-
Life in the East End
-
East End Houston Startup Experiences Fast Growth from Hurricane Harvey
The Story of Reclaiming Reusable Building Materials
T
he devastation of Hurricane Harvey on Houston residential and commercial buildings is estimated to be in the billions. The skilled labor and equipment needed for demolition far exceeded the Houston supply. It was against this backdrop that the building materials recycling company RePurpose Depot (RPD) located in East End Houston became an overnight success.
The seeds for RPD were planted in 2011 when environmental activist, Caroline Kostak, became fascinated with recycling building materials. At that time, she was a NASA Flight Controller looking for her next adventure as the Space Shuttle program came to an end. Her interest peaked when she was introduced to the fast-growing concept of Green Building, a process that, among other things, uses new and used building materials that normally go into landfills. In addition to becoming a LEED Accredited Professional and serving on the board of the US Green Building Council, she sought out the required training to become the local representative of ReUse People of America (TRP), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping reusable building materials out of the landfill. The startup phase of her deconstruction work presented many challenges due to costs, shortage of skilled labor, warehousing and logistics. Not one to give up, Kostak pivoted and started RePurpose Depot (RPD), an organization that would become a retail partner of TRP. Her experience with TRP helped her to innovate a working model for demolition and sourcing materials.
When Hurricane Harvey hit, Kostak was in the right place and time and RePurpose Depot became an instant success due to the flood of requests to deconstruct and
demolish damaged structures. This perfect storm aligned conditions to hire the right deconstruction team and create a suitable warehouse to merchandise their inventory to homeowners with limited resources and building contractors. RePurpose Depot's mission became "Repurposing People Places and Things." Caroline and her partner, Russell Klein, an expert in solid waste management, are committed to providing a better model for the handling of construction and demolition waste to Houstonians. In addition to keeping materials out of the landfill, RPD provides work and a second purpose for graduates of area substance abuse recovery programs, believing that participating in purposeful work helps people stay committed to their recovery goals. The benefits to homeowners for deconstructing are significant, as a tax benefit can be realized for donating materials to The ReUse People, RPD’s partner non-profit that often offsets the cost of deconstruction and demolition. So, the benefits to the community are three- fold: employment for those who otherwise may have trouble finding it, tax benefits to homeowners tearing down houses, and lower-priced materials available to the general public.
The existing and future demand for reclaimed building materials is projected to outpace the supply and RPD in the East End is poised to continue to experience double digit growth year to year. With improved processes and new technology, Kostak and her partner Klein are innovating the industry and they are quickly becoming a leader in this field. According to Kostak, "We are excited about a very bright future for our company by helping people who need a second chance and giving building materials a second life."
Visit Repurpose Depot
305-B Mcfarland St, Houston, TX 77011
This project is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
Neighborhoods
The East End represents a number of the city’s most historic and culturally significant neighborhoods. Many area residents can trace their ancestors back to some of the area’s early settlers and some of Houston’s original recorded deeds are in the East End.
The homes built in Eastwood were custom homes reflecting the early 20th century fondness for Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Foursquare and Mission architecture. Today, Eastwood has one of Houston’s largest intact collections of these architectural styles.
Please take a look at the East End's premier neighborhoods:
Houston Country Club Place
Eastwood
East Lawndale
Fullerton Place
Harrisburg Civic Association
Idlywood
Greater Magnolia Park Pine View
Middle Street Lofts on the BayouTwenty-two new residential communities have become a part of the East End landscape bringing new and old together in a fashionable way. In town Homes the newest development in east downtown offers a variety of townhomes and lofts sure to suit your style!
-
Real Estate
For current residential Properties for sale in Houston’s East End please click on the following links:
Carlos Garcia Realty
East End on the Bayou
Heritage Texas Properties
IntownHomes
John Virden, Keller Williams Memorial
Suzanne Anderson Properties -
Arts & Entertainment
East End Entertainment Venues
Part of the vibrant redevelopment of downtown includes entertainment venues located in the eastern side of downtown including Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros, and the Toyota Center home to the Houston Aeros and Houston Rockets. Also calling the East End home is the brand new exciting Houston Dynamo, Houston’s first professional soccer team that has been met with great enthusiasm and support. This two time MLS champion will be calling the East End home very soon.Cultural Arts
Houston is second to only New York as a major cultural arts center. More than 200 cultural institutions are dedicated to bringing art to the Houston community. Houston is one of the few U. S. Cities that offer world-class year round resident companies in all of the major performing arts. Visual arts are served with distinction in Houston by the Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum and the Menil Collection. Joining the Menil are several other museums including a wide range of commercial galleries. East End treasures include our very own featuring and promoting Latino artists and theater groups and the Orange Show, providing extraordinary imagination and the opportunity to express personal artistic vision through unique public art.Box13 Artspace
Café Flores
Houston Institute for Cultural
Menil
Orange Show
Bohemeos
Talento Bilingue de Houston -
Parks & Greenspace
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Brays Bayou in Houston’s Historic East End! From hike and bike trails, linear trails to parks nestled in historic neighborhoods offering a beautiful backdrop of downtown Houston. Visit the East End and enjoy amenities including a skate park, golf course, swimming pools, soccer fields and community gardens. Take a drive down East End streets and enjoy lush and beautiful canopies of trees lining the neighborhoods! The East End your HOMETOWN in A Big City!
