River Oaks, Houston, Texas

:"River Oaks" redirects here. For the city in Tarrant County, see River Oaks, Texas".River Oaks is an affluent community located in the geographic center of Houston, Texas, United States. Located within the 610 Loop and halfway between Downtown and Uptown, the community spans 1,100 acres (4.45 km²) in area.Handbook of Texas|id=RR/hpr1|date = 2008-05-16|name=River Oaks] Established in the 1920s by brothers William and Michael Hogg, the community became a well-publicized national model for community planning. River Oaks is considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and has one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States. [Cite web
title = Forbes: The most expensive ZIP codes in America - MSN Money
work = moneycentral.msn.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/forbes/P62020.asp] Real estate values in the community range from $1 to 20 million. [Cite web
title = River Oaks, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
work = visithoustontexas.com
accessdate = 2008-06-04
url = http://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/neighborhoods/River_Oaks] The community is home to River Oaks Country Club which includes a golf facility designed by architect Donald Ross.

History

William and Michael Hogg, the sons of former Texas Governor Jim Hogg, and attorney Hugh Potter established River Oaks in the 1920s. Potter obtained an option to purchase 200 acres around the River Oaks Country Club in 1923, and in the following year William Hogg established the Country Club Estates in order to support the development of the community. [Cite web
title = Buffalo Bayou,An Echo of Houston's Wilderness Beginnings, Louis F. Aulbach
work = hal-pc.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.hal-pc.org/~lfa/BB36.html] The two brothers promoted the sale of lots in the subdivision for $2,200 apiece in 1928 ($27,638 in 2008)." [http://houston.about.com/od/neighborhoods/p/riveroaks.htm River Oaks] ," "About.com: Houston".Retrieved May 23, 2008.] The brothers, along with sister Ima Hogg, oversaw the construction of Bayou Bend, a stately southern-style home on the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

The development plans ensured that River Oaks's parks and esplanades were planted with live oaks, shrubs, azaleas and other flowers. Every detail of the development was planned to establish a well-integrated community. [Cite web
title = The River Oaks Foundation, Historical Newsletter
work = ropo.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.ropo.org/THE%20RIVER%20OAKS%20FOUNDATION%20-%20NEWSLETTER.htm] Advertised as a "distinguished experiment in fine living," River Oaks became a national model for community planning. [Cite web
title = About Bayou Bend: History, College of Education, University of Houston
work = coe.uh.edu
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.coe.uh.edu/webscapes/bayoubend/about/history.htm] River Oaks was published in national newpapers, real estate media and design journals featuring the development's planning standards, residential architecture, and landscape design during the 1920s and 1930s. [Cite web
title = CLEAN - Stephen Fox, Architectual Historian on River Oaks
work = cleanhouston.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.cleanhouston.org/comments/river_oaks/historic/fox.htm] Deed restrictions at the time restricted home prices to over $7,000 (about $88,000 in 2008) and specified architectural styles, with a gentlemen's agreement excluding blacks, Jews, and other minorities. Homes along Kirby Drive were restricted to American Colonial or English Tudor style architecture.

During the 1920s, River Oaks was so effectively organized, planned and restricted that it became the most expensive neighborhood in Houston. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Property Owners Organization, River Oaks History
work = ropo.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.ropo.org/neighbor.html] Bus service to Downtown Houston opened in 1927. After the start of the Great Depression 300 families lived in River Oaks. After World War II River Oaks became predominately of upper class residents. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Property Owners, Inc. - Area Churches
work = ropo.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.ropo.org/neighbor.html] After World War II as Houston experienced its greatest growth, River Oaks would become a haven for the wealthy of the city, and the middle classes and below had to look elsewhere for affordable housing. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Property Owners, Inc.
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.ropo.org/neighbor.html]

