When Houstonians talk about the city’s defining features, the bayous always come up. Among them, Brays Bayou, often associated with the Braeswood neighborhoods and Texas Medical Center, stands out as a waterway that has shaped the city’s growth, culture, and resilience for nearly two centuries.

Early Origins and Naming

Brays Bayou stretches about 31 miles through Harris County, flowing east from near Barker Reservoir and George Bush Park to its confluence with Buffalo Bayou at Harrisburg. Its name has sparked debate for decades. Some historians believe it comes from James Bray, an early settler who arrived in the area around 1822. Others suggest the term “Braes” derives from the Scottish word brae, meaning hillside or slope (a nod to the gentle banks along the bayou). By the late 1820s, diaries from settlers like Joseph Clopper referenced “Bray’s Bayou,” cementing its place in Houston’s early maps and lore.

A Bayou at the Heart of Houston

As Houston grew, Brays Bayou became a central geographic feature. It winds through neighborhoods such as Meyerland, Braeswood Place, and Riverside Terrace, and skirts landmarks like Rice University and the Texas Medical Center. Its watershed covers 129 square miles and supports over 700,000 residents today. This urbanization, however, came with challenges… ie. flooding.

Flooding and Resilience

Brays Bayou has a long history of catastrophic floods. Records show major events as early as 1843, when heavy rains submerged bridges leading into Houston. Subsequent decades brought repeated disasters: in 1943, flooding inundated Bellaire and southeast Houston, damaging over 11,000 homes; in 2001, Tropical Storm Allison dumped more than 20 inches of rain, causing $5 billion in damages and devastating the Texas Medical Center.

In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey unleashed unprecedented rainfall across Houston, marking the most significant flooding event in the city’s history. Over five days, Harvey dumped more than 29 inches of rain near the Texas Medical Center, and Brays Bayou surged to a record gage height of 45 feet—28 feet above its normal level. This catastrophic rise overwhelmed floodplains and inundated thousands of homes along the bayou.

Neighborhoods in the Brays Bayou watershed were among the hardest hit. Meyerland saw flooding in 83% of homes, while Braeswood Place and Bellaire experienced widespread devastation, forcing residents to evacuate and rebuild. Streets turned into rivers, and residents navigated their neighborhoods by canoe and kayak. For many, Harvey shattered assumptions about flood risk: areas previously considered safe were submerged, proving that the storm exceeded even the 500-year floodplain projections.

Harvey’s impact underscored the vulnerability of Houston’s bayou system. Despite decades of flood-control projects, the sheer volume of water overwhelmed infrastructure. The disaster caused $125 billion in damages nationwide, with Brays Bayou neighborhoods bearing a significant share of the loss.

These events spurred massive flood-control initiatives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began studies in the 1980s, leading to Project Brays, a multi-decade effort involving channel widening, detention basins, and green infrastructure. Today, Arthur Storey Park and other detention areas stand as symbols of Houston’s commitment to mitigating flood risk.

Modern Transformation: From Floodplain to Greenway

Beyond flood control, Brays Bayou has evolved into a recreational and ecological asset. The Brays Bayou Greenway Project, launched in the 2010s, added miles of hike-and-bike trails, pedestrian bridges, and parkland. These improvements connect communities from Mason Park to the University of Houston, turning the bayou into a scenic corridor for outdoor activity and urban wildlife.

The Brays Bayou Greenway Project is entering an exciting new phase aimed at improving connectivity, accessibility, and community engagement. Over the next three years, the Houston Parks Board, in partnership with Harris County Precinct 4, will invest $6.6 million in enhancements along the greenway. These plans include:

• 4.4 miles of new or upgraded trails, including a 10-foot-wide concrete path replacing older asphalt segments between Fondren and Braeburn Glen.
• Seven new pedestrian and bicycle underpasses at key intersections such as Chimney Rock, Hillcroft, Fondren, and Braeswood Boulevard, improving safety and reducing street-level crossings.
• A one-mile trail segment on the north side of Brays Bayou between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft, connecting to the Atwell Pedestrian Bridge.
• An ADA-accessible trail connection to a METRO bus stop at Mullins Drive, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
• The creation of the Captain Gary L. Herod Memorial Plaza near Mullins Drive, honoring the Texas National Guard pilot who heroically sacrificed his life in 1961 to prevent a catastrophic crash. The plaza will feature landscaping, lighting, benches, and commemorative signage.

These improvements will contribute to a fully connected 34-mile Brays Bayou Greenway, stretching from Archbishop Fiorenza Park in west Houston to the Houston Ship Channel in the east. Beyond recreation, the project reflects a broader vision: creating equitable access to green space, promoting wellness, and enhancing flood resilience through sustainable design.

Why Braeswood Matters

For residents of Braeswood Place and surrounding neighborhoods, the bayou is more than a waterway,       it’s a living piece of Houston’s history. It tells a story of settlement, struggle, and adaptation. From its mysterious name to its modern greenway, Brays Bayou reflects the resilience and ingenuity that define the Bayou City.

