Category: City

Discovering Nature in an Urban Landscape Houston, one of the largest and most urbanized cities in the U.S., is surprisingly rich in wildlife and green spaces. Its bayous, parks, and nature reserves offer a habitat for various species, ranging from birds and fish to mammals and reptiles. This natural diversity is a product of the READ MORE

Early Ambitions: The Foundations of Houston’s Skyline Houston’s journey to building some of the tallest skyscrapers in the U.S. began in the early 20th century, driven by economic growth fueled by oil, trade, and finance. One of the first significant high-rises was the Gulf Building (now the JPMorgan Chase Building), completed in 1929. At the READ MORE

From Oil Capital to Energy Innovator Houston has long been known as the Energy Capital of the World, with its economy deeply rooted in the oil and gas industry. Starting with the Spindletop discovery in 1901, the city grew into a global hub for fossil fuel production, refining, and transportation. By the mid-20th century, Houston READ MORE

From Military Grounds to a Green Haven: The Origins of Memorial Park Memorial Park, spanning over 1,500 acres, is not just Houston’s largest green space – it is a piece of history that honors the past while serving as a retreat for future generations. The park’s story began in 1917, when the site was home READ MORE

Houston, often called the “Bayou City” or “Space City”, stands out as a metropolis filled with diversity and opportunity. Located in Southeast Texas, it is home to nearly 2 million people, making it the most populous city in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. Houston’s economic strength and cultural landmarks, like READ MORE

Early Beginnings: The Birth of Houston’s Architectural Identity Houston’s skyline began its rise in the early 20th century, fueled by the discovery of oil and the city’s strategic location as a shipping and railroad hub. The city’s first skyscraper, the Niels Esperson Building, was completed in 1927 and remains a symbol of Houston’s growth. Designed READ MORE

Houston’s evolution into a sprawling, car-centric metropolis is closely tied to the history and development of its freeway system. Designed to accommodate explosive population growth and economic expansion, Houston’s freeways have shaped the city’s identity, urban planning, and daily life. This story begins in the mid-20th century and reflects larger national trends of car dependence, READ MORE

A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Houston’s Second Ward, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a child. The incident happened on Sunday night when a privately-owned Robinson R44 helicopter collided with a communications tower, toppling it and triggering a massive fire. The crash took place near Engelke Street and North Ennis Street just before 8 p.m. READ MORE

Houston, a city often known for its energy industry and sprawling urban landscape, is rapidly evolving into a model of sustainable urban development. Through investments in parks, green spaces, and forward-thinking environmental policies, Houston is actively shaping its identity as a green city. This transformation balances the city’s rapid growth with a commitment to sustainability, READ MORE

Houston’s public housing journey reflects broader themes of urban development, segregation, economic challenges, and efforts toward equitable growth. From the creation of early housing projects to modern redevelopment initiatives, public housing in Houston has been at the intersection of social policy and urban planning, shaping the lives of many low-income residents while also confronting significant READ MORE