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What's New in Houston

HOUSTON (February 14, 2013)--Development never stops in Houston. Consider this your go-to guide for staying in the know on the nation's fourth largest city.

For a comprehensive list of all recent Houston openings, please click here.

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Recent Awards and Rankings

Houston was No. 7 on The New York Times' list of Places to Go in 2013.

Houston named the 7th best shopping city in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report.

HOTELS

The St. Regis and the Four Seasons Hotel received 2013 Five Diamond Awards from AAA. 

Hotel Sorella, St. Regis and Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa included on Conde Nast Traveler's list of the Best in the World 2012.

The St. Regis was included on U.S. News and World Report's list of the Best Hotels in the USA.

RESTAURANTS

Oxheart, Roost, Triniti and Underbelly included on Texas Monthly's list of the 12 Best New Restaurants in Texas in 2012.

The Pass and Provisions received the So Hot Right Now award from Eater.com.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse included on Eater.com's list of 22 restaurants with the best value wine lists in the U.S. 

Reef included on The Wall Street Journal's list of 6 outstanding oyster bars.

Underbelly named one of Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurants.

Ryan Hildebrand of Triniti named a "chef to watch" by Esquire. 

Oxheart named one of Food and Wine's best new places to drink wine.

ARTS/CULTURE

Rothko Chapel included on Travel + Leisure's list of 101 Places Every Traveler Should Know.

The American Planning Association named Buffalo Bayou one of America's Ten Great Public Spaces.

NIGHTLIFE

Anvil Bar & Refuge and West Alabama Ice House included on Southern Living's list of the Best Bars in the South. 

The Hay Merchant and Petrol Station included on Draft magazine's list of the 100 Best Beer Bars in the Country.

Houston included on Imbibe magazine's Imbibe 75: People, Places and Flavors that will shape the way you drink in 2013.

   MAJOR PROJECTS

New Destination Image Campaign for Houston - Launched February 2013

How do you tell the story of a city? On the fifth anniversary of the successful My Houston campaign that showcased the city's celebrity sons and daughters, the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau has decided to tell the story a different way. Research says that people who come to Houston want to experience the cuisine and the arts above everything else. Who better to convey the dynamic diversity of these scenes than the people who are pushing them forward each day? A print campaign features locals who are moving these industries forward will run in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times February through May 2013. More...

New Attraction for Houston CityPASS - Beginning March 1, 2013

Kemah Boardwalk, a waterfront attraction with rides, restaurants and shops, will be added to the Houston CityPASS in March. The easy-to-use, deep-discount ticket booklet offers a 46 percent savings off regular combined admission prices. Other attractions in the booklet are Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Children's Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. More...

Princess and Norwegian Cruising into Port of Houston - 2013-2014

The Port of Houston Authority is partnering with two separate cruise lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines, to offer new service from the Bayport Cruise Terminal. Princess Cruises will make passenger cruise calls during the 2013-2014 cruise season, while Norwegian Cruise Lines has committed to begin service in 2014. More...

Historic Sunset Coffee Building to Become Downtown Recreation Hub - Opening Summer 2014 

Construction will begin in April on the former Sunset Coffee Building at Allen's Landing that will return the historic structure to use and hopefully bring new life to Buffalo Bayou Downtown. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Houston First revealed plans for the $8 million project on Tuesday. Once complete in mid-2014, the building will offer an outdoor plaza, refreshment facilities, canoe and kayak rentals and a rooftop event space among other amenities. The building will also house the offices of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. More...

Major Developments Underway in Convention Center District - To Be Completed by 2016

Construction will begin on a 1,000-room Marriott Marquis in 2014, with an estimated completion date of mid-2016.  The hotel will be connected to the north side of George R. Brown Convention Center, opposite the 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston that is connected to the south side of the center. Also near the convention center is the new BBVA Compass Stadium, home to the MLS Houston Dynamo, that opened in May 2012.  The Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, a heritage tourism center, will break ground across the street from the convention center in late 2013.

