THE RIVER OAKS FOUNDAITON

Historical Newsletter

History of The River Oaks Foundation

In 1924 three prominent Houston businessmen, Hugh Potter, Will Hogg and his brother Mike Hogg, purchased 1,000 acres of land west of downtown for a suburban development. Their goal was the creation of a premier residential community, unparalleled in the country. The developers took care to enhance the many parks and curving esplanades that graced the new development with plantings of live oaks, azaleas, other flowering shrubs and roses. They created an oasis within the chaos of the rapidly growing, un-zoned city of Houston. Every detail was carefully and thoughtfully planned to reflect a cohesive whole.

Parks "Adopted^"

Today there are over 1600 properties in River Oaks and the concept of the developers is more viable than ever. In 1998, the River Oaks Property Owners' "adopted" from the City of Houston all of the esplanades, islands and parks in the neighborhood. These public spaces span the length and breadth of the development and their prominence is integral to the original vision of the Hogg brothers and Potter.

Foundation Formed

In 1999, the River Oaks Foundation, a non-profit corporation, was formed for the purpose of raising funds, through voluntary contributions, for the beautification and preservation of the common or public areas of River Oaks. With the aid of landscape architect Lauren Griffith, projects are being defined and prioritized to coincide with City of Houston plans for storm sewer upgrades and street repaving.

Kirby Drive Storm Sewer Relief Project

Fall of 2002 was the first phase of the Kirby Drive Storm Sewer Relief Project. This city program provided new irrigation for all the Kirby esplanades and the planting of several new trees. The stateliness of the original design will be enhanced at the South Shepherd entrance with the addition of azaleas and Indian hawthorns accented by flowering under story trees such as redbuds.

River Oaks Boulevard and Neighborhood Parks

The repaving of River Oaks Boulevard is the second phase of the city project and its beautification is central to the mission of the Foundation. Reforestation and improved irrigation and maintenance are planned for all area parks and islands, creating the unity of space anticipated by Potter and the Hogg brothers.

The Goal

The goal of the River Oaks Foundation is to raise approximately $3,000,000 in donations to create and maintain this large area of artistic beauty in the midst of our growing city.

A master plan for the refurbishment or replacement of the elements that made our neighborhood so unique in its early days is being developed with an eye to historic integrity. Achievement of the goal assures that River Oaks will continue to be the model of civic improvement and beauty to which other neighborhoods aspire and in which we are privileged to reside.

1999 Campaign Steering Committee

Jack Blanton, Sr. and Bob and Elyse Lanier agreed to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for this project. Ned and Sherry Holmes were enthusiastic Chairmen. Other members of this committee were John Adkins, Jack and Susie Bace, Zinkie Benton, Tommy and Jeanie Carter, Paul and Lisa Clemenceau, Jim and Jenny Elkins, Jim and Betsy Frost, David Heaney and Ann Lents, Paul and Janet Hobby, John and Marilyn Holstead, Steve and Tammy Jenkins, Rich and Nancy Kinder, Bob and Janice McNair, Bill and Carol Sanford, Chris and Courtney Sarofim, Tommy and Terry Smith, David and Lynda Underwood and O. D. and Aneita Weaver.