westchase nl 4th qtr 2018 11-18€¦ · cool collaborations: pedro d’ascola ... provides a...

WESTCHASETODAYFortune 200 Company Reinvests in Westchase

Y E A R 2 0 | I S S U E 4 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 8

Emerson doubles its presence in the District with purchase of 6001 Rogerdale

Cool collaborations: Pedro D’Ascola (standing), vice president and general manager of remote automation solutions, has the latest high-tech communications and presentation tools on hand inside Emerson’s Collaboration & Solution Center located at 6005 Rogerdale Road.

10370 RichmondSuite 1350Houston, Texas 77042westchasedistrict.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 Board Chair’s Column

2 Meet Anthony Blunsen

3 Farmers Market News

4 20 Years of Westchase Today

When the largest chemical plant in the country needed help automating its control systems and measurement devices, it turned to the experts

at Emerson Automation Solutions. The Fortune 200 company helped the Sasol Lake Charles Chemical Complex more than triple its chemical production in the U.S. Now, Emerson is nearly doubling its presence in Westchase District.

In Houston, Emerson employs more than 2,200 peo-ple in about 20 diff erent locations, mainly serving the oil and gas and petrochemicals industries. Emerson fi rst moved to Westchase District in 2011 with the purchase of a 158,000 square-foot building at 6005 Rogerdale Road.

In October, the company bought the space next door, a two-story, 151,000 square-foot building at 6001 Rogerdale Road, creating a campus of more than 300,000 square feet of offi ce space and off ering them room for growth.

Automation solutionsEstablished in 1890 in St. Louis, Missouri, Emerson

has grown into a multinational corporation with more than 87,500 employees and more than 200 manufactur-ing locations worldwide. “Basically, at our Westchase District location, we sell the technology for the automa-tion of companies’ processes to improve production, safety, reliability and energy use,” said Pedro D’Ascola,

vice president and general manager of Remote Automa-tion Solutions, Emerson Automation Solutions. He said Emerson invested $64 million in its original Westchase District building and opened the Emerson Global Industry Center for Hydrocarbon and Energy, which features an operations center, customer solutions center, offi ces, a cafeteria and a fi tness center.

“Our customers can tour the center and learn about Emerson’s automation technologies and our highly sophisticated exploration and production software,” D’Ascola said. “We host hundreds of visits every year here to showcase our solutions and expertise.”

(Continued on Page 8)

6 Daiso Discount Store

7 Meet Sgt. Brandon Dorris

7 Take & Lock Signs

8 Neighborhood News

Westchase NL 4th Qtr 2018_11-18.indd 1Westchase NL 4th Qtr 2018_11-18.indd 1 11/27/18 11:16 AM11/27/18 11:16 AM

An eff ective economic development program is not simply home runs of large corporate relocations. It is doing the things that both

attract and retain businesses of all sizes in a community. Importantly, those areas with the greatest economic success achieve it by organic (internal) growth.

Small expansions are not headline grabbers but a market that is 85 percent occupied can achieve 93 percent if the current tenants grow by just 10 percent. While the math speaks for itself, we have a saying in Texas, “Dance with those who brung ya.” Initiating projects and programs that focus on our current stakeholders is, and will continue to be, a fundamental focus of Westchase District.

Our lead story in this issue of Westchase Today presents one of those expansions. Emerson is doubling its presence here and eventually will add more than 600 jobs. This is a great news and provides a compelling testimonial to share with prospective owners and tenants. The companies best suited to express their approval of a business community are those that are already there. When they choose to stay and grow, as we have seen time after time, we know our work is having a positive impact.

Part of our work is making area improvements and another key part is letting people know about the work we are doing and what is going on in Westchase District. We communicate with our stakeholders, the real estate community, our government, and our neighbors -- among others. You are holding the primary vehicle for that communications work and one of this issue’s stories covers Westchase Today’s twenty year run.

This was not our fi rst newsletter. That distinction goes to Investor Update, which was created to provide the real estate community with market news and statistics on area properties. We have continued gathering that information each quarter, but now it is provided online through our website. You might say “of course,” but recognize that this was not possible in 1995. The times have changed and we continue to modify our communications eff orts.

