5 million in additional Wortham, Brown and Cullen foundation challenge grants, ultimately accruing $66 million. --------- The exterior of the building with its grand archway entrance takes shape.

unspecified

this week's hot headlines

Downtown's dynamic new dining district leads Houston's top 5 stories

A rendering of GreenStreet dining alleyway

Courtesy of RIOS

Real estate company Rebees is reimagining GreenStreet with a dining "alleyway" reminiscent of Osaka, Japan.

Editor's note: It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week.

1. Japan-inspired dining alley to revitalize downtown Houston development. Plans call for five or six vendors that could include pizza, a cocktail bar, and an Asian noodle concept.

2. Houston only earns 5 entries on Texas Monthly's top 50 tacos list. San Antonio led the way with 10 entries of taco editor José Ralat's list.

3. Houston Zoo’s unique island exhibit wins big at international awards. It’s an unprecedented sweep of the awards that demonstrates Houston has a world-class zoo.

4. 16 Houston restaurants compete in CultureMap's Ultimate Wing Showdown. Voting is currently taking place in round two of the tournament.

5. Globally-inspired street food restaurant rolls into Montrose this week. The owners of Traveler's Table have added another concept to their portfolio.

hot-headlines

Silver anniversary memories

Rise of the Wortham Theater Center: How it all began

CultureMap Emails Are AwesomeGet Houston intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

this week's hot headlines

Downtown's dynamic new dining district leads Houston's top 5 stories

Globally-inspired street food restaurant rolls into Montrose this week

Japan-inspired dining alley to revitalize downtown Houston development

Heights Kroger unveils extensive renovations — more cheese, please

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Houston intel delivered daily.