Economic stress dips nationwide, edges up in Harris County

While economists say the economic recession technically ended last summer, the Associated Press says its Economic Stress Index still shows things aren't yet going smoothly.

The index, which measures unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies, declined in 34 states and in more than 60 percent of counties nationwide in January. And while the mark of 11.2 was down significantly from a mark of 11.9 a year earlier, it still remains above 11 – the point at which the country is considered stressed.

Moving against the national trend, the Houston real estate market saw rising economic stress during the month, which may have affected residential sales in the area.

The stress index for Harris County increased by 0.49 over the month to a mark of 10.51, although that was still below the national average. Montgomery County fared somewhat better, with its stress level finishing the month at 9.45.

However, job growth has improved in the area. A report from the Texas Workforce Commission found that local employers had added more than 50,000 positions over the past year.

If you have any questions, please contact us at www.davidthelocator.com as always, your comments are important to us!

Here's a list of restaurants and retailers that recently opened or signed new leases in the Houston area... I personally love Rudy's BBQ ! What are your favorites?

                                                                 

NORTH

El Portillo Western Wear, Torrey Square, 13090 Veterans Memorial
Family Dollar Stores, Torrey Square
Euphoria Nails, 9405 Huffmeister
Qdoba, Cypress Mills Plaza Shopping Center at 17400 Spring Cypress
Kool Smiles dental clinic, 3900 Aldine Mail Route at High Meadow Retail Center

SOUTHWEST
Nuestro Dios Fellowship, Bellnot Square Shopping Center, 13230 Bellaire
Nolasco Computers, Bellnot Square Shopping Center, 6782 Synott Road
Apex Food Stores, Bissonnet Beltway Shopping Center, 10028 Bissonnet
Renegade Chicken, 7069 Beechnut.
The Fish Place, Brazos Town Center at U.S. 59 and FM 762

CENTRAL
Tejas Grill & Sports Bar, Shops at Houston Center at 1200 McKinney Street
Dollar General, 4002 Polk

SOUTH
Rudy's Country Store and BBQ Restaurant, 21361 Gulf Freeway in Webster

What are some of your favorites?

Houston Press Menu of Menus coming up!

The Houston Press’s Menu of Menus 2011 event is coming up on April 12 and is being hosted at Spring Street Studios (right by Winter Street Studios, where Artopia 2011 was hosted). Tickets are already on sale. Menu of Menu tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. However, if the event sells out before hand, tickets may not be available the day of the event. So hedge your risk and get tickets now for $10 off and guarantee you’ll get in! There also are VIP tickets available for $75 $80 each and will get you into the event an hour early. (Ticket prices are subject to change depending on demand and availability).

Menu of Menu's 2011

Click on the photo to go to Menuofmenus.com

All tickets to Menu of Menus 2011 get you food, wine, beer and spirit sampling as well as live music! The list of the restaurants showcasing are: The Counter, Another Time Soda Fountain, Phoenicia Rudyard’s, Corksoakers, Korma Sutra, Ritters, Epicurean Express, Mmm.. Cupcake and Lucky’s! With many more to be added!

Tax Day 2011: Tax Deadlines for Tax Year 2010

Tax Day by Tax Year - Filing Deadlines for 2010 Tax Returns

                                                                   

Tax Day 2011: Tax Deadlines for Tax Year 2010

Tax Day Date	Type of Income Tax Return Filing Deadline
April 18*, 2011	Due Date for Federal Income Tax Returns (and Tax Extension requests) - Tax Day  for Tax Year 2010 - Filing Deadline
April 15, 2011	Due Date for State Income Tax Returns - Tax Day for Tax Year 2010 - Filing Deadline
April 15, 2011	Due Date for Tax Extensions for Federal Income Tax Returns for Tax Year 2010 From April 1, 2011 until April 15, 2011 you can prepare and efile a Federal Tax Extension on efile.com. Tax Return or Tax Extension?
	Find State Tax Return Extension Due Dates here
October 17**, 2011	Last day to efile a 2010 Income Tax Return for tax extension and late tax efilers -Important notice
October 20, 2011	Last day to prepare and/or print a 2010 Tax Year Income Tax Return on efile.com -- no electronic submissions to IRS after October 20, 2011.

