The Dunlavy’s chandelier-bedecked space and bayou views provide a recipe for instant urban-glam. But Jacqueline Soussan and Aaron Almquist enlisted Pomp & Circumstance to infuse the venue with a hint of rustic romance for their September 2017 nuptials. Bronze and gold accents shimmered in the glass-encased room and on the wood-clad deck, offset by bright white arrangements courtesy of Flora & Eventi. Other warm touches included gold-calligraphied table numbers, a kids zone, complete with crayons and a coloring sheet, and comfort-food bites like donut holes. With their adorable, tux-clad infant son by their side for much of the night, which took place just three weeks after Hurricane Harvey, the Almquists toasted to new beginnings.
WITH ITS INAUGURAL set of residents newly moved in, Pelican Builders’ mid-rise condominium Westmore at 2323 W Main Street in Upper Kirby is already seeing the blossoming of a tight-knit community. Designed by Houston-based Mirador Group the Westmore is the first new condominium product to be introduced to the in-demand, inner loop neighborhood in more than three years. And with remaining two-bedroom homes starting at $895,000, it’s a remarkable value for this increasingly pricey area, where condos can easily climb to several million dollars and more.
The Westmore’s intimate, mid-rise scale was intended to complement, rather than overpower, its charming surroundings, which range from renovated bungalows and multiplexes to high-end patio homes and townhomes plus multi-million-dollar single-family residences. And while just seven stories, residents are afforded beautiful treetops and skyline views that belie its modest size.
Perfectly nestled just off bustling Kirby Drive, just outside River Oaks, and moments from West University, the 33-residence property boasts an enviable 92 Walk Score. The proximity to things both useful and enjoyable has been one of its biggest sale drivers given the plethora of things that a pedestrian can so easily access just blocks away, from Whole Foods Market and Levy Park to Pinstripes bowling and bocce and Color Factory, plus a slew of antique and design stores, art galleries, service offerings, and fitness studios. And that doesn’t touch the surface of a literal bounty of restaurants for every taste, ranging from The Original Carrabba’s, Kiran's, and Thai newcomer MaKiin to recently opened bistro PS-21, Armando’s, Local Foods and Relish.
According to Pelican Builders founder Robert Bland, “The appeal for this building spans upwardly mobile young professionals to downsizing couples in their 50s and 60s, and they’re all drawn to a no maintenance lifestyle with the best of the city at their fingertips. At the Westmore, they have all that with the bonus of a 24-hour doorman for security purposes.”
The property is exclusively sold and marketed by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Its model residence is open Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm or by appointment. For more information or to book an appointment to tour, please call or text 713-600-5096 or visit www.westmorehouston.com.
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THIS WEEKEND MAY have been chilly, but one Friday-night bash brought the heat: Reagan and Alex Bregman welcomed a handful of VIPs to the launch party for their new southwest food brand, Wild Sol.
The couple, previously responsible for the popular Breggy Bombs salsa, wanted to expand their footprint, and rebranded as Wild Sol. The new offerings — Hot Salsa, Mild Salsa, Salsa Verde, and Mango Habanero — are all infused with a kick of Flecha Azul, a premium tequila created by their friends, Mark Wahlberg, Aron Marquez and Abraham Ancer.
Alongside their friends and family, a star-studded lineup turned out to toast the Bregmans (and take a dip, of course), including Paul Wall, Astros player Jeremy Pena, reporter Julia Morales Clark, NFL alums Adrian Peterson and Chester Pitts, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, and soulful songstress Lenora.
Wild Sol is available to purchase online, and is expected to appear on store shelves at H-E-B and Kroger in the next few months.
Reagan Bregman and Julia Morales Clark
Jeremy Pena
Wild Sol salsas
Wild Sol CEO Michael Posey
Laurice Howard and Jackie Bregman
Mattress Mack
Adrian & Ashley Peterson, Reagan & Alex Bregman
Haleigh Broucher, Ona DeShazo, Reagan Bregman, Courtney Blanch Powell, Madelyn Payne, Madison Straub
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The Red Queen Kicks Off Riotous Dance Party — and Raises Major Funds for Fresh Arts
Charlie Horse
Feb. 21, 2024
STILL RECOVERING FROM a devastating fire at its HQ in 2022, Fresh Arts expanded on its Instagram-worthy dance-party fundraiser by adding a dinner to this year’s gala, themed The Wonder Ball. Dressed in lavish Alice-in-Wonderland-themed costumes, guests were transported down the rabbit hole as they arrived to Silver Street Studios, which was completely transformed into Lewis Carroll’s fantasy land.
The decked-out patrons perused a silent auction featuring art exclusively from Houston artists to the sounds of The Charlie Trio Band, and enjoyed cocktails from LALO Tequila and Boheme. Following cocktail hour, a dinner from Hungry’s was served while radio personality Sarah Pepper emceed the night, and also hosted a live auction that included a trip to Paris!
Fresh Arts executive director Angela Carranza was cut off during her closing remarks by the White Rabbit, who announced that everyone was very late for an important date! As the lights dimmed “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played, and a 10-foot Red Queen appeared to usher all the guests to the awaiting dance party!
DJ Hiram kept revelers on their feet, while bubbles, with the gas from dry ice trapped inside, poured onto the dance floor. One touch of the bubble released the gas to dazzling effect.
“The Wonder Ball transported guests into a world of wonder and imagination,” said Carranza of the over-the-top evening. “Every detail spoke to the power of imagination, and our supporters wholeheartedly embraced the theme, showcasing an impressive diversity of creativity.”
Pizza from Betelgeuse Betelgeuse and popsicles from Wonder Pops HTX were served on the dancefloor as the party continued until close to midnight. Funds raised from the gala will go toward supporting Fresh Arts long-anticipated return to Winter Street Studios following the 2022 fire.
Cole and Lulia Rockman and David Nelo
Bob and Cynthia Card
Matt Manalo and Sarah Darro
Rouzi and Eva Sagisaka
Sha Samiuddin, Gabriel Luna, Andrew Carlin and Chris Cuellar
Annabeth Turcios, Christopher Manriquez, Ruby Rivera and Cynthia Rojas
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