Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• BentOak Capital expands into Houston.

• Upcoming Houston Astros game

• A deep dive into the life of Gene Tierney

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future."

- Oscar Wilde

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In what year was the Port of Houston officially opened?
A) 1896
B) 1914
C) 1936
D) 1955
Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The Houston park known for its large urban nature reserve is B) Memorial Park.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

BentOak Capital enters Houston market, eyes additional growth opportunities. (link)

United Airlines Poised to Fly Over 500,000 Travelers Daily During Memorial Day Period, with May 23 Topping 520,000 Passengers. (link)

Houston Rockets' Tilman Fertitta Climbs Forbes' Richest Sports Team Owners List to No. 18, Net Worth Soars to $9.4 Billion. (link)

🏒 Sports

Houston Rockets 2024 NBA offseason preview: There are some choices to be made. (link)

Tilman Fertitta climbs Forbes' ranking of world's richest sports owners. (link)

Astros Dodge Sweep with Clutch 4-3 Victory Over Yankees, Secure Must-Need Win to End Series 1-2 at Yankee Stadium. (link)

Sporting Kansas City Triumphs Over Houston Dynamo with Narrow 2-1 Victory at Home. (link)

🏦 Finance

Exxon to Move Tech Center to Houston, Shut New Jersey Campus. (link)

New Alpine Facility Opens at 2700 Greens Road to Provide Enhanced Customer Support Across Houston and Texas. (link)

Bilateral Chamber Welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani and Delegation to Houston for Global Commerce Summit. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Monday, May 13th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Rice Owls Men's Baseball vs. Texas Southern Tigers Baseball
Reckling Park Rice Univ, Houston, TX
Tuesday, May 14th | 11:30 AM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Friday, May 17th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚽ Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, May 18th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Elita
The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, May 14th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 P1Harmony
Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Sugar Land, TX
Tuesday, May 14th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎷 Luis Miguel
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Wednesday, May 15th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Reik
Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Sugar Land, TX
Wednesday, May 15th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌸 STEM For Toddlers
Children’s Museum Houston, Houston, TX
Thursday, May 16th | 5:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston streets with interactive, responsive surfaces.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1962: The University of Houston becomes a state university.

In 1962, the University of Houston underwent a transformative change by becoming a state university, marking a significant milestone in its development and in higher education in Texas. Since its founding in 1927, the University of Houston had grown rapidly, establishing itself as a major center for research and learning. The transition to a state university recognized its contributions and potential, allowing it to receive state funding and expand its programs and facilities. This pivotal moment enabled the university to broaden its mission of providing high-quality education and research opportunities to a wider range of students, including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.

The designation as a state university catalyzed growth and innovation at the University of Houston. It led to an increase in enrollment, the establishment of new academic colleges, and the enhancement of its research capabilities. The university became a key player in addressing the educational and workforce needs of Texas, contributing significantly to the state's economic and social development. It also reinforced Houston's reputation as a city committed to educational excellence and innovation.

Today, the University of Houston stands as a premier public research institution, with a vast array of programs and a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and the arts. Its transition to a state university in 1962 laid the foundation for its current status as a leader in higher education, reflecting the university's ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering diversity, and serving the community.

Famous People From Houston

Howard Barnstone (1923–1987): Influential architect.

Early Life and Architectural Education (1923-1946)

Howard Barnstone was born in 1923, embarking on a path that would lead him to become one of Houston's most influential architects. After serving in World War II, Barnstone pursued his architectural education at Yale University, where he absorbed the principles of modernism that would inform his distinctive approach to design. His education, under the tutelage of leading architects of the time, equipped him with a blend of classical knowledge and a passion for modern architectural expression.

Establishing His Practice in Houston (1947-1960)

Barnstone moved to Houston, Texas, in the late 1940s, a city then on the cusp of significant growth and transformation. He established his architectural practice, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in the city's architectural scene. Barnstone's work during this period reflected a keen understanding of modernist principles, adapted to the unique climate and cultural context of Houston. His designs, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and integration with the natural environment, set a new standard for residential and public architecture in the region.

Collaborations and Notable Projects (1961-1975)

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Barnstone's influence in Houston's architectural landscape grew through a series of notable collaborations and projects. His partnership with fellow architect Eugene Aubry led to the creation of iconic structures that blended functionality with aesthetic innovation. Among his most celebrated works is the Rothko Chapel, a non-denominational chapel and a landmark of modern architecture, which Barnstone co-designed. The chapel is renowned for its meditative space and integration of art and architecture, epitomizing Barnstone's vision of creating buildings that elevate the human experience.

Academic Contributions and Advocacy (1976-1987)

Beyond his practice, Barnstone was a respected educator and advocate for architectural preservation in Houston. He taught at the University of Houston's College of Architecture, where he influenced a generation of architects with his emphasis on the importance of context, history, and innovation in design. His efforts to preserve Houston's architectural heritage, including advocacy for the preservation of historic buildings threatened by development, underscored his commitment to the city's cultural legacy.

Legacy and Influence in Houston's Development (1987-Present)

Howard Barnstone passed away in 1987, but his legacy endures in the buildings he designed and in the broader architectural ethos of Houston. His approach to modernism, characterized by a deep respect for the interplay between architecture and its environment, has left a lasting mark on the city. Barnstone's work continues to be celebrated for its contributions to Houston's architectural identity, blending innovation with a sense of place and history.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered modernist architecture in Houston, introducing innovative design principles adapted to the local context.

• Co-designed the Rothko Chapel, a significant cultural and architectural landmark.

• Influenced Houston's architectural preservation movement, advocating for the integration of historical awareness in urban development.

Summary:

Howard Barnstone's career as an architect in Houston is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful and innovative design. His contributions to the city's architectural landscape, through both his buildings and his advocacy for preservation, reflect a deep engagement with the challenges and opportunities of modern architecture. Barnstone's legacy in Houston is not only in the structures he left behind but also in his impact on the city's understanding of the role of architecture in shaping a vibrant and culturally rich urban environment.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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