River Oaks has been the subject matter of scholarly studies, primarily because its significant contributions to Houston's history and the development of the American elite suburban community of the twentieth-century. [Cite web
title = Citizens League for Environmental Action Now - Stephen Fox, Architectual Historian on River Oaks
work = cleanhouston.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://www.cleanhouston.org/comments/river_oaks/historic/fox.htm] The community was the site of the 1972 murder of Dr. John Hill (later described in Thomas Thompson's novel, "Blood and Money") and the 1997 murder of Doris Angleton. [Cite web
title = John Hill Trial: 1971 - Motive: Failed Divorce, Outburst Leads To Mistrial, Retrial Unnecessary
work = law.jrank.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://law.jrank.org/pages/3212/John-Hill-Trial-1971.html] River Oaks was the home of Jeff Skilling before he began serving his 25 year sentence in a prison in Minnesota for his involvement in the Enron scandal." [http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/24/business/web.1024enron.php Judge sentences former Enron chief to 24 years in prison] ," "International Herald Tribune". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]

The River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the "Forum of Civics" on October 13, 1988. [http://www.nr.nps.gov/nrloc1.htm National Register Information System] , National Register of Historic Places, "National Park Service". Retrieved April 11, 2007.] Formerly a county schoolhouse, the building is currently the administrative center for the River Oaks Garden Club.

Geography

Located within the 610 Loop and halfway between Downtown and Uptown, River Oaks spans 1,100 acres (4.45 km²) in area. The community is located in a region bounded on the north by Buffalo Bayou, on the east by South Shepherd Drive, on the west by Willowick Road, and on the south by Westheimer Road. River Oaks is located northeast of uptown, north of the Upper Kirby district, west of the Montrose area and adjacent to many major thoroughfares such as Westheimer Road, Richmond Avenue, San Felipe Street and the freeway system.

River Oaks Boulevard, a road that runs through the center of the community, is lined on both sides by mansions and estates located away from the street. The two mile area of the subdivision comprises approximately 1,400 homes, mostly detached single family homes. [Cite web
title = Living in River Oaks Makes a Statement
work = ArticlesBase.com
accessdate = 2008-06-04
url = http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/living-in-river-oaks-makes-a-statement-152079.html]

Demographics

River Oaks is within the Houston Super Neighborhood #23 Afton Oaks/River Oaks, a division of the City of Houston that includes River Oaks and some surrounding subdivisions. In 2000 the Super Neighborhood had 14,313 residents; 12,273 of them (85.74%) were non-Hispanic Whites. 1,160 (8.1%) were Hispanic, 390 (2.72%) were Asian, 247 (1.72%) were Black, 18 were Native American, 13 were Native Hawaiian, and 23 were non-Hispanic others. 189 people were of two or more races." [http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/suprnbhds/2001_demog/23_aftonoaks.htm Census 2000: Demographic Data by Super Neighborhood Afton Oaks/River Oaks] ." "City of Houston". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]

According to the United States censusGR|2 in 2000, of the 12,088 residents over 18 years of age, 10,390 (85.95%) were non-Hispanic White. 945 (7.81%) were Hispanic, 353 (2.92%) were Asian, 205 (1.7%) were Black, 17 were Native American, 8 were Native Hawaiian, and 22 were non-Hispanic other. 148 were of two or more races.

The super neighborhood had 8,169 housing units. Of the 7,401 occupied units, 3,573 were rental units and 3,828 were owner units. The Super Neighborhood had 3,518 families with a total of 9,521 individuals. Afton Oaks/River Oaks Super Neighborhood had a lower average family size than the average City of Houston family size. The Afton Oaks/River Oaks average was 2.71, while the city average was 3.39.

River Oaks is considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in Texas, and has one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States. [Cite web
title = Forbes: The most expensive ZIP codes in America - MSN Money
work = moneycentral.msn.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/forbes/P62020.asp] Residents are predominantly successful professionals, and real estate values range from $1 million to $20 million U.S. dollars. [cite web | title=House values in River Oaks |work = houston.housealmanac.com | url=http://houston.housealmanac.com/search-subdivision-river-oaks-blvd.htm | accessmonthday=June 23 | accessyear=2006 at House Almanac] [Cite web
title = The Matchmaker - New York Times
work = nytimes.com
accessdate = 2008-06-04
url = http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/10/realestate/keymagazine/910broker.html?ex=1161921600&en=7b245dee9d3cf8f5&ei=5070]