*The traditional tax return filing deadline is April 15 of each year, but the IRS has approved April 18, 2011 as the tax filing deadline for 2010 Tax Returns and extension requests in observation of Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.

**The traditional tax return extension filing deadline is October 15 of each year, but the IRS has approved October 17, 2011 as the tax filing deadline for 2010 Tax Returns with extensions because October 15 falls on a Saturday in 2011.

Tax Amendment Deadlines

Tax Date	Type of Filing Deadline
3 years from date of original return OR 2 years from date tax was paid (whichever is later)	Tax amendment to claim tax refund

Tax Tip: Always submit your tax return by April 15 for the previous tax year to avoid additional penalty fees and interest.

Reasons to file a tax amendment:

1. To correct an error (e.g., filing status, income, deduction, tax credit) on a previously efiled or filed tax return.
2. To add tax information (e.g., income, deduction, tax credit) that was omitted on a previously efiled or filed tax return.
3. To change efiled or filed tax returns from a previous tax year, file a separate form in a separate envelope for each tax year. Enter the correct tax year on each tax amendment.

Other important information about tax amendments:

• If you make an amendment or change to your federal tax return, this might also affect your state tax return. Please contact your state tax agency.
• If you did not efile/file a federal tax return for an expired tax year, you must submit the tax form for that particular tax year. It is not sufficient to file only a tax amendment in that case.

When it is unnecessary to file a tax amendment:

Please note the following:

• The IRS service center might correct mathematical errors without you having to file an amendment.
• Forms and schedules regarding an existing return can be submitted after the filing deadline without filing a tax amendment.
• Before you claim any additional refund through an amendment, wait for your refund check to arrive.

Learn more on how to file a tax amendment

Tax Extension eFiling Deadline

Learn more about tax extension deadlines and whether to file a tax return or a tax extension.

Important Notice for Tax Extension Filers and Late Return Filers:

• After April 15 you can no longer efile a Tax Extension, but you can prepare and efile a Tax Return. The IRS may apply late fee penalties plus interest on taxes owed (penalties may not apply for those who owe no tax or will receive refunds).

What if you Missed the Deadline for a Tax Extension?

• You should file your tax return as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.
• You may be charged late filing fees by the IRS and, if you owe taxes, interest on your unpaid debt.
• You should pay as much as you can afford because interest may continue to accrue until you pay all of your taxes.

Learn more about tax extensions and IRS penalties.

TaxTip: What if I cannot afford to pay my taxes?

• Federal tax extension due dates and how to efile an IRS extension
• State tax extension information

Previous Tax Years Filing Deadlines

• There is no IRS deadline for overdue previous year tax returns.
• You cannot submit previous year tax returns via efile.
• Your options to file previous year tax returns are:
  1. Prepare and file alone: Download and complete the tax forms for the appropriate tax year and complete the forms either through the ADOBE READER or by hand.
     
     Tax Year 2009 · Tax Year 2008 · Tax Year 2007 · Tax Year 2006 · Tax Year 2005 · Tax Year 2004
  2. Prepare and file with us: Work with a tax professional online. Instead of visiting a local tax office, you can have your tax return completed by a efile.com TaxPro (this feature will be available soon).

Note: If you file a previous year's tax return(s) after the deadline:

1. The IRS might apply late fee penalties plus interest on taxes owed.
2. If you expect a tax refund, IRS late fee penalties might not apply.

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Why the Housing Crash May End in 2011

There might finally be some good news this year about the nation's dismal housing market. Or, at least, the bad news could stop.

Either way, it will be welcome relief for current homeowners as well as for potential real-estate investors. Reasons to be optimistic have been sadly lacking since the housing bubble burst in 2006.