We also have expanded from a single newsletter in 1998 to three, plus a growing digital presence, in our ongoing eff orts to meet people

where they are and deliver the right message. The Wire is our e-newsletter that debuted six years ago and reaches more than 20,000 subscribers twice each month. It is short, fun and always current. But don’t look for a copy on your desk, it is only sent via email.

We started Nuggets in 2016 to provide the real estate community (a key audience for us) a quick-reading e-newsletter focused on what is most important to them and their clients. It is not the old school data of Investor Update but rather stories about leases, development, transactions, amenities and infrastructure. And the data they want? It’s online, as printing it is so last millennium.

Which brings us to the fi nal comment on this issue regarding the profi le of new Board member Anthony Blunson of Weingarten Realty. Weingarten was one of the founders of Westchase District and recognized nationally as the fi rst large-scale REIT. Anthony is the fi rst millennial to join the Board and we are excited to benefi t from his industry knowledge and his fresh perspective. He’ll help us determine the best ways to meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow.

WESTCHASE TODAY

WESTCHASE TODAY is published

quarterly by Westchase District, a

municipal management district funded

by local property owners in a 4.2 square-

mile area centered on the Sam Houston

Tollway between I-10 and US-59 on the

west side of Houston, Texas. We promote

economic growth by enhancing mobility,

beautifi cation, public safety, planning

and development of the District.

Receive The Wire, our e-newsletter, twice monthly.

Three quick and easy ways to subscribe:

1. Visit www.westchasedistrict.com/signups,

2. Text WESTCHASE to 22828, or

3. Use your mobile device to scan the code below.

713-780-9434westchasedistrict.com

Copyright © Westchase District. All Rights Reserved.

2

Dave GilkesonVP, COO

Sherry FoxVP, Communications

Don McKinneyVP, Public Safety

Louis JullienProjects Director

Rayshell FordOperations Assistant

Irma SanchezVP, Projects

Jonathan LoweAssistant

Communications Director

John CareyFarmers Market Manager

Kathy KaufmanAdministrative Assistant

Keeping Score

Anthony Blunsen fi rst Millennial to serve on District’s Board of Directors

A New Generation Joins District’s Governance

An eff ective board of directors requires experienced leadership, but it also must balance senior members with younger talent off ering

fresh viewpoints and demonstrating passion and willingness to participate. Appointed this summer, 27-year-old Anthony Blunsen is currently the youngest member serving on the Westchase District Board of Directors. With an international perspective and strong work ethic, Blunsen represents the next generation of community leaders eager to help shape Westchase District’s future.

Moving and managingBorn and reared in London, England to

an American dad and Peruvian mom, Blunsen moved to Houston as a teenager, attending St. Thomas High School and later earning his Bachelor’s degree in international business from St. Edward’s University in Austin. “I had planned to work in fi nance for an oil company,

which thankfully didn’t work out because I would have been sitting in front of a computer all day staring at spreadsheets, which just isn’t me,” he said. “I’ve learned that I’m a people person who likes to move around.”

Instead, Blunsen took a job working for a land surveying company, working with some of Houston’s top residential builders as a project manager. Through his involvement with the Institute of Real Estate Management, he learned about the fi eld of property management and applied with Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors, one of the nation’s leading developers and owners of neighborhood and community shopping centers. Last summer, Blunsen was promoted to regional property manager, a position which puts him in charge of managing retail centers in Houston, San Antonio and Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as managing Weingarten’s student internship program.

Westchase District Board Chair Philip Schneidau


WESTCHASE TODAY

3

Santa isn’t the only one hard at work getting everyone’s presents prepared– the vendors at Westchase District Farmers Market are ready and eager to help you get into the spirit of giving. “Many customers fi nd shopping and gift

giving during the holidays more special than any other time of the year,” said John Carey, market manager. “The farmers market is the perfect place to spend time out with family and to experience festive decorations and displays, holiday sounds and smells, and – maybe best of all – Christmas sales and deals.”

So before you hop online and begin feverishly clicking away, swing by the farmers market this holiday season armed with this handy gift guide. Take a deep breath, think about your friends and loved ones and then take in all that the farmers market has to off er.