METRORail Expansion - To be Completed in 2014

Three rail lines currently under construction will bring Houston to 22.7 miles of rail, allowing locals and visitors to access a variety of neighborhoods via the train, including Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, East End, East Downtown (EaDo), Third Ward and the Texas Medical Center.  Key attractions along the new lines include the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston Theater District, BBVA Compass Stadium--home of the MLS Houston Dynamo, University of Houston and Texas Southern University. More...

Hobby International Airport - Opening 2015

Houston City Council approved a deal to have Southwest Airlines build a $100 million international facility at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and begin operating flights to Mexico and the Caribbean in 2015.  More...

 
   

$58 Million Buffalo Bayou Park Renovation - To be Completed in 2015

The transformation of the 160-acre, 2.3-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street is underway. The $58 million project is a public-private partnership led by Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the City of Houston led by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Harris County Flood Control District and with catalyst funding from the Kinder Foundation. Construction began in July of 2012 to restore the area to a more natural and self-sustaining state, reintroduce native landscapes and add amenities to enhance safety and convenience for visitors. Improvements will include:

  • A restoration of natural landscapes, including trees and native grasses
  • Upgraded or new trails for walkers and hikers to enjoy nature including places for canoes and kayaks to launch
  • Two pedestrian bridgesAn extension of the distinctive blue lunar cycle lighting
  • New destination features such as The Water Works adjacent to the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, Lost Lake near Dunlavy and Allen Parkway, a dog park near Studemont and Allen Parkway and modifications to a portion of Eleanor Tinsley Park
  • Additional benches, picnic spots and drinking fountains  More...

   HOTELS

Royal Sonesta - Reflagged July 2012

The InterContinental Houston By The Galleria began operations as the Royal Sonesta Houston in July.  The 485-room property, located in the Galleria area, features 50,000 square feet of function space, several dining options, a pool and a 24-hour fitness center.

Hotel Derek - Property-wide Makeover to be Complete March 2013

The stylish 312-room boutique Hotel Derek is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation of its guestrooms and suites, meeting and public spaces.Working with Texas-based Flick-Mars, a leading luxury hotel, resort and restaurant design firm, Hotel Derek will be transformed with bold colors, textured fabrics and natural materials which reflect the hotel's "indigenous surroundings." More...

Westin Downtown - Rebranding July 2013

The Inn at the Ballpark , located across the street from Minute Maid Park, will rebrand as the Westin Houston Downtown. The conversion to a Westin will begin with renovations in the first quarter of 2013. The complete rebranding is slated for the end of 2013, although guests can expect to see the Westin Hotel brand introduced to the location in July 2013. Landry's will continue to own and operate the property after the conversion.  Renovations will include updated furnishings and finishes throughout, an expanded exercise facility and a completely new lobby, reception area and lobby bar.   The property will remain open during the conversion.  More...

   RESTAURANTS

Blacksmith - Opened January 2013

Greenway Coffee and Tea owners David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto partnered with the owners of Underbelly and The Hay Merchant to develop Blacksmith, a coffee shop, on Lower Westheimer. Blacksmith reflects a kindred spirit among baristas and the antiquated laborers who sought to craft something by hand with uncompromising quality and attention to detail. More...

The Pass - Opened December 2012

Chefs Terrence Gallivan and Seth Siegel-Gardner of Pilot Light Restaurant Group have now debuted the second half of their dual-part concept, The Pass and Provisions, in the space formerly home to Gravitas. The Pass offers a stark, intimate setting (only 36 seats and one seating each evening), with an experimental tasting menu of either five or eight courses. The more casual Provisions is built around a pivotal instrumental element, a mammoth wood-burning oven designed to churn out anything with smoky traces and a pizza-like crust.  More...

Brooklyn Athletic Club - Opened December 2012

This preppy restaurant mixes American fare, libations and classic lawn games. The Clubhouse offers all the comforts of fine dining, while the 'BACyard' reflects a more casual vibe, with picnic style fare and gaming areas dedicated to bocce, horseshoes, ping pong, badminton and croquet. More...