Culture

Adjacent to the community is the River Oaks Shopping Center, Houston's first shopping center. [Cite web
title = Fretz Construction, History and project timeline
work = fretzconstruction.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.fretzconstruction.com/history.htm] Constructed in 1927 and designed by architect Hugh Prather, the center, originally known as River Oaks Community Center, was one of the nation's first automobile-oriented retail centers. Its design, with arcs of retail space on either side of West Gray Avenue, was considered a model for future development. [Cite web
title = Houston Deco, 1930s, River Oaks Community Center, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
work = houstondeco.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.houstondeco.org/1930s/rosc.html] [Cite web
title = Shopping Mall History, American Studies at Eastern Connecticut State University
work = easternct.edu
accessdate = 2008-06-04
url = http://www.easternct.edu/depts/amerst/MallsHistory.htm] Portions of the historic shopping center were demolished in September 2007 to redevelop the site for bookstore and a parking garage. As of 2008, Landmark Theatres operates the River Oaks Theatre, an "arthouse" theater, located in the center. The theater is the last historic movie theater in Houston that is still being used as it was originally designed. [Cite web
title = Houston Deco, 1930s, River Oaks Theater, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
work = houstondeco.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.houstondeco.org/1930s/rotheater.html]

River Oaks is home to the forty-member River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra is composed of musicians from around the United States and guest conductors from around the world. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Chamber Orchestra - About Us: Mission & Founder
work = rocohouston.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.rocohouston.org/mission.html] The training facilities for the Houston Ballet and its pre-professional school, the Ben Stevenson Academy, are located on West Gray, east of the River Oaks Shopping Center.
Memorial Park is close to River Oaks. River Oaks Park and the River Oaks Community Center, operated by the City of Houston, is located at 3600 Locke Lane. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Community Center, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, City of Houston
work = houstontx.gov
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/cc-riveroaks.html] River Oaks Park includes a quarter mile off-road trail located within the park's boundaries. [Cite web
title = Trails4-2-06.pdf (application/pdf Object)
work = houstontx.gov
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/pdf/Trails4-2-06.pdf]

River Oaks Country Club, located within the community on the northern end of River Oaks Boulevard, is a country club that includes a golf facility that was designed by architect Donald Ross. Ross is considered to be one of the most significant golf course designers in the history of golfing. Opening in 1923, the country club has hosted the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Club Holds Well-Earned Allure - H Texas Online
work = htexas.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16| url = http://www.htexas.com/feature.cfm?Story=166]

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Public schooling is available under the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and consists of River Oaks Elementary School, [" [http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/RiverOaksES.pdf River Oaks Elementary School Attendance Boundary] ," "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] Lanier Middle School, [" [http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/LanierMS.pdf Lanier Middle School Attendance Boundary] ," "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] and Lamar High School. [" [http://dept.houstonisd.org/ab/schoolboundarymaps/LamarHS.pdf Lamar High School Attendance Boundary] ," "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] " [http://www.ropo.org/schools1.html Area Schools] ," "River Oaks Property Owners, Inc.". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] Lanier opened in 1926, River Oaks Elementary opened in 1929, and Lamar opened in 1937." [http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=0afe09c28afc3110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=2e2b2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD School Histories: the Stories Behind the Names] ." "Houston Independent School District". Accessed September 24, 2008.] Between 1986 and 1996, River Oaks Elementary School only admitted magnet school students from other areas of the city. The community was divided between the attendance zones of Wilson Elementary School (opened in 1925) and the now closed Will Rogers Elementary School (opened in 1950, closed in summer 2006). In 1995, several River Oaks parents petitioned HISD to re-establish the neighborhood program at River Oaks Elementary School which allows non-magnet students residing in the school's boundaries to attend. Some magnet parents opposed, believing that the River Oaks program would reduce racial diversity at the school. [Cite web
title = River Oaks Elementary School, Admissions
work = es.houstonisd.org
accessdate = 2008-05-23
url = http://es.houstonisd.org/riveroakses/admissions.html] [" [http://www.houstonpress.com/1995-04-13/news/class-war/ Class War] ," "Houston Press". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] [" [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1994_1218502 River Oaks still most prestigious] ," "Houston Chronicle", August 7, 1994] [" [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1996_1371111 Studying our Schools: An Overview/The search for quality education/ Regardless of where they live, parents ask same question: How good are the schools?] ." "Houston Chronicle". October 13, 1996. Accessed July 12, 2008.] In fall 1996, HISD added a neighborhood program to the school for grades Kindergarten through 2, with grades 3 through 5 phased in over a subsequent three-year period. [" [http://web.archive.org/web/19970630192140/http://www.houston.isd.tenet.edu/MAX.HTM 1996-1997 HISD ATTENDANCE BOUNDARIES] ." "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved June 12, 2008.]