Holiday feastsFrom meats and sides to snacks and desserts, you’ll fi nd most

of the fi xin’s for your holiday celebrations at the market. First up, go talk with Mustafa Ali with The Bark BBQ. He’ll hook you up with all the smoked and fried turkeys you need with just three day’s advance notice. If you’re tired of the traditional turkey dinner, Ali off ers smoked brisket, chickens, lamb cuts, salmon and chuck steaks as well. “During this time of year, we put together lots of holiday packages for any budget,” he said, “including stacks of wings for football parties.”

If you’re looking for a delicious conversation starter, Katerra Exotics has bison, chicken, goat, lamb and wild boar for sale and owner Patrick Bierschwale has the expertise to teach you how to prepare them for maximum delight. Have a hankering for holiday tamales? You can order them spicy or mild with pork, chicken, or cheese with beans, jalapeños or poblanos from Tamales Mamá Belen.

Pat and Elvis D’Agrella with PEAS Farm can supply you with all the produce you need for your green bean casseroles and sweet potato pies. They’ll help you put together a savory seasonal salad and even show you how to make your own pickles, strawberry jam and kale chips. Just for the holidays, they package their honey in glass muth jars, which make for attractive gifts. Speaking of honey, Chris Kohnke with Pure Texas Honey can help you fi nd just the right fl avor for your honey-glazed hams.

We may not have chestnuts roasting on an open fi re (we’re working on it), but you can fi nd delicious organic pecans from Rio Grande Organics. Consider giving gourmet mixed nuts and berries from Brenham Kitchens, as well as their jellies, preserves and salsas. Relish a mix of sweet and spicy with fresh fruit and pepper jellies from ShoSho’s Kitchen. Owner KoKo Kasparian will give you the inside story on his baklava recipe that’s sure to earn raves from your guests.

Balance your baklava with sweet potato and pecan pies from Your Pie Man as well as with sweet rolls from Homebunz. And when you’ve had your fi ll of traditional holiday fare and don’t feel like cooking another meal, you can pick up ready-to-eat Mediterranean dishes from Best for the Best, prepared rice dishes from Biryani Hut or pre-packed curries, breads, chutney and sauces from Manish’s Quick N Ezee Indian Food.

Holiday fi ndsThe holidays are a time to make merry with friends, and one sure-fi re way

to do so is over a bottle of wine. Discover an award-winning wine from Houston Winery, a micro-winery that’s become a hit at the market this year. Whether your party guests prefer white, rosé, red, sparkling or dessert wines, Houston Winery has a selection priced from $20 to $40 per bottle. Not a drinker? We still have bottles for you: the Carrizo Springs-based Texas Olive Ranch has Texas

olive oils and balsamic vinegar perfect for cooking or seasoning.Looking for unique accessories for a fashionable friend or family member?

Browse the one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry from Earth Friendly Designs. Owner Mark Mayers takes old screen doors, aluminum cans and copper wiring from fl ood-damaged homes and pairs them with various precious gemstones to create stylish jewelry. While you’re at it, peruse the Peruvian jewelry and handbags from One, Two, Three, Etc.

Perhaps some pampering, for others or for yourself, is on your checklist? Then you’ll want to pick up some Float-A-Way essential oil products, and pink Himalayan salt scrub from Dr. Lucy’s Optimum Wellness Lifestyle (OWL) Club. LatherMeUp Bath & Body Products has all-natural soaps, deodorants and lip balms, and Madewell Mercantile’s all-natural soaps and soy wax candles will keep the stench of the Grinch at bay.

Holiday feelingsOf course, one of the best parts of holiday shopping is the shopping

experience itself. “We’ll have Santa Claus himself at the market for photo opportunities on December 13 and we will be open for business on both December 20 and 27, so you can count on us for your last-minute gifts,” Carey said. “You’ll feel good knowing that you’re supporting the local economy and you’ll feel even better about your gift selections.”