Why 2011 May Be the End of the Housing Crash

Simon Constable explains to Kelsey Hubbard how rising affordability of housing will be a key to a turnaround. Plus how to invest in housing without buying a home. 
( Watch video )

For sure, last week we learned the widely watched S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index fell 1% in December, its fifth straight decline. The index tracks 20 major markets.

But that figure belies real reasons to be optimistic, according to some experts. If they are right, it might make sense to jump into real estate. The trick is avoiding getting burned again, and it doesn't necessarily mean owning a home.

First, let's recap the economic signs a bottom is close.

Houses Are a Good Deal

Housing is the most affordable it has been in decades, according to analysts at Moody's Analytics. They don't just look at house prices. They also look at incomes.

Nationally, the cost of a house is the equivalent of about 19 months of total pay for an average family, the lowest level in 35 years. Prices usually average close to two years' pay, although that varies nationally.

At the peak, midway through the last decade, a home in Los Angeles cost the equivalent of 4.5 years' pay. The average price has since fallen to just over two years' income now. That's well below its pre-bubble average of 2.6 years. This means average Los Angeles homes are cheaper in "real terms" than they were typically during the period 1989 through 2003.

The opposite is true around the Washington beltway, where it will take 26 months of pay to buy a home, versus the historical norm of 22 months.

In the end, it will be affordability that will drive people to buy homes.

"Pricing is down so much in some markets that when you analyze renting versus owning it makes much more sense to own," says Michael Larson, a real-estate analyst at Weiss Research in Jupiter, Fla.

It is definitely bullish. But what about timing?

"Housing prices will probably bottom in 2011," says Scott Simon, a managing director at money-management firm Pimco in Newport Beach, Calif. He foresaw the housing crash, helping his firm dodge losses that plagued Wall Street.

Mr. Simon says prices might dip another 5%. Still, in the scheme of things, that's small. Consider this: In some markets, home prices have fallen by half or more since 2006.

For instance, in once-hot Miami you can snap up an average house for under $166,000, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors. That's down from $371,000 in 2006. Another 5% drop would take it to $158,000.

Read more: Why the Housing Crash May End in 2011 - SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/why-the-housing-crash-may-end-in-2011-1298910211595/#ixzz1GmXJrKVe

STUFF!

                                                                              

Stuff. You've got a lot of it. It's now almost spring and you've been meaning to get organized since your last new-year's resolution.

You've tried to squeeze everything you can into closets. You've even considered lugging your stuff down to the basement so that you can make more room -- for more stuff. Instead, try clutter-reducing shelves that won't cost you a fortune in cash -- and 20 or 30 trips to the basement (unless you live here in Houston where we have no basements.)

• Organize your child's bedroom and study space by adding shelves to store books, CDs and magazines. Think you can't possibly fit all of your child's clothing and accessories into that room? Think vertical instead: wall space can be more valuable as storage than a place to exhibit posters of the latest pop stars. Don't forget to treat Mom or Dad by organizing that guest bedroom, den or home office by adding shelving above desks and computers.

• Keep cleaning supplies and household chemicals out of reach of small hands with wood-alternative shelving. Children are always ready and willing to explore all that your home has to offer. Linen closets, laundry rooms, walk-in pantries, bathrooms, and garages can now all have space to put those items we want to "keep out of reach of children" if you install wood-alternative shelving.

• Basement and attics can be valuable real estate when considering home storage options. Instead of wrestling with heavy boxes and packing tape, go for simplified, easily installed storage solutions for your family heirlooms, out-of-season clothing, tools, gardening supplies, and of course, holiday decorations. Shelve them and you'll always know where your treasures are when you need them.

• Adding cost-effective shelving options to your home not only helps you stay organized, but can add appeal to your home, as well. According to the National Association of Home Builders, potential homebuyers consistently rank storage -- and the need for a lot of it -- as a high priority when it comes to selecting a home. Shelving can provide a cost-efficient investment into your home.

