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!

In the heart of Houston’s Museum District, nestled within the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), lies a tropical oasis that has enchanted visitors for decades; the Cockrell Butterfly Center. More than just a beautiful exhibit, it’s a living, breathing celebration of biodiversity, education, and conservation.

Origins and Vision

The Cockrell Butterfly Center officially opened its doors in 1994, thanks to a generous donation from the Cockrell Foundation. The goal was to create a space that would not only showcase the beauty of butterflies but also educate the public about their ecological importance and life cycles.

Designed as a three-story glass-enclosed conservatory, the center mimics a lush tropical rainforest, complete with cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora, and warm, humid air. This immersive environment allows visitors to walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies, often serving as landing pads for these delicate creatures.

A Living Exhibit

At any given time, the conservatory houses between 1,500 to 2,000 butterflies from around 60 different species. These butterflies are sourced from sustainable butterfly farms in Asia, Central and South America, and arrive in their chrysalis form. Visitors can witness the magical moment of metamorphosis in the emergence chamber, where caterpillars transform into butterflies before taking flight.

The center also includes the Brown Hall of Entomology, which features live insects like praying mantises and hissing cockroaches, as well as larger-than-life models and interactive displays that explore insect anatomy, behavior, and diversity.

Education and Conservation

Beyond its visual appeal, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a hub for education and outreach. It offers programs for schools, families, and nature enthusiasts, emphasizing the role of butterflies as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Through workshops, guided tours, and hands-on activities, the center fosters a deeper understanding of entomology and conservation efforts.

Cultural Impact

The Butterfly Center has also made its mark in pop culture. It was featured in Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood (2014), where characters explore the exhibit during a day trip in Houston, highlighting its status as a beloved local attraction.

A Timeless Treasure

More than 30 years since its opening, the Cockrell Butterfly Center continues to be one of HMNS’s most popular exhibits. It offers a rare opportunity to step into a vibrant ecosystem and connect with nature in an intimate, awe-inspiring way.

Whether you’re a curious child, a seasoned scientist, or simply someone seeking a moment of serenity, the Cockrell Butterfly Center invites you to slow down, look closely, and marvel at the delicate dance of wings in flight.

Reach out if you have any questions or further input about the history of Houston!

In the heart of Houston’s Rice Military neighborhood stands a home unlike any other, a glittering monument to creativity, beer, and the art of repurposing. Known as The Beer Can House, this folk art masterpiece is covered in more than 50,000 beer cans, transformed into siding, wind chimes, and whimsical decorations that have captivated locals and tourists alike since the late 1960s.

The Man Behind the Cans

The Beer Can House was the brainchild of John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1968, tired of mowing his lawn, Milkovisch began paving his yard with concrete inlaid with marbles, rocks, and brass figures. Once the yard was complete, he turned his attention to the house itself;covering it with flattened beer cans, bottle caps, and pull-tabs.

Milkovisch’s motivation wasn’t fame or fortune. He simply hated waste and loved beer. With help from neighbors and friends, he collected thousands of cans, turning them into aluminum siding and decorative garlands that hang from the roof and tinkle in the breeze like metallic wind chimes.

A Monument to Ingenuity

Over the course of 18 years, Milkovisch transformed his home into a shimmering spectacle. The house features:

• Flattened beer cans as siding
• Pull-tab curtains that clink musically in the wind
• Concrete patios embedded with colorful glass and metal
• Marble-filled fences and whimsical mobiles made from wire and found objects

The result is a home that looks like a disco ball collided with a recycling center.

Preservation and Legacy

After Milkovisch’s passing, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art acquired the property in 2001 to preserve it as a folk art monument. Today, The Beer Can House is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, offering tours and hosting art installations and community events.

In 2025, the house received national recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joining the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios network.

Why It Matters

The Beer Can House is a celebration of personal expression, sustainability, and the idea that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It reminds us that creativity doesn’t require a canvas or a gallery; sometimes, all you need is a six-pack and a vision.

Planning a visit? The Beer Can House is located at 222 Malone Street, Houston, TX 77007. Admission is free, thanks to support from Saint Arnold Brewing Company.