Forget North Pole elves, market vendors have your gifts ready

Holiday Shopping at Westchase District Farmers Market

Westchase District Farmers MarketYear-round, rain or shine, Thursdays @ 3 p.m.St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church10503 Westheimer Road (at Rogerdale Road, one block west of Beltway 8)

www.westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com

Infl uence and involvementThe two Westchase District properties Blunsen oversees, the Westchase Shopping Center at 10855 Westheimer

Road and the Market at Westchase at 11103 Westheimer, have experienced major redevelopment in recent years, with popular businesses moving in such as Whole Foods, Torchy’s Tacos, Bike Barn and Daiso. “In high school, I shopped at the Target and the Whole Foods, so it’s been enjoyable to now be a part of that and have some infl uence in rejuvenating the area,” he said. “Through my job, I’m able to make small parts of Houston better places to live.”

Blunsen said he enjoys the variety of his work and not being tied to his offi ce desk as well as visiting and interacting with his tenants. “It’s a face-to-face kind of job that requires a lot of multitasking, organization and time management, which, fortunately, plays to my strengths,” he said. “I like to be involved in design planning and decision-making and I’m looking forward to continuing to do that on a larger scale with my involvement on the Westchase District board.”

Workouts and wedding bellsInvolved in men’s soccer and volleyball leagues, Blunsen described himself as an athlete who hits the gym

daily. “Since I grew up in London, I’m a big fan of the Arsenal Football Club,” he said. “I have a tight-knit group of friends from St. Thomas with whom I still hang out and watch sports.” After dating for nine years, Blunsen married his college sweetheart in October. “We’re looking for a house,” he said. “We plan on staying in Houston for the foreseeable future.”

Responsive to Retail: As regional property manager with Weingarten Realty, Anthony Blunsen oversees the Westchase Shopping Center and the Market at Westchase.

Yule love our selection: Take a bite out of your holiday shopping when you visit the market every Thursday in December, and be sure to check out products from such vendors as PEAS Farm, Pure Texas Honey, Houston Winery, Homebunz, Rio Grande Organic Pecans and Dr. Lucy’s Optimum Wellness Lifestyle Club.


While writing this issue of Westchase Today, one number jumps out from the masthead: Year 20. In a digital age when publications like the

Houston Post and El Dia have long since ceased circulation and the Houston Press has migrated to online-only, two decades of quarterly

printed issues sounds like a legit journalistic institution. For two decades, Westchase Today has been the offi cial word on Westchase

District, chronicling the area’s changes and highlighting its hidden gems. Perusing through the District’s archives proved to be a fun time-

traveling trip showing that the more things change, how we tell that story pretty much remains the same.

Publicizing accomplishmentsIn 1997, Westchase District was still a new government entity, formed by the Texas Legislature just two years earlier. Headed

by Jim Murphy, the District already had begun the ambitious work of promoting economic growth for its property owners by focusing on enhanced public safety, beautifi cation and mobility. “We were making progress on all fronts – the problem was, no one had any idea what we were doing, especially our property owners,” Murphy said. Enter Westchase Today, an eight-page, two color newsletter designed not only to tout the District’s work and accomplishments, but to introduce the community to the faces behind those eff orts.

With the addition in 2001 of Sherry Fox, Westchase District’s vice president of communications, the publication took on renewed importance as a key vehicle for communicating the District’s business to stakeholders, as well as to the general public.

Search of past issues reveals portrait of ever forward-looking District

Yesterday’s News: A Look Back through 20 Years of Westchase Today

WESTCHASE TODAY

4

2004: The opening of the Westpark Tollway was a game-changing event for the District, providing better-than-ever access to and from the area.

2009: A story about businesses choosing to relocate within Westchase District as they grow followed a trend that continues today.

1997: The fi rst issue of Westchase Today rWest Sam Houston Tollway and a new heatwo of the District’s most iconic features.


WESTCHASE TODAY

“There had been a gap in publication due to staff changes and the fi rst priority assigned to me was to publish Westchase Today on a regular schedule,” Fox said. “My fi rst issue was published in December 2001. We upgraded to a full-color publication and it’s been going strong ever since.”

