The Leader • Saturday, July 7, 2018 • Page 1B
Molding the future
Renovations now underway off Yale By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Development – and redevelopment – has been a staple in the Heights for some time now. And while Heights Central Station has drawn much of the recent attention, there is another center near it primed for gentrification. Just off Yale Street between 13th and 14th Street sits a former strip center that S & P Interests is leasing for the property owner. The 16,000-square-foot building at 1307 Yale St. is underway, and according to the company, an interior demolition has already occurred, with plans for an exterior facelift in the works as well. The last remaining lease – a long-standing small Mexican bakery – just vacated the premises in April, clearing the way for a full-speed-ahead process. As of press time, the company was unable to disclose any potential tenants signing on due to ongoing negotiations. “The landlord will use their best efforts to provide the Heights another high-quality neighborhood shopping center with various retail and service uses,� the company said. S & P tentatively hopes to deliver the building for tenant build-out in the 4th quarter of 2018. For any leasing information or inquiries, potential tenants can email jsebesta@spinterests.com.
Contributed photo Memorial Hermann Greater Heights junior volunteers take a moment of down time in between shifts. Each summer, MHGH conducts the program to give students an opportunity to make a difference in their community.
Students, educators learn the ropes at MHGH By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Many seek to make a difference, to make an impact on the world however possible, no matter their gifts – and one local hospital recently continued its annual glimpse into how students can make a difference in a patient’s life no matter their role. Each year, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital offers a summer junior volunteer program, when students age 15 to 17 can volunteer during the summer, or volunteer year-round beginning with placement in the summer program, which runs June 1 to July 31. During the program, MHGH also sets aside time for
educators to learn more about the inner workings of a hospital from all angles, both operational and technical. “I just wanted to get a feel for the hospital, because I do want to go into the medical field – I want to make a difference in people’s lives. My main goal is to make sure everyone smiles – I love seeing people smile and making it happen,� said Michael Clulow, who just graduated from Memorial High School and was participating in MHGH’s program for the second time. “When you help someone, it’s fun to walk away knowing you were able to make someone else happy.� At the same time high school students were getting acquainted with the hospital,
educators such as DeBakey HS teachers Zahra Sundrani and Drieca Hopkins, career and technical education health science teacher for Sharpstown High School, were visiting the imaging, rehab, labs, engineering, ER and ICU. One thing that emerged quickly is that a hospital is so much more than doctors and nurses. “There are so many career routes you can take in health care,� Sundrani said. “We used to be a program to groom doctors and nurses,� Thomas added. Now the schools offer a more diverse selection of education tracks to prepare them for health care jobs in administration, engineering and other
sectors. “Health care has always been vast. We try to get students certified before they leave high school,� said Hopkins. “The first thing they think is that everyone in a hospital wears scrubs. I’m like, no. I’m a coder by trade. I know anatomy, but I don’t do blood and guts. There’s a business side to hospitals.� “Our goal for teachers is that they can take these examples back to their schools and share a full view of the hospital,� said Mary Grace Joseph with Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital. MHGH Director of VolunSee Students P. 4B
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann This former shopping center on Yale Street between 13th and 14th Street in the Heights is in the midst of a renovation. S & P Interests hopes to deliver the building for tenant build-out later this year.
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New tenant for Braun development By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
of the event. For more information please visit, www.shopgeeklife.com
Braun Enterprises continues to sign tenants at their 2401 North Shepherd development. In 2016, they purchased 1.05 acres at the corner of 24th and N Shepherd. In addition to the previously announced Eyes on the Heights Optometry and Club Pilates which joined Lovett Dental, there is another fitness offering called Spenga. According to the company website, “Spenga improves your endurance, strengthens muscles and revitalizes your body through a unique combination of spin, HIIT training and yoga.� There is still 4,436 square feet of retail space in building one and 2,819 square feet available in building two. The second floor has been leased, but the tenant has not been announced.
Former Aztec site taking shape
As The Leader reported last spring, Braun Enterprises also purchased the former Aztec Rental Center at 2001 W. 34th St. Braun now has a flyer on their website for the approximately 5.5 acre site. Plans show two 10,050 square foot buildings with a central patio between them. To lease, contact Zachary Wolf at zach@ braunenterprises.com.
GeekLife offering childfriendly co-working space
Photo by Betsy Denson Plans for Braun’s center call for two buildings with a central patio. GeekLife, located at 728 W 20th St., has started offering childfriendly co-working Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. During these times, parents can use the shop’s table space to get some work done while their children do their own “work� using GeekLife’s Montessori-inspired activity stations that are geared for 3-8 year olds. “We currently have counting, sorting and sensory activities, among others, with plans to add and rotate new activities periodically,� said owner Angel Viator Smith. “We’re also planning a book and comic library for older children.� The cost is $5 per child and is good for the whole day. Additionally, they have a fenced-in and
For over 80 years, we’ve cared enough to think about the very worst. Through tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more, Farmers has been on the scene helping people start rebuilding since 1928. No one wants to think about all the things that can go wrong. But at Farmers, that’s what we’ve been doing for the last 80 years.
shaded back yard, complete with hobbit house. GeekLife has also added Hero Kids on Saturday mornings. “It is a role playing game designed for children aged 5-12 and I personally run it,� said Smith. “Our last session was completely full and the next one is filling up fast. It is $15 per child and runs from 10 a.m.-noon. It’s been a lot of fun and I love seeing how the children step up to save the day.� On July 6 they’ll be starting Friday night HEXBUG Nano races. Participants compete with each other in multiple races using a small electronic robot - one of their own or a loaner from the store. It is $5 per participant and everyone gets the opportunity to select from a prize wall at the end
Monica Danna with Revive said that there are two leases out for the remaining two spots at Ella Oaks Center, on Ella at 34th. Brush & Bobby Salon and BranchÊ Boutique recently acquired their permits to start construction. In dining news, Aladdin Mediterranean just got its occupancy permit, so it won’t be long until they can open. BB’s CafÊ, who, unlike Aladdin, will serve alcohol, will not be far behind.
Retro Gas Station for lease
Revive purchased Kim’s Service Station at 3210 N. Shepherd last year and has been working with the former owner as he seeks to move his business further north. Revive is currently looking for tenants for the space. As their flyer says, “this site can be creatively repurposed into a stylish, heavily-trafficked neighborhood restaurant, or easily converted to an automotive use. Enjoy a 20 to 1 parking ratio with drive-thru access or a bustling patio space.� See http://www.reviveco.com for more information.
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