Whether you are looking to improve your decor or just get your home organized, shelving is the way to go. It's cost effective, easy to install, and comes in a variety of colors, styles and finishes.

Feel free to share any ideas you have below as well! 

                                                                           

Decorating Basics: Pillows, Pillows, Pillows!

They’re comfy and cozy, but pillows can also be fashion-forward and the perfect finishing touch for a room. Since there are so many to choose from, we’re breaking them down by style, size, function and more, all to help you pick the perfect pillow for any space.

Bedroom Pillows
Sleeping pillows come in three basic varieties. Choose a texture, then opt for either standard/queen size—perfect for twin, double and queen beds—or king size.

• Feather: Made from real feathers, these pillows are extremely soft and beloved for their ability to fold and conform into different shapes. Unlike down or synthetic pillows, feather varieties tend to have a relatively “flat” texture.
• Down: The down feathers are a softer, more delicate layer found under a bird’s exterior coat. Down is lighter and fluffier than regular feather pillows, plus it traps and retains heat well. However, down pillows tend to be the most expensive.
• Synthetic: Many bed pillows come in synthetic varieties, like memory foam, gel and basic filling. They are less expensive than feather or down pillows and tend to retain a firmer shape.

Tip: Have fun picking out colourful cases for your pillows. You can opt for a standard pillowcase or go for a European sham, which features a thicker border called a “flange.” Try layering Euro shams and standard pillows for a plush look.

Decorative Pillows
Accent pillows sit well in any space—pile them on the bed, atop a couch,refresh a nook or rest a single statement pillow on an armchair.

• By Shape: Look at the shape of your furniture piece, then echo it or play against it. For example, if your sofa has a sloping silhouette, fill it with an abundance of square-shaped pillows. Or, offset your bed’s square shams with circular button pillows or a cylindrical bolster pillow.

• By Size: Be sure your accent pillows stand up to the size of your furniture. An extra-small pillow might feel lost in an oversized armchair, but by grouping three together, the proportions feel right.
• By Color: With so many accent pillows to choose from, we say mix and match. Start with a single pattern, then use it as a reference point for adding more pillows in solid colors and simpler patterns. If you want to go more understated, choose pillows in a few different shades of the same color.

Seating Pillows
Forget folding chairs—stylish floor pillows are the perfect solution for creating additional seating in a snap. Use them for movie night, kids’ play date or sports parties.

• Floor Pillow: They come in a few different sizes and durable fabrics in virtually every colour. Go bold, or choose ones in a neutral material that will work with the décor in any room of your home.

Tip: Going camping? Bring along a few floor pillows to create comfy seating for your family while hanging out inside your tent.

• Pouf: You may not have heard of them, but poufs are a big trend in home décor. These large circular pillows can be easily moved from room to room and work well as an extra seat or ottoman. They’re available in lots of soft, woven textures, but we especially love Moroccan Poufs—they feature stitched or embroidered leather and exotic details, making them extra durable and easy to clean!

What's new in Houston? Latest projects, restaurants, shops, arts & featured events...

                                                                            

HOUSTON (January 6, 2011)—Development never stops in Houston. New restaurants, bars and attractions are opening all the time. Consider this your go-to guide for staying in the know on the nation's fourth largest city. Here are a few of the latest things going on...

MAJOR PROJECTS

Houston Ballet's Center for Dance - Opening April 2011
Houston Ballet's 115,000 square-foot, $53 million Center for Dance building in downtown Houston will be the largest professional dance company facility of its kind constructed in the U.S. The six-story building, designed by Gensler, incorporates sustainable features throughout its nine dance studios, a dance laboratory that seats 200 for performances as well as rehearsals, and artistic, administrative and support facilities for Houston Ballet and its academy. The new facility will more than double the space that Houston Ballet has at its current home.  More...