Focusing on peopleEven as Westchase District has embraced e-newsletters and social media channels to reach its audiences in the digital age,

Fox said there’s still value in creating a tangible newsletter that people can pick up and read in their own time. “The physical act of holding and reading a newsletter is a diff erent experience than quickly scanning through electronic content,” she said. “Plus, newsletters can be stuck on the fridge or passed along easily to others. Ultimately, Westchase Today complements our email newsletter and our posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The key to all of our marketing communications is that we deliver timely, relevant content that’s easy to read. Hopefully it helps our readers to feel connections to their community. We’re particularly gratifi ed when we fi nd one of our articles framed and hanging on the wall of a restaurant or business.”

From a short-lived “mystery photo” column to standard sections profi ling board members and police offi cers, Westchase Today has attempted to summarize the complex, humanize the impersonal and help readers connect with the District, both as a place and as an entity. “For all of the stories we’ve published about construction projects or mobility studies or new landscaping, the work of Westchase District has always been about people who are trying to make the area a better place,” said Jonathan Lowe, assistant director of communications, who, since 2013, writes most of the newsletter’s content. “There are interesting people behind every front door or meeting room and part of my job is to tell those people’s stories.”

Looking toward what’s nextWhile Westchase Today has chronicled quarterly the comings and goings of various businesses, board members and city

offi cials for 20 years, the central story of the District remains unchanged. The newsletter’s articles consistently keep readers informed about the staff ’s latest eff orts to enhance public safety, beautifi cation and mobility, and to carry out the Board of Directors’ long-range vision for building higher value for stakeholders. “The faces and names may change, but our mission has stayed the same,” said Fox. “And as we continue to do good work and anticipate what’s next, it’s a story we’ll keep telling.”

2013: The District has always been on hand to report on renewal and reinvention, like Burton Construction’s redevelopment of an older property into their stylish home offi ce.

2017: The District has always kept an eye on innovative buildings and plans, such as Houston Community College’s West Houston Institute.

oday reported on the newly completed w headquarters for BMC Software, still

ures.

5


I f you’ve ever read a Japanese manga comic book or seen Hello Kitty merchandise, you already know about the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese pop culture, which translates to ‘cute,’ ‘tiny’ or ‘loveable.’ Among the top sellers of kawaii goods are the

“100-yen shops” similar to American dollar stores. Daiso, one of the world’s largest 100-yen shop franchises, opened a location in Westchase District at the Market at Westchase, 11151 Westheimer Road (at Wilcrest) in late September. With most products priced between $1.50 and $7, the store is a treasure trove for Japanophiles and bargain hunters alike.

Global brand, local appealLaunched in Japan in the 1970s, Daiso now has branches in 25 countries. The

Westchase District location is only the second Daiso to open in the Houston market; the fi rst store opened in Katy this summer. Yoshi Murata, senior vice president of operations for Daiso’s U.S. branch, said Daiso plans to expand to 10 stores in the Houston area.

“We chose Westchase District because the area has a diverse population and large Asian communities nearby,” Murata said. Houston’s Asian population is growing the fastest of any racial/ethnic group in the region, according to Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. The nearby Chinatown neighborhood has a population of about 30,000. “We also liked that the District off ers great schools, high household incomes and family-oriented consumers who fi t with and understand our products and appreciate value,” Murata added.

Astounding varietyDaiso sells about 8,000 unique items. About 95 percent of products sold in the

store are Daiso’s own private brands, imported from Japan. Some examples include:

■ Arts and crafts, like a poop emoji pen for $1.50

■ Dishware and glassware such as sake bottles and cups

■ Electronics, like headphones for $5

■ Food, including Bento lunches, snacks and candy, like Hello Kitty strawberry marshmallows for $2.50

■ Footwear, like pink bunny slippers for $1.50

■ Home décor, such as wall hangings, tapestries and waving ceramic cats

■ Offi ce supplies, like pens, stickers and stationery

■ Pet care, like a cat scratch carpet for $1.50

■ Toys, like a ninja doll for $10, the most expensive single item spotted

The shopping experience can seem a bit overwhelming to take in all at once. “Since we have so many unique and surprising products, I think one must visit multiple times to get a better understanding of Daiso as a whole,” Murata said. The store is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Daiso Westchase11151 Westheimer Road • daisojapan.com

Popular Japanese discount chain opens store at Westheimer and Wilcrest

Daiso “100-Yen Shop” Brings Culture of Cuteness to District

6

WESTCHASE TODAY

Bargains for the backyard: Daiso carries more than 8,000 items, including gardening supplies.

