Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• NewQuest breaking ground near Costco.

• Abreu's dominant innings boost Astros.

• A deep dive into the life of Frank Sharp.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor."

— Seneca

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Trivia

In which year did the METRO light rail's Green and Purple lines begin operation in Houston?

A) 2004

B) 2009

C) 2015

D) 2018

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The area in Houston renowned for its Vietnamese community is B) Little Saigon.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

NewQuest to break ground on retail building near Costco in the Grand at Aliana. (link)

🏒Sports

2 dominant innings show Bryan Abreu is up to speed for Astros' stretch run. (link)

With future of Bayou Bucket in doubt, UH and Rice look for options. (link)

🏦Finance

HPE to offer $1.3 billion in stock to fund $14 billion acquisition. (link)

Texas Capital assumes $400M health care portfolio, cuts some jobs. (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 Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Sep 18th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 JT - The City Cinderella Tour
White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs, Houston, TX
Monday, Sep 16th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Upsahl
White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Sep 18th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

️🍅 Tumua
Houston Improv 7620 Katy Freeway, Ste. 455 Houston, TX
Tuesday, Sep 17th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🖌️ Krafty Kids
High Meadows Library, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Sep 18th | 3:30 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 with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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

1943: Houston Shipyard explosion.

In 1943, Houston experienced a significant industrial accident when an explosion rocked the Houston Shipyard, a crucial facility for the U.S. war effort during World War II. The explosion occurred on March 22, when a series of blasts tore through the shipyard, which was engaged in the production and repair of naval vessels. While the incident resulted in damage and casualties, it also highlighted the critical role that Houston played in the war effort and the resilience of its workforce.

The explosion, caused by the ignition of munitions on one of the ships under repair, was a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in wartime production. The blast caused extensive damage to the shipyard facilities and nearby areas, and unfortunately, there were several fatalities and injuries among the workers. Despite the tragedy, the response from the local community was swift and determined. Emergency services, fellow workers, and volunteers quickly mobilized to contain the damage, rescue the injured, and restore operations.

The Houston Shipyard explosion underscored the city's importance as a hub for military production during World War II and the risks that came with it. The shipyard was quickly rebuilt and continued its vital contributions to the war effort, a testament to the city's resilience and determination. The incident also led to improved safety protocols and awareness, ensuring that such a tragedy would be less likely in the future. Houston's role in the war effort, despite this setback, remained a source of pride for the city.

Famous People From Houston

Frank Sharp (1906–1993): Businessman involved in the Sharpstown scandal.

Early Life and Business Beginnings (1906–1930)

Frank Wesley Sharp was born on April 21, 1906, in Limestone County, Texas. Raised in a rural environment, Sharp developed a strong work ethic from an early age. He pursued various business ventures in his early adulthood, gradually making a name for himself in real estate and development. Sharp's early career was marked by his ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, which drove him to seek out opportunities in the rapidly growing state of Texas.

Development of Sharpstown and Real Estate Success (1940–1950)

In the 1940s, Frank Sharp moved to Houston, where he began to focus on large-scale real estate development. His most significant project was the creation of Sharpstown, one of the first master-planned communities in Houston. Launched in the 1950s, Sharpstown was a groundbreaking development that included residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities. The Sharpstown Mall, one of the first air-conditioned malls in the country, was a centerpiece of the community. Sharp's vision for Sharpstown reflected his understanding of the growing demand for suburban living in post-war America, and his success in real estate cemented his reputation as a leading businessman in Houston.

Connection to Houston and Expansion of Business Interests (1951–1960)

Frank Sharp's connection to Houston was integral to his business success. As Houston grew rapidly in the mid-20th century, Sharp's developments played a key role in shaping the city's suburban landscape. His work in real estate extended beyond Sharpstown, as he became involved in various other projects throughout the Houston area. Sharp was also active in the local business community, establishing relationships with influential figures in finance, politics, and industry. His contributions to Houston's growth and development were widely recognized, and he became a prominent figure in the city's economic life.

The Sharpstown Scandal (1969–1971)

Despite his earlier successes, Frank Sharp's career was marred by his involvement in the Sharpstown scandal, one of the most notorious political and financial scandals in Texas history. The scandal unfolded in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Sharp used his influence and connections to orchestrate a scheme involving the National Bankers Life Insurance Corporation and the Houston-based Sharpstown State Bank. The plan involved providing stock in these companies to key Texas politicians in exchange for favorable legislation. When the scheme unraveled, it led to widespread investigations and the indictment of several high-profile politicians, though Sharp himself avoided prison time by turning state's evidence.

Impact of the Scandal and Later Years (1972–1993)

The Sharpstown scandal had a profound impact on Texas politics and Frank Sharp's legacy. Although he avoided prison, the scandal tarnished his reputation and led to significant changes in Texas's political landscape, including reforms aimed at increasing transparency and reducing corruption. In the years following the scandal, Sharp largely retreated from public life and focused on managing his remaining business interests. He continued to live in Houston but remained a relatively low-profile figure until his death.

Legacy and Recognition (1993–Present)

Frank Sharp passed away on March 3, 1993, leaving behind a complex legacy. While he was a visionary real estate developer who played a significant role in the growth of Houston, his involvement in the Sharpstown scandal overshadowed many of his accomplishments. The Sharpstown area remains a testament to his impact on the city’s development, though his name is often associated with the negative aspects of his career. Sharp’s life serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of mixing business with politics and the lasting consequences of unethical behavior.

Key Achievements:

• Developed Sharpstown, one of Houston's first master-planned communities, which became a model for suburban development.

• Played a significant role in the growth and expansion of Houston's suburban landscape in the mid-20th century.

• Involvement in the Sharpstown scandal led to major political reforms in Texas, highlighting the dangers of corruption in business and politics.

Summary:

Frank Sharp’s journey from a successful real estate developer to a central figure in one of Texas's biggest political scandals reflects the complexities of ambition and ethics in business. His connection to Houston was integral to his career, as he helped shape the city’s suburban landscape but also became embroiled in a scandal that left a lasting mark on Texas politics. Sharp’s legacy is a mixed one, serving as both a testament to his vision in real estate and a cautionary tale about the consequences of ethical lapses in business and politics.

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-Matthew Larsen

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