Eatsie Boys Cafe - Opened December 2012

Partners Matt Marcus, Ryan Soroka and Alex Vassilakidis-collectively known as the Eatsie Boys-opened their namesake café--a brick and mortar evolution of their popular food truck--on Montrose in late 2012. Some of Eatsie's familiar favorites have made the move, and other items have been added to the slate. More...

Etoile Cuisine et Bar - Opened November 2012

Etoile Cuisine et Bar offers traditional and modern interpretations on French cuisine in its beautiful farmhouse-inspired space in Uptown Park. Owner/Chef Philippe Verpiand brings culinary experience earned at the French Culinary Institute in Avignon to his latest venture here in Houston. More...

Cove Cold Bar - Opened October 2012

Haven Chef de Cuisine Jean Philippe Gaston has launched Cove Cold Bar-a restaurant-within-a-restaurant concept at Haven. Cove inhabits a space that formerly served as Haven's bar and offers a menu divided into four sections-the first three with seafood from waters around the world and the fourth with land-based selections such as Italian lamb carpaccio, Japanese tataki made from raw veal and more. More...

Coming Soon

Goro & Gun - Opening March 2013

The founders of the Original OKRA Charity Saloon are presenting another concept in downtown Houston-a cozy, den-like spot that will bring bold flavors, "lots of noodles," and inspired cocktails to the historic Market Square space. More...

Batanga - Opening Spring 2013

Owner Hank Fastoff will open his 5,000-square-foot Latin American restaurant, Batanga, just off Market Square Park in downtown Houston. Located next door to the Original OKRA Charity Saloon, the spot will feature Latin American tapas, exotic drinks and live music, as well as a large grassy patio that overlooks the park. More...

Coltivare - Opening Spring 2013

Revival Market co-owners Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber will open Coltivare, a rustic Italian restaurant, next spring in the Heights.  Plans include a 3,000 square foot garden that will provide both the trattoria and Revival Market with the freshest of the season's vegetables, fruit and herbs. The small plates, salads, house made pastas and wood-oven fired pizzas will feature Revival salumi and cheese selections. Heartier plates will features Texas beef and Gulf Coast seafood. More...

   THE ARTS

Andres Orozco-Estrada New Houston Symphony Music Director - 2014-2015 Season

Andres Orozco-Estrada, 35, is a vibrant young conductor who has impressed audiences across Europe and the United States. Currently the music director of the Tonkünstler Orchestra and principal conductor of the Basque National Orchestra in San Sebastián, Spain, Orozco-Estrada began conducting at age 15. Orozco-Estrada will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2013-14 season and will begin a five-year contract in the 2014-15 season. He is the symphony's first Hispanic music director. More...

New Building for Buffalo Soldiers National Museum - October 2012

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the African-American soldier, houses the largest repository of African-American military history in the world. In fall 2012, the museum moved into its new 23,000-square-foot home at the Houston Light Guard Armory in Midtown. The historic armory space is seven times the museum's previous space, giving the national museum significantly more room for reenactments, exhibits and lectures. More...

Coming Soon

The MATCH Building $25 Million Community Arts Complex - Opening in 2015

The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH), formerly the Independent Arts Collaborative, is a non-profit organization that was formed to create a new $25 million community arts complex in Midtown.  MATCH will serve as home base for many of Houston's small and mid-sized visual and performing arts organizations, featuring four theaters, two rehearsal/ classroom spaces, gallery space and office space. The San Antonio-based architecture firm Lake/Flato is partnering with local firm Studio Red on the design, and the architect team has now completed schematic designs for the facility. The capital campaign is underway and the entire project is expected to take about three years.  More...

   SHOPS

Dryden Kreps - Opened November 2012

The modern men's boutique carries a large selection of fashions for all occasions-from formal and outerwear to casual shirts and jeans. More...