Trails
Brays Bayou from Lawndale to Forest Hill
Brays Bayou from 75th to Evergreen
Harrisburg - Sunset Drennan to Marsden; Ave. R to Ave HHike and Bike Trail
Eastwood Park - 5000 Harrisburg
Hartman Park - 9311 Ave P.
Mason Park - 541 75th StreetParks
Broadmoor/Kretschmar Park - 1500 Elliot St.
Brown Foundation Plaza - 2801 Harrisburg Blvd.
De Zavala Park - 7520 Avenue J/907 76th St.
Eastwood Park - 5000 Harrisburg
Eastwood Skatepark - 5020 Harrisburg
Glenbrook Park & Golf Course - 8201 North Bayou Drive
Gragg Park Complex - 2999 S Wayside
Guadalupe Plaza - 2311 Runnels
Gus Wortham Park & Golf Course - 311 S Wayside Dr
Hidalgo Park - 7000 Avenue Q
House of Tiny Treasures - 1529 Lombardy St.
Japhet Creek - 4600 Clinton @ Emile St.
Jenkins Garden Corner of Lockwood & Harrisburg
Mason Park - 541 South 75th St/Tipps
M.C Cullinan Park - 5120 Polk
Milby Park - 2001 Central
Park Drive Park - 4600 Park Dr
Park Place Park - 8600 Detroit
Peiser Park - 8510 Manchester St.
Reveille Park - Oak Vista
Settegast Park - 3001 Garrow
Smither Park - 2441 Munger St.
Spurlock Park - 6700 Park Lane
Tony Marron Park - 808 N. York
Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park - 2300 S. Sgt. Macario Garcia Dr. -
East End Murals
Over 25 murals can be found in every nook and cranny of the East End. From world renowned artists to local talent telling the East End story and its rich history, you do not want to miss taking a drive and checking out these colorful works of art. Stop and enjoy a delectable dessert or coffee or enjoy lunch at one of our many restaurants.
Rebirth of our Nationality - 5800 Canal
Ventanas de Opportunidad - 2704 Navigatio - (behind Original Ninfa’s)
Eastside Houston - 802 Telephone Rd. @ Dumble
La Reyna del Acorden - 6901 Harrisburg
The Houston Ship Channel - 6601 Harrisburg
El Callejon de Los Murales - Oshman’s Building - I-45 @ Wayside
Goodwill Building - 4535 Harrisburg
Nuestra Senora - 5100 Polk Street
Harrisburg Plaza - S. Wayside @ Capitol
El Derecho el Respeto Ajeno - 2950 Broadway
Selena - 7037 Capitol
La Virgen Encantador - 2405 Navigation
El Centro de Corazon - 5001 Navigation
Lee Angel Ramirez - 6300 Navigation
The View from Magnolia - 7748 Avenue K
A Mexican Mountain Scene - 521 S. Wayside @ Avenue P.
Don't Forget Your Roots - 6635 Harrisburg Boulevard
Las Mananitas - 6311 Gulf Freeway
Jardin - 6311 Gulf Freeway
Papel picado - 6311 Gulf Freeway
Baile - 6311 Gulf Freeway
Paz a Las Americas - 6635 Harrisburg Boulevard
Aerosol Art Wall - 4500 Harrisburg Blvd.
Coffee Plant/ Second Ward - Metrorail Station - 511 York St.
Conduit - 5020 Harrisburg Blvd.
East End: Birthplace of Houston - 3715 Harrisburg Blvd.
Frenetic Theater - 5102 Navigation Blvd.
GEEMD/ East End Foundation - 3211 Harrisburg Blvd.
Houston's East End - 1450 Gulfgate Center Mall
Jungle - 5100 Polk St.
Metamorphosis - 110 N. Milby St.
Nuestra Familia, - Nuestra Comunidad - 4410 Navigation Blvd.
Peace to the Americas - 6635 Harrisburg Blvd.
Voodoo Queen - 3004 Canal St.
-
Connect. Grow. Strengthen.
-
-
-