Crockett Early Childhood Center is the closest public early childhood center to River Oaks, while Wilson Elementary School's preschool program is the closest tuition-based program. [" [http://www.houstonisd.org/FederalStateCompliance/Images/HISD%20BASIC%20MAP_ECC%20SCHOOL.pdf Early Childhood Center Map] ." "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] " [http://www.houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5e95daffc7ed2110VgnVCM10000028147fa6RCRD&vgnextchannel=b52c2f796138c010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD Early Childhood and Prekindergarten Programs] ." "Houston Independent School District". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] Only economically-disadvantaged students, homeless students, students who are not proficient in English, or children of active-duty members of the U.S. military or whose parent has been killed, injured, or missing in action while on active duty may be enrolled in tuition-free HISD preschools. Students who are eligible for HISD's preschools may attend any Early Childhood Center in Houston ISD for free. Students not eligible may enroll in tuition-based HISD preschool programs.

Several independent (private) schools serve the community. Catholic schools, operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, include St. Thomas High School (9-12, males only, north of River Oaks along the north edge of the Buffalo Bayou)and St. Anne Catholic School (K-8, between River Oaks and Montrose). [Cite web
title = Welcome to the Saint Anne Catholic School
work = saintanne.org
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.saintanne.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi?section=school] Other private schools in the area and private schools marketed to River Oaks families include St. John's School (K-12, in Upper Kirby), Annunciation Orthodox School (K-8, in the Montrose district), River Oaks Baptist School (K-8, in River Oaks), Episcopal High School (9-12, Bellaire) and The Kinkaid School (Piney Point Village).

Colleges and universities

River Oaks is within the Houston Community College System boundaries. Four-year universities and colleges in close proximity to River Oaks include University of St. Thomas in Neartown and Rice University in the Houston Museum District.

Libraries

The community is served by the Adele B. Looscan Branch of Houston Public Library. The current Looscan Branch building opened in September 2007. The former Americans with Disabilities Act non-compliant library, which was established in 1956, closed on August 27, 2005 and was demolished in February 2006. [" [http://www.houstonlibrary.org/planning/looscan_ren.html Adele B. Looscan Branch Replacement] ," "Houston Public Library". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]

Gallery of schools

Media

The "Houston Chronicle" is the area's regional newspaper. On Thursdays, residents receive the Bellaire/West U/River Oaks/Meyerland section, which covers events specific to the covered neighborhoods. [Cite web
title = Bellaire, River Oaks, WestU and Meyerland news, sports and events, Houston Chronicle
work = chron.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.chron.com/neighborhoods/bellaire/] The "River Oaks Examiner" [Cite web
title = River Oaks Examiner: News
work = examinernews.com
accessdate = 2008-05-16
url = http://www.examinernews.com/river_oaks/] and "Village News" are local newspapers distributed in the community.

Infrastructure and government

Houston Fire Department operates Station 3 River Oaks at 3735 West Alabama at Cummins, near River Oaks. [" [http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station3.html Houston Fire Station #3] ." "City of Houston".. Retrieved May 23, 2008.] The community is within the Houston Police Department's Central Patrol Division [" [http://www.houstontx.gov/police/cs/beatpages/central.htm Crime Statistics for Central Patrol Division] ." "City of Houston". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] , headquartered at 1200 Travis." [http://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/vip_cops.htm Volunteer Initiatives Program, Citizens Offering Police Support] ." "City of Houston". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] River Oaks has one of the lowest crime rates in Houston. [" [http://www.click2houston.com/news/4205106/detail.html North Houston Has Highest Crime Rate] ," "KPRC-TV". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] The community operates its own private security force, River Oaks Patrol. The Texas Department of Public Safety classifies the force as a guard, alarm, and investigation company. [" [http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/company/company_details.aspx?id=C01276 Company Details: River Oaks Patrol] ," "Texas Department of Public Safety". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] The United States Post Office operates the River Oaks Post Office at 1900 West Gray Street, Houston, Texas, supporting the area code 77019.