And don’t forget the Knollwood Running Club!

When you think of Houston’s vibrant downtown, the George R. Brown Convention Center stands as a cornerstone of the city’s growth and global appeal. Since its opening on September 26, 1987, it has evolved from a bold vision into one of the most recognized convention centers in the country.

Origins and Vision

The center was named after George Rufus Brown (1898–1983), a Houston entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist whose influence shaped much of Texas’ infrastructure (including Mansfield Dam in Austin, TX, Rice Stadium, LBJ Space Center, Ponchartrain Bridge, and the Gulf Freeway or i45 as it’s known). Brown and his company, Brown & Root Inc. (merged now with Haliburton), became a global leader in construction and engineering. Later, Brown co-founded Texas Eastern Transmission Company, which donated six of the eleven city blocks needed for the

Convention Center’s construction.

Construction and Design

Replacing the outdated Albert Thomas Convention Center (now Bayou Place), the George R Brown Center was built at a cost of $104.9 million and required 30 months and over 1,200 workers to complete. Its striking red, white, and blue façade became an iconic feature of Houston’s skyline. The design was led by John S. Chase, the first licensed Black-American architect in Texas, marking a significant milestone in architectural history.

The first event hosted at the Convention Center was for the American Society of Travel Agents in October 1987, aiming to bring global attention to Houston’s culture and industry.

Discovery Green and Nearby Attractions

Directly across from the George R. Brown Convention Center lies Discovery Green, a vibrant 12-acre urban park that opened in 2008 as part of Houston’s downtown revitalization efforts. Once a pair of parking lots, this green space now offers a scenic escape with a one-acre lake, dog runs, playgrounds, and public art installations. It’s a hub for year-round activities, including concerts, fitness classes, and seasonal attractions like an ice rink in winter and roller rink in spring. Dining options such as The Grove and The Lake House make it a perfect spot for visitors to relax before or after events at the George R Brown.

A Beacon for Events

The George R Brown Convention Center boasts 1.9 million square feet of total space and hosts everything from international trade shows to cultural festivals. It even became the first convention center in the world to feature a permanent Bitcoin ATM, reflecting Houston’s embrace of innovation.

Looking Ahead

The future is even brighter. A $2 billion transformation project announced in 2025 will add George R Brown Houston South, featuring two exhibit halls, retail spaces, and Texas’ largest ballroom. This expansion aims to position Houston as a top-tier destination for global events, especially as the city gears up for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Republican National Convention in 2028.

Why It Matters

The George R. Brown Convention Center isn’t just a building, it is a symbol of Houston’s ambition, diversity, and resilience. From its humble beginnings to its role in shaping the city’s future, the George R Brown continues to be a hub for connection, commerce, and culture.

Houston’s growth has been shaped by visionary leaders whose contributions span medicine, education, and culture. Albert B. Alkek, a Texas oilman and philanthropist whose name graces some of the city’s most impactful institutions, including the Alkek Velodrome, a unique gem in Houston’s sporting landscape.

Albert B. Alkek: From Modest Beginnings to Monumental Legacy

Albert Billy Alkek was born on July 23, 1909, in Houston, Texas, to Jacob Anton Alkek and Zaheyah “Mary” Hyak, both of Lebanese descent. His family later moved to Victoria, Texas, where Albert grew up in a household of six children. The Alkek and Hyak families had immigrated from Tripoli, a Mediterranean seaport in what was then Syria (now Lebanon), and established themselves in Texas through grocery and dry goods businesses.

Early Life and Education

Albert’s upbringing was modest. His father reportedly doubted his potential, once saying Albert would “never amount to anything.” Yet, with a $250 loan from his father, Albert launched his journey into the oil business (a loan he repaid with interest)

He briefly attended Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio but dropped out to pursue opportunities in the burgeoning Texas oil industry. This decision would prove pivotal.

Career in Oil and Business

Alkek began his career in the 1930s with Pierce Petroleum, where he worked for 17 years. When Pierce was acquired by Sinclair Oil Corporation in 1948, Alkek’s new boss, Harry Sinclair, helped him form the Sinclair Alkek Company. Together, they built Texas’s first petroleum products pipeline, a major milestone in the state’s energy infrastructure.

In 1952, Alkek bought out Sinclair’s interest and renamed the company Alkek Oil Corporation, headquartered in Houston. His business acumen and risk-taking earned him a reputation as a successful wildcatter, stock trader, and entrepreneur. By the late 1980s, Forbes estimated his net worth at $310 million, and by 1993, he was listed as the fourth-richest Houstonian.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Alkek’s success in business was matched by his passion for philanthropy. He believed wealth should be used to benefit others, famously saying, “You can’t wear but one suit, and you can’t eat but three meals a day. What are you going to do with your money except help others?”

His charitable giving focused on medicine, education, and community development, with major donations to:

• Baylor College of Medicine – $25 million
• Texas A&M University – $22 million for the Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology
• MD Anderson Cancer Center – $30 million for the Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital

He also supported the Houston Grand Opera, Museum of Fine Arts, and numerous educational institutions across Texas.