   NIGHTLIFE

OKRA Charity Saloon - Opened December 2012

A group of independent restaurant and bar owners (Anvil Bar and Refuge, Revival Market) have launched a unique concept--a bar where 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to charity.  The concept is simple: For each drink purchased, guests receive one vote that they may cast that night for one of four selected charities. The charity with the most votes at the end of the month receives that month's proceeds. More...

Cottonwood - Opened October 2012

The guys behind craft beer haven Liberty Station have expanded to Garden Oaks with Cottonwood, a similar spot with a mega tap wall and a full menu of tasty dishes. Perhaps the best thing about Cottonwood is its enormous patio packed with games like cornhole and bocce ball-the perfect playground to while away an afternoon over an IPA. More...

Coming Soon

Clutch City Squire - Opening Late February 2013

Clutch City Squire is joining the slew of restaurateurs and bar owners flocking back to downtown. Owner Steve Hannigan describes his bar as a modern take on a saloon. More...

Bad News Bar - Opening Spring 2013

Justin Burrows, part of the team that opened Anvil Bar & Refuge, aims to create a modern American cocktail bar that he and his friends would frequent--no fuss, no pretension, just quality drinks in a fun atmosphere. He'll be serving up everything from classic cocktails to $2 Lone Star beers. More...

Julep - Opening Spring 2013

Alba Huerta, currently the general manager of Anvil Bar and Refuge, is opening her own cocktail bar, Julep, in Spring 2013. While maintaining a strong emphasis on classic cocktails, Julep--named after the iconic Southern cocktail--will embrace Southern drinking culture. The bar will offer a dynamic food menu, table service, patio seating, accommodations for private events and plenty of bourbon. More...

City Acre Brewing - Opening Spring 2013

City Acre Brewing will add to Houston's growing craft beer scene in spring 2013.  Located north of downtown off Highway 59, the new brewpub will feature its own label and also serve other labels brewed around the region. To maintain a variety, City Acre will concentrate on creative small batches that make use of seasonal ingredients-some of which are actually grown in a garden on the grounds.  More...

8th Wonder Brewery - Opening Spring 2013

The brains behind Houston's Eatsie Boys food truck and Eatsie Boys Cafe are branching out with another concept, 8th Wonder Brewery, set to open for tours in spring 2013. Located in EaDo and named after the city's iconic Astrodome, the spot will send out seasonal selections and limited-edition offerings. More...

   SPORTS

TopGolf - Opened December 2012

In December 2012, West Houston welcomed a three-story TopGolf entertainment complex, near the Highway 6 and I-10 interchange. The tech-savvy entertainment venture boasts 102 hitting bays, an upscale restaurant and bars on all three levels. More...

Houston Astros Make Historic Move to American League - April 2013

In April 2013, the Houston Astros will play their first game in the American League.  The move from the National League to the American League, which was a mandatory requirement of Major League Baseball, is the first of its kind in history. The Astros will begin the 2013 season in exciting fashion, hosting the interstate rival Texas Rangers in the inaugural American League Lone Star Series at Minute Maid Park for the Home Opener on Tuesday, April 2, in the first of a three-game series. More...

Indy Racing Returns to Houston - October 2013

The Grand Prix of Houston will return to Reliant Park Oct. 4-6, 2013, with the IZOD IndyCar Series. Organizers of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston are planning a "three-day festival of speed", with a variety of family-friendly activities complementing world-class racing. Planned activities include live music, a family fun zone, interactive exhibits, and go-karting. More...

   TRANSPORTATION

Nonstop Service Between Houston and Beijing - Service begins July 11, 2013

Air China will begin new nonstop service between Beijing and Houston Bush Intercontinental in July. The new route will significantly improve access between Houston and China. Plans call for four flights a week on Boeing 777-300ER jets. China-bound flights will leave Houston at 1:40 a.m. and land in Beijing at 5 a.m. the next day. The return flight will leave Beijing at 3 p.m. and land in Houston at 3:30 p.m. on the same day. More...


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Lindsey Brown
Director of Marketing and PR
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
(713) 437-5275
lbrown@ghcvb.org
VisitHouston.com