River Oaks is a part of the Houston City Council District G. [ [http://www.houstontx.gov/council/maps/g.html City of Houston, Council District Maps, District G] . Retrieved May 23, 2008.] As of 2008 the representative is Pam Holm.

River Oaks is located in District 134 of the Texas House of Representatives. As of 2008 Ellen Cohen represents the district. [" [http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/pdf/districts/134.pdf Map of Texas House District 134] ." "Texas House of Representatives". Accessed September 28, 2008.] River Oaks is within District 13 of the Texas Senate. [" [http://www.senate.state.tx.us/Icons/Dist_Maps/Dist13_Map.pdf Senate District 13] " Map. "Senate of Texas". Accessed September 28, 2008.] As of 2008 its representative is Rodney Ellis.

The community is within Texas's 7th congressional district. [" [http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/tx07_109.gifCongressional District 7] ." "National Atlas of the United States". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] As of 2008 the representative is John Culberson.

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) operates bus services in River Oaks. Lines serving River Oaks include 3 Langley/West Gray, 18 Kirby Limited, 35 Fairview, 73 Bellfort Crosstown, and 82 Westheimer. [" [http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/Pdfs/METRO-System-Map.pdf System Map] ." "Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] [" [http://www.ridemetro.org/SchedulesMaps/Pdfs/METRO-Galleria-Uptown-Map.pdf Uptown/Galleria and Greenway Plaza Area] ." "Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] [" [http://tripplanner.ridemetro.org/hiwire?.a=iScheduleLookup&.s=e48dfcc8 Schedules] ." "Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]

Notable residents

*Dan Duncan, businessman [" [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2002_3594481 Casas Grandes / In real estate, it's all about location. Consider River Oaks, home to the 10 most valuable residences in Harris County.] ." "Houston Chronicle". October 27, 2002. Accessed June 11, 2008.]
*Clyde Drexler, professional basketball player [" [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3667497 Money still flowing into River Oaks] ." "Houston Chronicle". June 29, 2003.]
*Carolyn Farb, philanthropist [" [http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/programs/2007/12/08/high_society_in_hous.html High Society in Houston] ," "American Public Media". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]
*Andrew Fastow and Lea Fastow, primary figure of the Enron scandal and his wife [" [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2002_3592324 The Fall of Enron / Energy executive buys Fastow's mansion] ." "Houston Chronicle". October 22, 2002. Accessed June 11, 2008.]
*Tilman J. Fertitta, developer and restaurateur" [http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/nbhd_svces/TechCntrInfo/SN_23.htm Super Neighborhood #23 Afton Oaks/River Oaks] ." "City of Houston". Retrieved May 23, 2008.] [" [http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2002/07/22/story3.html Landry's chief gets caught up in legal net] ." "Houston Business Journal". Retrieved June 1, 2008.]
*Bob Lanier, formerly served as Mayor of Houston
*Robert Mosbacher, businessman and politician [ " [http://www.cleanhouston.org/comments/river_oaks/news/landmark.htm River Oaks Gains Another Landmark] ," "River Oaks Examiner". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]
*Jeffrey Skilling, primary figure of the Enron scandal " [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/23/business/24enroncnd.html?ex=1319256000&en=39842e92f4ee72fb&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Ex-Enron Chief Is Sentenced to 24 Years] ," "The New York Times", October 23, 2006]

*Lynn Wyatt, socialite and philanthropist [ " [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0603/feature8/index.html Survival of the Richest] ," "National Geographic". Retrieved May 23, 2008.]

Gallery

ee also

* History of Houston
* Geographic areas of Houston
* Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

References

External links

* [http://www.ropo.org/ River Oaks Property Owners, Inc.]
* [http://www.riveroaksgardenclub.org/index.cfm River Oaks Garden Club]
* [http://www.riveroakscc.net/ River Oaks Country Club]
*Handbook of Texas|id=RR/hpr1|name=River Oaks, Houston