Houston Zoo's African Forest - Opened December 2010
Opened in early December, the Houston Zoo’s new African Forest exhibit recreates the wilderness habitats of some of the continent’s most majestic animals. The $35 million African Forest encompasses 6.5 acres of the zoo and represents the largest undertaking in the institution’s history. The exhibit will allow the more than 1 million people who visit the Houston Zoo each year to experience what it’s like to meander through an African trading outpost and surrounding landscape, all recreated in stunning detail.  More...  

Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA - Opened October 2010
The new $47 million LEED gold certified facility features an indoor track, a separate wellness center just for women, expanded strength and cardio workout areas, volleyball and basketball courts for lunchtime pickup games, Wi-Fi connectivity and the Power House Deli. Guests at downtown hotels such as the Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Regency and Inn at the Ballpark have access to the facility for a small fee. More...

Market Square Park - Opened August 2010
Nestled in Houston's Downtown Historic District, Market Square Park provides a place for entertainment, dining, public art and green space. The goal? Create an increased sense of community for downtown's businesses and its growing number of residents. Capitalizing on decades of success in Montrose, the uber-popular Greek eatery Niko Niko's has set up shop in the park with a walk-up kiosk for breakfast and lunch. More...

West Ave - Ongoing  
Set at the crossroads of Upper Kirby and River Oaks, Houston’s much-anticipated West Ave development is finally opening up shop. The mixed-use center—which blends luxury residences and 190,000-square-feet of retail space—recently welcomed Austin-based Eddie V’s and Ivory Bridal to the ’hood, but things are really heating up now. In early 2011, the legendary Schiller-Del Grande Group is slated to unveil a pair of concepts: The American and Mediterranean-minded Ava Kitchen and the casually-cool Pizzeria Alto. Restaurateur Anita Jaisinghani (of Indika fame) opens her family-style Indian restaurant, Pondicheri, in February, about the same time Mickey Rosmarin debuts his 35,000-square-foot fashion mainstay, Tootsies. Look for Cru wine bar and Azur West salon to come online in the spring.

'Where the Chefs Eat' Houston Culinary Tours - Ongoing
After an incredibly successful inaugural year, Houston's "Where the Chefs Eat" culinary tours begin 2011 with more chefs, new tours and a new partner, Central Market. With a renewed sense of pride and enthusiasm, the city’s top chefs—who are just as interested in showcasing Houston’s mom and pop restaurants as their own—continue their mission to introduce locals and visitors alike to Houston’s culinary diversity by showing participants where they eat on their days off. This chef-driven program gives participants intimate knowledge about the city and its chefs: unexplored neighborhoods, undiscovered restaurants; and markets that contribute to the locally-driven menus of each chef. More...
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HOTELS

Westin Houston Memorial City - Opening April 6, 2011
This 570,000 square foot property in West Houston will feature 267 spacious guest rooms and suites, more than 30,000 square feet of unconstrained meeting and banquet space and an 18th-floor infinity pool with panoramic views of Houston’s skyline. The property will also include Trattoria Il Mulino restaurant and The 024 Lounge,  twenty-three residential units; and a wide-array of retail establishments in the surrounding area.  More...

Embassy Suites Downtown – Opening February 2011  
A 262-room, full-service Embassy Suites Hotel, adjacent the George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green downtown park, will include 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness center, a restaurant, a street-level café and wine bar, and two levels of underground valet parking. The 19-story property represents the first privately developed, full-service hotel built from the ground up in Houston’s Central Business District in 25 years. More...  

Hotel ICON - To Rebrand in 2011
Downtown's Hotel ICON, a historic district landmark that began its life as the Union National Bank building in 1911, has been purchased for a reported $27-million by Centurion Partners and Canyon Johnson Urban Fund, which is backed in part by former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson.  The new owners plan to make cosmetic and technological updates to the 135-room property.   Hotel ICON will continue operations under Destination Hotels & Resorts with a seamless rebranding to an undisclosed chain later in the year. More about Hotel ICON...  

