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Articles:
In advertising we trust
Boom and bust
Westheimer

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Soft Artificial Curves
Hope

THIS ARTICLE:
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Westheimer:
1  Bohemian island
2  Surrender to sprawl
3  Concrete river

There's a local joke that any driving directions in Houston begin with “start on Westheimer.” But it seems like a true statement. Westheimer is a huge drive-through mall for virtually any good or service desired. Of Houston's 8,000 restaurants, a disproportionate number have a Westheimer address. A cruise up or down Westheimer can be a world culinary expedition.

Originally a five mile horse trail, Westheimer is now calculated as 43.3 miles long—the longest named roadway in Texas stretching from Bagby near downtown to the Brazos River. Named for the influential Westheimer family on whose property it ran, Houston's favorite street has deep roots in the city's past. It also has a modern

role as a vital artery in America's 4th largest city. Examining Westheimer is a way to understand both Houston and urban sprawl.

Bohemian island
In the Lower Westheimer district near Montrose, Westheimer is still quaint and pedestrian-friendly. This encourages foot traffic to dozens of small antique shops selling everything from chairs to statues.

Thrift shops, record stores, cafes and numerous small businesses survive in this area isolated from the homogenous strip-mall culture found farther West. This bohemian island is more reminiscent of Westheimer's small-town roots in the 1870s than the eight lane monstrosity it becomes.

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