Supportive staff : Feeling lost? Daiso Westchase store manager Orlando Garcia is glad to guide you to the right aisle.


Earlier this year, Westchase District updated some of its public safety signage, tweaking the message of the "Lock, Take, Hide" signs frequently seen in

parking lots and garages throughout the District. “I'm not a big fan of the ‘hide’ part of that

message,” said Don McKinney, Westchase District's vice president of public safety. “The surest way to prevent thieves from stealing your personal property is to take it with you. If they suspect that there's something they want inside your vehicle, they will fi nd a way to break in and take it. Don't become a victim by leaving your valuables behind. And – though it seems like common sense, it bears repeating – always lock your vehicle.”

Sasha Gonzalez, property manager of Camden Park Apartments, recently ordered fi ve of the signs for strategic placement around her community. “Unfortunately, we’ve had a few residents who have left their cars unlocked and left things visible on their seats, which resulted in their valuables being stolen,” she said. “Although these signs are really just reminding our residents of the obvious, I think they’re great.”

If you are interested in acquiring these signs for your property, contact McKinney at 713-780-9434.

Growing up on a ranch in Magnolia, Texas, Brandon Dorris was surrounded by law enforcement and livestock. His grandfather and aunt served with

the Harris County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, his grandmother was the secretary for a Houston Police Department captain and his father was a 30-year HPD veteran. As a child, he showed animals at livestock events and enjoyed the rural life. “I always knew I wanted to be a police offi cer,” he said, “but in the back of my mind, I still wanted to work with animals.” Today Dorris, a member of the Westchase District Patrol, does both, working nights as an HPD sergeant while operating a stocker cattle business on the side.

Hot-spots and hand-wavesA graduate of Magnolia High School, Dorris

attended West Texas A&M University, studying agriculture but ultimately earning his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Graduating from the Houston Police Academy in 2000, he was assigned to HPD’s Southeast Division. After six years working night patrol, he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Northeast Division, taking over a hot-spot unit that focused on areas of citizen concern.

Dorris then joined the Northeast Gang Task Force, identifying and tracking gang members. In 2016, Dorris transferred to HPD’s North Division as a member of the Warrant Execution Team, locating and apprehending suspects with outstanding felony arrest warrants. “I work with a group of guys who are really good at fi nding people,” he said. “We put in the legwork to speak with citizens who help us get serial robbers, hijackers, murderers and other violent off enders off the street.”

Through his colleagues, Dorris learned about Westchase District Patrol and since this summer has worked two shifts per week for the District. “We have nice vehicles to drive, so I really enjoy patrolling the area,” he said. “I like for the business owners to see me, even if it’s just a wave through a window. They all seem to appreciate our presence.”

Cattle and coachingEvery autumn, Dorris trades his patrol vehicle for

a tractor and plants protein-rich rye grass on his ranch near Huntsville to feed more than 100 young calves from Texas and Florida. “They’re fresh off their mamas, so you have to really watch them closely,” he said. “It’s a risky stage of their development and they need to be vaccinated and nurtured.” Dorris doubles the grazing animals’ weight through the winter and spring before selling them via an online livestock auction to feed yards around the country.

When not catching bad guys, patrolling the streets of Westchase District or working on his ranch, Dorris enjoys spending time with his wife of 12 years and coaching their two sons’ Select baseball teams. “I’m always on the go, but I feel like this is what I’m meant to do,” he said. “In the end, it always comes back to helping people.”

On the force or on the farm, Sgt. Brandon Dorris works hard to add value

Out Standing in His Field

7

WESTCHASE TODAY

No Hat, All Cattle: Besides patrolling the District, HPD Sergeant Brandon Dorris beefs up stocker cattle on his ranch in Huntsville.

“Take & Lock” Public Safety Signs Available

Here’s your sign: Public safety reminder signs, like these at Camden Park Apartments, can be ordered through the District.


The centerpiece of most visits revolves around the state-of-the-art Collabora-tion & Solution Center. A circular conference room that evokes the feel of the command bridge on a TV show sci-fi spaceship, the center is equipped with monitors, smart boards and the latest teleconferencing technology.