La Maison B&B – Opened June 2010  
This $2 million urban bed and breakfast provides a cozy respite for travelers and locals looking to unwind in the city. Inspired by the architecture of New Orleans, the three-story B&B features seven unique and well-appointed guest rooms—all accessible via elevator—that offer amenities like whirpool tubs, walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs, bath robes, wi-fi and great views of the downtown skyline. More...
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RESTAURANTS  

El Real Tex-Mex - Opening Spring 2011
Chef Bryan Caswell, seen recently on The Food Network's The Next Iron Chef, restaurateur Bill Floyd and cookbook author Robb Walsh are collaborating on El Real Tex-Mex Cafe, featuring vintage (i.e. homemade) Tex-Mex in the restored Tower Theater in Montrose. Along with Houston’s favorite Tex-Mex dish, fajitas, El Real will serve dishes from Tex-Mex restaurants in other parts of the state, including green chiles sauces from West Texas and plenty of San Antonio-style puffy tacos. More...

Trattoria Il Mulino - Opening April 6, 2011
Trattoria Il Mulino, an outpost of legendary restaurant Il Mulino New York, will open at the Westin Houston Memorial City on April 6, 2011.The exciting menu features a diverse offering of elegantly and bountifully presented dishes, prepared from original, Italian recipes as well as a wide array of pizzas and pastas with an extensive Italian wine list to complement the menu. More...

Brasserie 19 - Opening May 2011
The newest concept from Charles Clark and Grant Cooper—following the success their restaurants Ibiza and Catalan—is a natural evolution for the duo. Like its predecessors, Brasserie 19 will be a place to feel at home—to dine simply and well, with a menu of high quality and straightforward value. Situated in the heart of Houston’s affluent River Oaks neighborhood (zip code 77019, hence, Brasserie 19), Brasserie 19’s chef-driven menu will feature classic French brasserie fare with familiar American influences. More...

Tony Mandola's Seafood Kitchen - Opening March 2011
After nearly four decades in the food service business, Tony Mandola’s namesake restaurant will have a new home, built from the ground up specifically for the Texas-Sicilian kitchen that has made the Mandola family a cornerstone of Houston’s restaurant scene. More...

Pondicheri - Opening February 2011  
Nationally recognized restaurateur Anita Jaisinghani, creator of Houston favorite Indika, is bringing the bold and exotic flavors of her native India to West Ave in February with Pondicheri, a traditional, family-style Indian restaurant featuring an all-new menu focused on local and sustainable ingredients.

Tasting Room at City Centre - Opening February 2011
Chef Michael Kramer will be running the kitchen and has developed a new menu with the Tasting Room’s signature bites and pizzas, paired with a charcuterie bar.  They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Lasco Enterprises confirms this with their new location with a gorgeous bar sprawling over 70 feet and an outdoor patio of 6,000 square feet where guests will be shaded by bamboo.

Ava Kitchen and Whiskey Bar - Opening January 2011  
The legendary Schiller-Del Grande Group, hot on the heels of the successful launch of their flagship RDG + Bar Annie, is bringing an entirely new pair of concepts to West Ave called Ava Kitchen and Whiskey Bar and Pizzeria Alto.  Slated for a January 2011 opening, Ava Kitchen will feature a menu of American and Mediterranean favorites such as pasta, seafood, steaks, and burgers in addition to a wide selection of wines and cocktails.  The second floor Pizzeria Alto, set to take a bow late January 2011, will offer a selection of designer pizzas, casual shareables, and a late night menu.

Philippe Restaurant + Lounge - Opening January 2011
Celebrated Houston chef Philippe Schmit will soon be back in the kitchen after spending the last two years planning his new restaurant concept, located in Uptown's BLVD Place. Locally known as The French Cowboy, Schmit will employ classic French techniques presented in unique and unexpected ways.More...

Spindletop - Opened October 2010
Two years after Hurricane Ike damage forced downtown’s iconic Spindletop to close its doors, the sky-high restaurant reopened in October 2010—complete with a new menu and $1.4-million renovation. More...