In 1995, upon his passing, the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation was established to continue his philanthropic mission. Today, it remains a major force in supporting research, education, and the arts throughout Texas

Albert B. Alkek: A Philanthropic Force

Born in 1909, Albert B. Alkek built his fortune through oil, gas, and real estate investments. Through the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, he directed millions toward medical research, education, and community development across Texas. His name is prominently associated with institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas State University.

Alkek’s vision was clear: to fund projects that would outlive him and improve lives for generations.

The Alkek Building at Baylor College of Medicine

One of his most significant gifts was to Baylor College of Medicine, where the Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology supports cutting-edge research in genetics, cancer, and infectious diseases. His donations helped fund laboratories, scholarships, and research initiatives that continue to shape the future of medicine.

The Alkek Hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Another major contribution was to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where the Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients. This facility is known for its advanced treatment capabilities and compassionate care, made possible in part by Alkek’s generosity.

Beyond Medicine: Education and the Arts

Alkek’s philanthropy extended beyond healthcare. He supported Texas State University, where the Albert B. Alkek Library serves as a central hub for learning and research. His gifts also reached into the arts and humanities, funding programs that enrich Texas’s cultural landscape.

The Alkek Velodrome: Houston’s Cycling Landmark

A Track Built for Champions

The Alkek Velodrome, located in Cullen Park in West Houston, was built in 1986 and remains the only velodrome in Texas. It’s a 333-meter concrete track with steep banking 33 degrees in the turns and 9 degrees on the straights designed for the unique sport of track cycling.

From its inception, the velodrome has been a hub for elite competition. It hosted the 1988 Olympic Trials, the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1986, and numerous national championships. International teams, including Australia’s Olympic squad, trained here before the 1996 Atlanta Games, setting records that still stand today.

A Community Anchor

Beyond elite racing, the Alkek Velodrome has become a cornerstone for youth development and community cycling. Under the leadership of Kathy Volski and later the Greater Houston Cycling Foundation (GHCF), the velodrome has nurtured junior cyclists through camps, clinics, and racing leagues. Riders as young as 8 have trained here, many going on to win national medals.

The velodrome also hosts regular Friday Night Racing, Time Trials, and Cyclocross events, making it a year-round destination for cyclists of all levels.

Resilience and Revival

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused severe damage to the facility. Thanks to community support and a successful fundraising campaign, the velodrome reopened the following year, continuing its mission with renewed energy.

A Legacy That Lives On

Albert B. Alkek passed away in 1995, but his legacy continues through the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, which supports initiatives in science, education, and the arts. In Houston, his name is a reminder of how one person’s vision and generosity can shape a city’s future.

Whether you’re walking through the halls of MD Anderson, studying at Baylor, or exploring the Alkek Library, you’re experiencing the enduring impact of a man who believed in building something greater than himself.

If you’ve ever driven down Highway 288 near the Loop 610 interchange in Houston, chances are you’ve spotted a surreal collection of towering metal sculptures peeking out from the grassy knolls beside the freeway. From a 42-foot-long armadillo to a stealth bomber piloted by Snoopy, the Eclectic Menagerie Park is one of Houston’s most bizarre and beloved roadside attractions.

A Pipe Yard Turned Sculpture Garden

The Eclectic Menagerie Park is the brainchild of Jerry Rubenstein, chairman of the board of Texas Pipe & Supply, a family-owned oilfield supply company. The park sits on the edge of the company’s 108-acre pipe yard and began in 1987 with a single concrete hippo rescued from a statuary in El Campo, Texas. That hippo was soon joined by a rhino, and then Snoopy flying a red-and-white airplane. What started as a quirky collection quickly evolved into a full-blown outdoor museum.

The Artist Behind the Madness

Much of the park’s magic can be credited to Ron Lee, Texas Pipe’s longtime head welder and resident artist. Lee, who worked with the company for nearly 50 years until his passing in 2017, created hundreds of sculptures from scrap metal and unused industrial parts. His creations include everything from giant spiders and dinosaurs to abstract wire soldiers and a massive fishing pole reeling in a Mazda Protégé.

Lee’s workshop was located on-site, and he was known for his ingenuity and craftsmanship. He never sold his work or sought recognition from the art world, preferring to keep the park as a form of “outsider art” for the public to enjoy from afar.

A Private Park with Public Appeal

Although the Eclectic Menagerie Park is on private property, it’s visible from the southbound feeder road of Highway 288 near Bellfort Avenue. Visitors are discouraged from entering the grounds, but many still admire the sculptures from their cars or snap photos from the roadside.

The park has become a local landmark, drawing comparisons to Houston’s Orange Show for its whimsical and unconventional style. It’s a testament to the city’s love for the weird and wonderful, and a reminder that art can thrive in the most unexpected places.

Houston holds many surprises within its city limits.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle we forget this, and hopefully insights like these help us Houstonians remember how great a city it is that we live!

Be sure to reach out with any questions or interest in more of Houston’s hidden gems!