Goodbye, old friend

Heights Fiesta gets one last chance before wrecking ball as developer plans newsenior facility

Known for its surprisingly decent beer and wine selection — well, at least by me — the Heights Fiesta on Studewood and 14th Street shuttered its automatic doors at the end of December. But for those looking for one last chance to cruise the aisles of the rather under-rated grocery store, you're in luck.

According to northwest Houston newspaper the Leader, the 60-year-old building will welcome guests for one last time on April 5 to hold the Houston Heights Association's annual Candlelight Dinner & Auction, one of the neighborhood's most popular social functions of the year.

It's wrecking-ball time for the brick and cinder block landmark as an area developer makes way for a senior living facility.

In the days following the gala, it's wrecking-ball time for the brick and cinder block landmark as Houston-based developer Bridgewood Properties makes way for a senior living facility named the Village of the Heights.

The 103-unit complex is slated to open by summer 2014.

Swamplot reported on the Studewood Fiesta's demise in late summer, as an preliminary drawing for the senior center drew ire from Heights residents for its institutional appearance that clashed with the neighborhood's vintage architecture.

While the early design is still posted on Bridgewood's website, company president Jim Gray said that a new plans are underway.

“That’s a rough drawing and very premature. It shouldn’t have been posted,” he told the Leader on Monday, assuring the that the final designs look to a “historic, Craftsman style that will blend with the neighborhood.”

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want to ride my bicycle

Houston's citywide bike ride goes west with 45-mile route for 2025

For the first time in a decade, the annual Houston bike ride Tour de Houston will travel westwards.

Photo courtesy of Tour de Houston

A father and a daughter ride together in the 2024 Tour de Houston

The sun never sets on those who ride into it, and that's what will happen at the 2025 Tour de Houston bike ride. For the first time in a decade, the route will head west. The event takes place on April 13.

Presented by the Apache Corporation, an oil and gas company, the annual ride began in 2007 as a way to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Houston neighborhoods.

There are three routes available for riders: 10 mile, 20 mile, and 45 mile. Beginning and ending at Discovery Green and Avenida Plaza in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, riders will travel west through downtown, Memorial Park, Tanglewood, Piney Point Village, Bunker Hill Village, and Briar Forest all the way to Highway 6 before returning. Last year, thousands of Houstonians rode south from downtown towards Clear Lake.

Mayor John Whitmire announced the new route in a press conference Monday morning.

“I thank Apache for their continued support of Tour de Houston, which showcases our great city in a unique way, and for helping us achieve our beautification and reforestation goals through RePlant Houston,” Whitmire said. “This is a ride for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and I hope cyclists from across our area and visitors alike make plans to join us for this year’s event on April 13.”

RePlant is a program through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department that increases the amount of canopy trees in the city. Intense heat from climate change has damaged many trees in the Houston area, and their shade helps cool the blistering ground temperatures in the summer. All proceed from the Tour de Houston go toward the RePLant project.

“Apache is honored to continue our partnership with the City of Houston in supporting this cherished annual tradition,” said Apache CEO, John J. Christmann IV. “The Tour de Houston bike ride showcases our city’s historic neighborhoods and benefits the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, directly supporting reforestation and the enhancement of green spaces throughout our community. Since 2005, the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program has granted more than 5 million trees for planting throughout the U.S., with over 460,000 planted in the greater Houston area. We look forward to seeing our fellow Houstonians and Apache team members along the route once again.”

For the first time this year, riders will also be able to enjoy live music at rest stops along the route. Stops will offer bike mechanics, refreshments, and other entertainment for riders who need a pick-me-up along the road. More information and instructions to pay the $45 registration fee can be found at Tour de Houston's website.