Americas River Oaks - Opened September 2010
After nearly two decades in the original Galleria location, famed chef-owner Michael Cordua has added a third outpost for his award-winning Américas restaurant, in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Drawing from the foods and cooking techniques of North, Central and South America, Cordua delivers a menu that merges the bold, rich flavors of South America with touches of the Caribbean and Mexico.  More...
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SHOPS

Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown - Opening April 2011 
Carrying more than 6,000 products from more than 50 countries, Phoenicia Specialty Foods Downtown will be a haven for foodies, chefs and downtown dwellers. Opening in April 2011, Phoenicia will boast 28,000-square-feet on the ground floor of One Park Place.  More...

Tootsies - Opening February 2011
After 30 years in its Highland Village location, Houston's famed specialty store is more than doubling in size with a move to West Ave. Occupying an entire city block, Tootsies will boast 900 lineal feet of storefront for easy window viewing of the latest labels, including new designers to the store Azzedine Alaia, Celine, Givenchy and Nina Ricci. Other additions include a denim bar, an intimate apparel section and a full-service bar and floor space for banquet seating and fashion shows. More...

Houston Premium Outlets Expansion - Completed November 2010
Houston’s largest outlet complex has added another 114,000 square feet of retail space, with new stores including Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, A|X Armani Exchange, Tory Burch, J.Crew, Joe's Jeans, David Yurman, Talbots and several others. More...
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ARTS

Lora Jean Kilroy Visitors and Education Center at Bayou Bend - Opened September 2010
Set on the corner of Westcott and Memorial Drive, just a stones throw from Memorial Park, is the two-story Bayou Bend Visitors Center. Designed by architect Leslie Elkins, the ultra-modern, environmentally-friendly 18,000-square-foot building makes room for a library, retail shop, meeting space and public terraces—all dedicated to America art, culture and history.  More...

14 Pews - Opened August 2010
The small cinema space that once housed Aurora Picture Show reopened in August 2010 and is already garnering praise for its innovative and sometimes provocative programming. More...
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FEATURED EVENTS

Houston Architecture Tours - OngoingSee the architecture and design that have shaped the look of Houston through the decades on a walking tour led by the Architecture Center of Houston. Tours of Montrose, the Museum District and Buffalo Bayou are offered on specific Saturdays of each month, featuring highlights like The Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden.  More...

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Feb. 20-May 23, 2011
While the National Gallery of Art in Washinton, D.C. is renovating its galleries, it will ship 50 paintings by French artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The MFAH presentation showcases works by Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Houston is the only city in the U.S. to house these paintings during the renovation. Select Houston hotels have partnered with the museum to package special hotel rates with VIP, discounted untimed tickets. More...

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™: March 1-20, 2011
Each year, the city welcomes 2 million attendees for its 20-day Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. The annual festival offers visitors fun-filled carnivals, barbecue cook-offs, wine tasting competitions, shopping, trail rides, superstar concerts and of course, action-packed bull riding. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Selena Gomez, Sugarland and much more. More...

NCAA® Men’s Final Four®: Saturday, April 2 and Monday, April 4, 2011
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) holds a single-elimination tournament each spring in several cities in the United States. The tournament, including the national semifinals and championship game (the Final Four), has become one of the nation’s most watched sporting events. On April 2, 2011, Reliant Stadium will host two national semifinal basketball games to determine which two teams will play for the National Championship on Monday, April 4, 2011. Public events include Bracket Town™ Refreshed by Coca-Cola Zero® (March 31-April 4, 2011), The Big Dance® (April 1-3, 2011) and Final Four Friday® (April 1). More...

Art Car Parade: May 22, 2011
It all began with an old Ford station wagon covered with fruit. Now the Houston Art Car Parade, the biggest and oldest of its kind, is one of the funkiest events in the U.S. This legendary parade of vehicular art will feature some 250 participants cruising down Allen Parkway in creations best described as folk art on four wheels. Expect to see scores of lowriders, classic cars, costumed rollerskaters, musicians on floats, art bicyclists, hot-rodders and hard-to-classify rolling contraptions. More...
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