“It’s designed to facilitate conversations with our customers, wherever they’re located around the globe, so that we can fully understand their vision and how we might help them,” said Billy Landers, solutions center manager.

From there, the conversations move to a cavernous adjoining room where work teams can delve further into the details of particular challenges. In the “immersive theater,” 24 fl at screens cover three walls and the space is anchored by a large touch screen table where fi les and images may be manipulated with the swipe of a fi nger. The “solutions theater” features a row of stools positioned in front of a curved wall of 10 screens where fi ndings and recommendations are presented in a high-tech, panoramic fashion.

People and plansBut for all the impressive audiovisual gadgets, D’Ascola stressed that the

company runs on the experience of its employees. “These tools can save us and our customers time and money, but ultimately our success depends on our people,” he said. “We have some of the deepest expertise and know-how when it comes to bringing improvements to oil and gas operations. Our dedicated consulting groups help customers evaluate and implement digital transformation strategies. They do all that best when we keep them happy.”

D’Ascola said employees have been happy with their location in Westchase District. “It has great access, is easy for our customers to fi nd and no one’s commute is too painful,” he said. “There are a lot of great hotels and restaurants nearby to choose from when hosting and entertaining clients. Our current building is full, so the facility next door will allow us to continue adding resources here as we grow and perhaps consolidate some of our other areas dispersed around town.”

Once remodeled, 6001 Rogerdale will accommodate up to 650 employees, making the pair of buildings Emerson’s largest campus in Houston. Facilities manager Elroy Moore said Emerson recently entered its planning phase to reconfi gure and enhance the building. “It’s in good condition, but since our business is process management, we have lots of opinions internally about increasing effi ciencies, using better technologies and ways to work in more agile teams,” he said. Moore said he expects some employees will move in by late 2019, with the majority of employees moving in sometime in 2020. “It’s an exciting time and we appreciate both our customers and employees who trust us to help them along this journey.”

At its October meeting, the Westchase District Board of Directors

unanimously voted to keep the assessment rate levied on area properties owners at $0.09. That means a million-dollar property pays $900 annually.

Westchase District has never raised that rate in its 23-year history and the amount remains among the lowest of any municipal management district in Houston.

Westchase District recently installed a bicycle repair station along its trail system, just south of Harwin Drive near the exercise equipment.

Built to withstand weather year-round, the station includes all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a fl at to adjusting brakes. The tools are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. Top off your tires with the air pump and you're ready to explore a fi ve-mile system of off -road trails throughout the District in the fresh fall air.

A special thanks goes to the Westchase District Community Fund for purchasing the repair station.

Westchase District recently installed colorful custom wraps on 15 Houston METRO bus shelters in the area. Most of the shelters can be found on Richmond, Gessner, Briarpark and Briar Forest. They've also been enhanced with solar lighting

to make the shelters more pleasant for early morning or late night bus commuters. Each shelter features a "point of interest" which can be found in Westchase

District. Those points of interest include Art Storey Park, the Farmers Market, Robinson Westchase Library and the Westchase District trail system. They're a colorful addition to the District whether you ride the buses or drive your car throughout our neighborhood.

With more than fi ve miles of off -road paths loaded with amenities, we think our trail system is a blockbuster smash for the area that everyone should see - like a favorite movie that bears repeat viewings.

In that vein, we've created a movie-style poster promoting our trail system that's available to anyone interested in helping us spread the word about the feel-good hit that's already become a Westchase District classic.

If you would like an 18" x 24" version to display at your business, either as a glossy poster or mounted on foam core, we'll be happy to provide one for you for free. To order yours today, simply contact Sherry Fox, 713-780-9434.

Help us build buzz around this must-see attraction for the whole family that will have you out of your seats and recommending it to all your friends!

Neighborhood News

8

WESTCHASE TODAY

(Continued from Page 1)

Swiping toward success: (From left) Emerson’s solution center manager Billy Landers demon-strates a new touch screen table to facilities manager Elroy Moore and vice president Pedro D’Ascola in Emerson’s immersive theater room.


westchase nl 4th qtr 2018 11-18€¦ · cool collaborations: pedro d’ascola ... provides a...

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