Houston's Holocaust Museum to Expand in Size.

Since 1996, Houston’s Holocaust Museum has been open to the public, and starting in October of 2017, construction will begin on an expansion of the museum. The museum’s expansion will make it the fourth largest Holocaust Museum in the country. The project will cost $33.8 Million and will double the size of the museum. The project will open a new wing of the museum, named the Lester and Sue Smith Campus, which will be 57,000 square feet in size. Some of the current exhibits will be temporarily relocated to 9220 Kirby Dr. in July. The new museum exhibit will open in early 2019. The expanded museum will include a new 200 seat theater and will also be LEED certified.

Houston’s cultural offerings continue to grow and expand.

Emancipation Park Opens After $33.6 Million Renovation

Emancipation Park is a park in the third ward, founded by freed slaves, in 1872. It has now opened after a $33.6 Million renovation. The park's renovation is designed by Phil Freelon, who has also designed the National Museum for African American History and Culture in Washington DC.



The 10 acre park has a LEED certified recreation center with classrooms, a health center, a basketball court, a new pool and a canopied plaza.



On June 17th and 18th, the park will host Juneteenth fest, in a grand reopening celebration. It will feature live music, family friendly activities and a parade.

Metallica Drummer Lars Ulrich says Houston is one of his Favorite Cities.

On June 11th, 2017 Metallica held a concert at NRG Stadium. In an interview taken before the concert, Lars Ulrich said Houston is one of his favorite cities between the two coasts.

"Houston is one of my favorite cities. There's a great thriving art scene here. All the things that I'm into are here in Houston,". Ulrich mentioned The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel as some of his favorite places to visit in Houston.

Here is a link to the video of the interview.

http://abc13.com/entertainment/lars-ulrich-houston-is-one-of-my-favorite-cities/2087209/

Houston Makes Wallethubs 10 Best Summer Destination List

Wallethub has released a list of the best summer destinations in America. Houston has made the top 10. The list factored in travel costs & hassles, local costs, attractions, weather, activities and safety. Out of 80 metro areas on the list, Houston made the top 10, coming in at number 7.

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-summer-travel-destinations/3792/

Mayor Sylvester Turner's State of Mobility Address.

Mayor Sylvester Turner gave his State of Mobility address yesterday. Among other things, he promoted Transit Oriented Developments and districts, inside and connecting to, Houston's multiple economic centers. He praised improvements along Lower Westheimer and praised the HOV lanes. He also addressed freight traffic. He addressed how he planned to fund this and ended his speech by saying that Houston needed to work with other cities in the metro in order to accomplish these goals.

Here is a link to the full speech

http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/stateofmobility2016.html

Happy Birthday Barbara Bush!

Happy Birthday Barbara Bush. Here is a picture of George H.W. Bush & Barbara Bush with our Mayor, Sylvester Turner!

Houston Photo Series #18

The Woodlands Waterway in The Woodlands, TX

Texas Salsa Congress to host Latin Beats at the Downtown Aquarium.

Texas Salsa Congress, an organization which hosts salsa concerts across Texas, will host a Latin Beats concert at the Downtown Aquarium every Friday throughout the summer of 2017. The concert is an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy salsa dancing and will help bring people Downtown and to the Downtown Aquarium.